Quick Beef Chilli Con Carne with Spices
A fast weeknight chilli con carne built on caramelized onions, browned beef mince, and warm spices. Cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon deepen the sauce as it reduces over medium heat. Kidney beans finish the pot just before serving alongside lime, coriander, soured cream, and tortillas or rice.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 lb British beef minceground beef1:1none
beef cut varies by region
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika, hot or sweet
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
- 1 cups fresh beef stock
- 400 g tin red kidney beans, drained and rinsedblack beans1:1none
texture and flavour profile change slightly
- coriander leaves(optional)
- lime wedges(optional)
- soured cream(optional)
- tortillas, warmed(optional)
- rice, steamed(optional)
- sugar, pinch(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook, stirring often, until softened and translucent.
- 2
Add garlic and fry, stirring, until fragrant. Transfer to a bowl.
- 3
Increase heat to high. Add beef to the pan, season well, and press with a wooden spoon, breaking it up as it browns on all sides.
- 4
Discard the pan juices. Return onions to the pan with cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring, until fragrant.
- 5
Add tomatoes with a pinch of sugar and beef stock. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces and thickens and beef absorbs the spice flavours.
- 6
Stir in kidney beans and cook. Taste, season, and serve with coriander leaves, lime wedges, soured cream, and warmed tortillas or steamed rice.
Tips
Discard the browned beef juices to keep the sauce lean and allow the spice flavours to concentrate.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Prepare through the simmering step the day before. Reheat gently and add kidney beans just before serving.
Ladle into bowls and top with coriander leaves, lime wedges, a dollop of soured cream. Serve alongside warmed tortillas or steamed rice.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip discarding the beef juices to avoid a greasy, cloudy sauce.
Do not skip the onion caramelization step to avoid a raw onion bite.
Do not add kidney beans at the start to avoid them breaking down into mush.