Mary Berry Chilli con Carne Recipe Classic

Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne delivers a robust, warming meal with tender minced beef, vibrant peppers, and a mix of earthy spices. Its rich sauce and comforting texture make it perfect for cosy evenings.

By Mary Berry
From Saturday Kitchen

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Equipment

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Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped
• 1 green pepper, deseeded and chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 500g beef mince
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 400g can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 beef stock cube
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• Optional: 150ml red wine, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 25g chopped dark chocolate

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Method

1. Warm the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook the chopped onion until it softens, then add garlic, red and green peppers, cooking for a few minutes to develop their flavours.
3. Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let these toast gently with the vegetables to unlock their aromatic oils.
4. Add the beef mince, cooking until browned throughout. Break up clumps to keep the texture loose.
5. Pour in the chopped tomatoes, drained kidney beans, crumble the beef stock cube, and stir in the tomato purée. Pour in the red wine and Worcestershire sauce if using, stirring everything to combine well.
6. Reduce heat and simmer the mixture gently for 20 to 40 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the meat becomes tender.
7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.

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Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Cool the chilli thoroughly, store in an airtight container, and use within 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in suitable containers for up to 2-3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring often. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

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Suggested Wine Pairing

Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne pairs wonderfully with wines that complement its rich meatiness and gentle spice. Here are three excellent choices under £12.50 from popular UK retailers:

• Majestic: Los Formos 24 Barrels Cabernet Sauvignon – Bolder black fruit and subtle spice notes amplify the chilli’s smoky depth.
• Tesco: Tesco Finest Shiraz – Juicy berry flavours and soft tannins balance the heat and complement the tomato sauce.
• Sainsbury’s: Taste the Difference Malbec – Plush dark fruit with a peppery edge pairs beautifully with the dish’s warmth and meatiness.

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What can you serve with this

1. Steamed rice: Neutral base to soak up the rich sauce.
2. Tortilla chips: Provide crunch and a salty contrast.
3. Soured cream: Cool and creamy, it tames the heat.
4. Guacamole: Adds freshness and creamy texture.
5. Chopped coriander: Brightens the flavour with herbal lift.

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FAQs for Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne

• Can I freeze Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne?
  Yes, it freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• What can I substitute for beef mince?
  You can use turkey mince or a vegetarian mince alternative for a leaner or meat-free option.
• How long does it keep in the fridge?
  Store in an airtight container and use within 3-4 days for best freshness.
• Can I make it spicier?
  Add fresh chillies or increase cayenne pepper to boost heat as you like.
• What side dishes go well?
  Try steamed rice, tortilla chips, and dollops of soured cream or guacamole for a complete meal.

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Nutri-score Health Check

Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne scores a Nutri-Score C, balancing energy-dense minced beef and rich kidney beans with abundant fresh vegetables and spices that support flavour without extra calories.

Positive Factors

• Kidney beans: Provide fibre and plant protein.
• Fresh peppers and onion: Add vitamins and antioxidants.
• Spices: Contribute warmth and may support metabolism.

Negative Factors

• Beef mince: Can be higher in saturated fat, depending on cut.
• Tomato purée and stock cube may add small amounts of salt.

This Nutri-Score is automatically calculated from the ingredients and serves as a general nutritional guide.

 

 

Discover more all-time favourites from Mary Berry’s kitchen:

• Mary Berry lasagne
• Mary Berry chicken pasta bake
• Mary Berry chicken casserole