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Chilli con Carne

This authentic chilli con carne is a rich and deeply flavoured high-protein dish that moves away from the standard minced beef version. By using slow-cooked cubes of beef chuck steak, the recipe achieves a melt-in-the-mouth texture that pairs perfectly with a complex blend of ancho chillies, warm spices, and dark beer. It is a hearty, comforting meal that develops a wonderful depth of flavour when left to mature overnight, making it an ideal choice for weekend batch cooking or a relaxed dinner party with friends.

Packed with savoury notes and a gentle heat, this homemade chilli is as nutritious as it is satisfying. Serving it with fresh toppings like soured cream, sharp cheddar, and coriander provides a bright contrast to the slow-simmered sauce. Whether you are looking for a muscle-building post-workout meal or a seasonal crowd-pleaser, this robust beef chilli provides a high-quality source of protein and a truly professional finish.

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Ingredients for Chilli con Carne

  • 60ml vegetable oil, divided

  • 1.8kg well-trimmed boneless beef chuck (from about 2.3kg ), cut into 1/2-inch cube

  • 2 medium onions, chopped

  • 1 head of garlic (about 15 cloves), peeled, chopped

  • 80g ground ancho chillies

  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice

  • 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 teaspoons ground cloves

  • 1 350g bottle dark beer

  • 1 800g can diced tomatoes in juice

  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano

  • 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 3 tablespoons masa (corn tortilla mix)

  • Coarsely grated sharp cheddar cheese

  • Chopped green and/or red onion

  • Chopped fresh coriander

  • Diced fresh tomatoes (optional)

  • Soured cream (optional)

  • Ingredient info: Ground ancho chillies are available in the spice section of super markets and at Latin markets. Masa (or masa harina) is sold at super markets and Latin markets.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1/3 of beef; sprinkle with salt. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer beef to large bowl. Repeat 2 more times with 2 tablespoons oil and beef.

Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon oil and onions. Sauté until soft, 8 to 10 minutes. Add garlic; stir 2 minutes. Add ground anchos, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, and cloves; stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add beer; stir 1 minute, scraping up browned bits. Return beef and juices to pot. Add tomatoes with juice, 475ml water, oregano, and 2 teaspoons coarse salt. Bring chilli to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover with lid slightly ajar, and simmer gently until beef is just tender, 1 3/4 to 2 hours. Cool 1 hour, then chill uncovered until cold. Cover; chill overnight.

Spoon fat from chilli. Bring chilli to simmer over medium heat. Stir in tomato paste. Sprinkle masa over; stir to blend. Simmer uncovered until thickened and beef is very tender, stirring often, and adding more water by 60ml fuls if too thick, about 30 minutes.

Divide chilli among bowls. Top with garnishes and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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UK recipe editors

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UK recipe editors

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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