Mary Berry Mixed Bean and Red Pepper Chilli

Mary Berry Mixed Bean and Red Pepper Chilli is a hearty, warming dish that delivers deep flavour without relying on meat. Packed with mixed beans, sweet red peppers, tomatoes, and gentle spices, this chilli is rich, comforting, and satisfying while still feeling light enough for everyday meals. It’s perfect for family dinners, batch cooking, or casual entertaining, and it comes together in about 45 minutes using simple, cupboard-friendly ingredients and a classic stovetop cooking method.

What Is Mary Berry Mixed Bean and Red Pepper Chilli?

This chilli is a vegetarian take on a traditional chilli, built around mixed beans simmered in a tomato-based sauce with red peppers, onions, garlic, and mild spices. Instead of intense heat, it focuses on balance—warmth from spices, sweetness from peppers, and body from the beans—making it suitable for a wide range of tastes.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Macaroni Cheese
• Mary Berry Mac and Cheese

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Hearty and filling – Beans provide protein and texture
• Balanced spice level – Warming, not overpowering
• Meat-free comfort – Ideal for vegetarian meals
• One-pan cooking – Easy preparation and cleanup
• Great for leftovers – Flavour improves with time

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Mixed Bean and Red Pepper Chilli

• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
• Garlic cloves: 2, crushed
• Red peppers: 2, deseeded and chopped
• Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
• Ground paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Chilli powder: ½–1 teaspoon (to taste)
• Chopped tomatoes: 2 × 400 g tins
• Tomato purée: 1 tablespoon
• Mixed beans (cannellini, kidney, butter beans): 2 × 400 g tins, drained and rinsed
• Vegetable stock: 150 ml
• Salt: to taste
• Black pepper: to taste

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large saucepan or deep frying pan
• Wooden spoon
• Chopping board and knife
• Measuring spoons
• Colander for draining beans

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Mixed Bean and Red Pepper Chilli

• Soften the onion – Heat the olive oil in a large pan, add the onion, and cook gently until soft and translucent.
• Add garlic and peppers – Stir in the garlic and red peppers, cooking for a few minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
• Bloom the spices – Add cumin, paprika, and chilli powder, stirring well to release their aroma.
• Build the sauce – Stir in the tomato purée and chopped tomatoes, mixing until combined.
• Add beans and stock – Tip in the mixed beans and vegetable stock, then stir gently.
• Simmer gently – Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
• Season to taste – Add salt and black pepper, adjusting spice if needed.
• Rest briefly – Allow the chilli to stand for a few minutes before serving so flavours settle.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Watery chilli – Simmering uncovered thickened the sauce
• Flat flavour – Letting the spices cook briefly improved depth
• Too spicy – Reducing chilli powder balanced the heat
• Mushy beans – Stirring gently kept them intact

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Mixed Bean and Red Pepper Chilli

This chilli is naturally healthy, but it can be made lighter by reducing the olive oil slightly or increasing the proportion of peppers and tomatoes. Serving it with salad or steamed rice instead of chips also keeps it balanced.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Mixed Bean and Red Pepper Chilli

• Yellow or orange peppers instead of red
• Smoked paprika for deeper flavour
• Passata instead of chopped tomatoes
• Chickpeas instead of mixed beans

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Mixed Bean and Red Pepper Chilli

• Steamed rice – Simple and filling
• Baked potatoes – Comforting pairing
• Warm flatbreads – Ideal for scooping
• Green salad – Adds freshness
• Sour cream or yogurt – Softens the spice

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Mixed Bean and Red Pepper Chilli

• Cook onions slowly – Builds sweetness
• Toast spices briefly – Enhances flavour
• Rinse beans well – Prevents excess saltiness
• Simmer gently – Keeps beans intact
• Taste at the end – Adjust seasoning accurately
• Rest before serving – Improves overall flavour

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Mixed Bean and Red Pepper Chilli

• Add sweetcorn – Extra sweetness and texture
• Cocoa pinch – Deepens the sauce
• Fresh herbs – Coriander or parsley for brightness
• Spicy boost – Add fresh chilli if desired
• Chunky veg – Courgette or aubergine work well

Storing Mary Berry Mixed Bean and Red Pepper Chilli the Right Way

• Refrigerated storage – Keep covered for up to 3 days
• Freeze portions – Ideal for batch cooking
• Cool before storing – Prevents condensation
• Store airtight – Preserves flavour

How to Reheat Mary Berry Mixed Bean and Red Pepper Chilli

Reheat gently on the hob over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or stock if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~45 g
• Fats: ~7 g
• Protein: ~14 g
• Sugar: ~10 g

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FAQs

Why does my mixed bean chilli taste bitter?

Bitterness usually comes from spices burning or too much tomato purée. Cooking the spices gently and balancing the sauce with a longer simmer helps mellow the flavours.

How do I thicken mixed bean and red pepper chilli?

Let the chilli simmer uncovered so the excess liquid evaporates. Lightly mashing a few beans in the pan also thickens the sauce naturally without adding flour.

Can I make this chilli in advance?

Yes, this chilli is ideal for making ahead. The flavours improve after resting, making it even better the next day when reheated gently.

Should canned beans be rinsed before adding to chilli?

Yes, rinsing canned beans removes excess salt and starch, giving a cleaner flavour and better texture in the finished dish.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Mixed Bean and Red Pepper Chilli is proof that vegetarian cooking can be just as comforting and satisfying as classic meat-based dishes. With its rich sauce, gentle spice, and hearty texture, it’s a reliable recipe you’ll come back to whenever you want warmth, flavour, and simplicity in one bowl.