This Good Old Chilli Con Carne is a hearty and flavorful recipe, which includes minced beef and red kidney beans. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Jamie Oliver Good Old Chilli Con Carne Ingredients
- 2 medium onions
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 sticks of celery
- 2 red peppers
- Olive oil
- 1 heaped teaspoon chilli powder
- 1 heaped teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 heaped teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 x 400g tin of chickpeas
- 1 x 400g tin of red kidney beans
- 2 x 400g tins of plum tomatoes
- 500g quality minced beef
- ½ a bunch of fresh coriander (15g)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
How To Make Jamie Oliver Good Old Chilli Con Carne
- Prep the vegetables: Peel and finely chop the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Halve the peppers, deseed, and roughly chop.
- Cook the base: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped veg, spices, salt, and pepper. Cook for 7 minutes until softened, stirring regularly.
- Add beans and tomatoes: Drain the chickpeas and kidney beans and add to the pan. Tip in the tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon. Fill one empty tomato tin with water and add that too.
- Add meat and seasonings: Stir in the minced beef, breaking it apart. Finely chop the coriander stalks and add to the pan with the balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer with the lid slightly ajar for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Garnish and serve: Serve with rice, couscous, crusty bread, or baked potatoes. Garnish with reserved coriander leaves, lime wedges, yoghurt, or fresh chilli if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Can I make this ahead? Yes, chilli tastes even better the next day. It freezes and reheats beautifully.
- How to make it vegetarian: Swap minced beef for lentils, plant-based mince, or extra beans.
- Can I use different beans? Absolutely! Try black beans, pinto beans, or cannellini.
- How to thicken the chilli: Simmer uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes if it’s too runny.
- What to serve it with: Rice, baked potatoes, tortilla chips, or crusty bread all work well.
What To Serve With Jamie Oliver Chilli Con Carne
This versatile dish goes great with:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Buttery baked potatoes
- Warm crusty bread
- Tortilla chips or nachos
- A dollop of yoghurt or sour cream
How To Store Jamie Oliver Chilli Con Carne
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in batches for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot through.
Jamie Oliver Chilli Con Carne Nutrition Facts
Calories: 353 per serving
Fat: 14.4g
Saturates: 4.4g
Carbohydrates: 29.8g
Sugars: 14.8g
Fibre: 8.4g
Protein: 27.8g
Salt: 1.1g
FAQs
Can I use canned chopped tomatoes instead of plum tomatoes?
Yes, chopped tomatoes will work fine—just break them down less.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mild to medium. Add more chilli powder or fresh chilli for extra heat.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the base first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours.
What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?
A splash of red wine vinegar or Worcestershire sauce works too.
Good Old Chilli Con Carne
Description
A classic, comforting beef chilli with beans, chickpeas, and warming spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Finely chop the veg and garlic. Roughly chop the peppers.
- Cook with spices in oil for 7 minutes until softened.
- Add chickpeas, kidney beans, tomatoes, and 1 tin water.
- Stir in minced beef, chopped coriander stalks, and vinegar.
- Simmer for 1 hour with the lid ajar.
- Serve with rice, bread, or jacket potatoes and garnish with coriander and lime.
Notes
- This recipe makes 6 hearty servings. Leftovers are perfect for freezing and taste even better the next day. Serve over rice, couscous, or baked potatoes.
