Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne Recipe

Mary Berry’s Chilli Con Carne is a comforting, full-flavoured dish that brings warmth to the table. Packed with tender minced beef, tomatoes, beans, and just the right balance of spice, this recipe is hearty yet simple. Perfect for family dinners, cosy weekends, or meal prep, it’s the kind of dish that gets better with time — rich, aromatic, and satisfying from the very first bite.

What is Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne?

Chilli Con Carne, meaning “chilli with meat,” is a Mexican-inspired classic that’s been embraced worldwide. Mary Berry’s version focuses on robust flavour without being overpowering — a balanced mix of minced beef, tomatoes, kidney beans, and spices cooked gently until tender.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Normandy Chicken
• Mary Berry Chicken Korma
• Mary Berry Chicken Hotpot with Potato Topping
• Mary Berry Fish and Chips

Why This Recipe is Worth Trying

• Hearty and wholesome – Comfort food perfect for all seasons.
• Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better reheated the next day.
• One-pot simplicity – Easy cleanup and minimal fuss.
• Perfectly spiced – Warm and flavourful without being too hot.
• Freezer-friendly – Ideal for batch cooking.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 500 g lean minced beef
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chilli powder (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 400 g tinned chopped tomatoes
• 300 ml beef stock
• 400 g tinned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh coriander and lime wedges, for serving

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large saucepan or casserole dish
• Wooden spoon
• Chopping board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle for serving

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne

Step 1: Sauté the base

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Brown the beef

Add the minced beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned all over, draining any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add the spices

Stir in the cumin, paprika, chilli powder, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavours.

Step 4: Build the sauce

Add the tomato purée, chopped tomatoes, and beef stock. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Add vegetables and beans

Stir in the diced red pepper and kidney beans. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Step 6: Adjust and serve

Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, topped with fresh coriander and lime wedges.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Too spicy – Reduced chilli powder and added a small spoon of sugar to balance flavours.
• Watery sauce – Let it simmer longer to reduce properly.
• Tough beef – Used lean mince and cooked gently for tenderness.

Healthier Ways to Make Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne

• Use turkey mince instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add extra vegetables such as carrots or courgettes for fibre.
• Replace oil with a cooking spray to lower calories.
• Serve with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne

• Minced beef → Minced turkey or chicken for a leaner choice.
• Kidney beans → Black beans or pinto beans for variety.
• Red pepper → Sweetcorn for extra crunch.
• Beef stock → Vegetable stock for a lighter taste.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne

• Steamed rice – Classic pairing for soaking up the sauce.
• Garlic bread – Perfect for dipping into the chilli.
• Tortilla chips – Adds crunch and texture.
• Sour cream – Balances out the spice.
• Avocado slices – Adds creaminess and freshness.

Expert Tips for Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne Success

• Simmer slowly – The longer it cooks, the richer it becomes.
• Rest before serving – Letting it sit for 10 minutes enhances the flavour.
• Add cocoa powder – A teaspoon adds depth and richness.
• Balance the heat – A splash of lime juice brightens the dish.
• Double the batch – Freezes well for busy days.

Creative Ways to Customize Chilli Con Carne

• Add dark chocolate for a deeper, smoother sauce.
• Stir in sweetcorn or chopped spinach for colour and texture.
• Use smoked chipotle paste for a smoky flavour.
• Serve as a nacho topping with melted cheese.
• Turn leftovers into stuffed peppers or baked potatoes.

Storing Chilli Con Carne the Right Way

• Cool completely before storing.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheat until piping hot before serving.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne (If Needed)

• Stovetop: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if too thick.
• Microwave: Heat on medium for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• From frozen: Thaw overnight, then reheat as above.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~390 kcal
• Protein: 32 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fat: 16 g
• Fibre: 7 g
• Sugar: 6 g

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FAQs

How do you make chilli con carne more flavourful?

To make chilli con carne more flavourful, let it simmer longer so the spices and beef blend deeply. Adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder or a splash of Worcestershire sauce enhances richness and adds depth to the sauce.

Why is my chilli con carne watery?

If your chilli is too watery, it hasn’t simmered long enough. Cook uncovered on low heat until the sauce thickens. Using less stock or adding a spoonful of tomato purée can also help create a thicker consistency.

Can you make chilli con carne ahead of time?

Yes, chilli con carne tastes even better the next day. Prepare it ahead, cool completely, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavours deepen overnight, making reheated servings richer and more aromatic.

What can I use instead of kidney beans in chilli con carne?

You can substitute kidney beans with black beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans. They absorb flavours well and keep the same texture and heartiness in the dish.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry’s Chilli Con Carne is an easy, one-pot meal that delivers deep flavour and heart-warming comfort. Its tender beef, rich tomato base, and gentle heat make it an unbeatable family favourite. Serve it with rice, tortillas, or crusty bread — it’s delicious every time and perfect for any occasion.