Best Ever Chilli Con Carne | Slimming Eats Recipe (2024)

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BEST EVER Slimming Friendly Chilli Con Carne - an all time classic family friendly recipe. Pure comfort in a bowl!!

Best Ever Chilli Con Carne | Slimming Eats Recipe (1)

Classic Chilli Con Carne

Depending on your location, you might call it "Chilli Con Carne" or simply "chili." In the UK, it's usually the former; across the Atlantic, the latter.

It's a staple dish, a family favorite, versatile in its serving options.

This recipe of mine has evolved over years to reach what I believe is perfection. I might be a bit biased, but to my family, it's the ultimate chili—rich, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious. It never fails to impress, with everyone asking for the recipe.

The Slimming Eats Cookbook

ThisBest Ever Chilli Con Carnerecipe is also featured on page 222 of the Slimming Eats Cookbook in the blog favourites section.

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Jump to:
  • Classic Chilli Con Carne
  • The Slimming Eats Cookbook
  • Calories in Chilli Con Carne
  • Toppings for Chilli
  • Chilli Con Carne Pasta Bake
  • Mexican Pasta Bake
  • Hidden Vegetable Chilli
  • Favourite Chilli Recipes
  • More Ground Beef (Mince) Recipes
  • FAQ for Chilli Con Carne
  • Recipe Card
  • Are you Looking for Slimming World Syns or Weight Watchers (WW) Points?

Calories in Chilli Con Carne

This recipe makes 6 hearty filling servings of Chilli at 264 calories per serving

If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of200+ calorie recipes

If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.

Toppings for Chilli

Here are some of my favorite chili toppings:

  • Avocado slices or homemade guacamole
  • Sour cream, or for a lighter version, mix fat-free yogurt with lemon juice and a pinch of salt
  • Freshly chopped tomatoes
  • Chopped spring onions or regular onions
  • Cilantro (also known as coriander)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • A handful of tortilla chips for crunch
  • Sliced jalapeños for those who enjoy an extra spicy kick

And there are plenty more options to explore!

Best Ever Chilli Con Carne | Slimming Eats Recipe (3)

Chilli Con Carne Pasta Bake

That's right – if you're a chilli con carne enthusiast with leftovers, you're in luck! This mouthwatering pasta dish is an absolute must-try.

Best Ever Chilli Con Carne | Slimming Eats Recipe (4)

Mexican Pasta Bake

Spice things up with this delectable Mexican Pasta Bake - a scrumptious twist you won't resist saying "yum" to!

Get the recipe →

Pasta, chili, and cheese – a trio the whole family will adore. What's there not to love?

The choice of vegetables to enhance your chili is yours to make. I often opt for peppers, carrots, and jalapeños. The jalapeños add a vibrant, fresh kick that you just don't get from chili powder. Occasionally, I'll toss in some zucchini (courgette) as well.

Dealing with picky eaters? Finely chop the veggies in a food processor. The kids won't detect them, making it a victory for the whole family.


Adding butternut squash or sweet potato is also a fantastic idea, especially if you're looking to use up what you have on hand. There are no strict rules about what goes into your chili, aside from the spice blend that brings the classic flavors of chilli con carne to life.

Moreover, butternut squash or sweet potato contributes a delightful natural sweetness that complements the spices beautifully—simply delicious!

Best Ever Chilli Con Carne | Slimming Eats Recipe (5)

Favourite Chilli Recipes

Traditionally in chilli con carne, most use ground beef (extra lean being the choice of course for slimming), but don't stop just there, lean stewing beef or beef chunks can produce a really hearty meal or if you want to make a really healthy version use ground chicken or turkey, like this delicious Turkey Chilli.

You can even mix up the beans - instead of kidney beans, try some black beans or even a 6 bean medley, like in this Beef and Six Bean Chilli.

Love Chocolate? Then this Chocolate Chilli is also deliciously rich and flavoursome

I love this with rice and topped with fat free yoghur or sour cream, cheddar and fresh chopped cilantro (coriander)

and my absolute favourite for any kind of leftover chilli is these amazingLayered Chilli Cheese Fries - perfect for sharing or not!!

Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Guide

You can make this Chilli Con Carne in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot (pressure cooker).

  • Slow Cooker Method: Reduce the stock to approximately 300ml, brown as instructed in the recipe, and then let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. If necessary, you can add a bit more stock.
  • Instant Pot Method: Utilize the sauté function to brown, then cook under high pressure for 15 minutes with a natural pressure release. Given that liquid doesn't evaporate as much in the Instant Pot as it does on the stove, it's advised to use 400ml of stock (about 2 cups). If needed, switch to sauté mode after cooking to reduce the sauce further.

Curious about the Instant Pot? It's essentially a versatile 7-in-1 appliance that can slow cook, pressure cook, sauté, and has settings for soup, chili, rice, porridge, and it can even make yogurt (which I've yet to try).

It's one of my best purchases, and I find myself using it almost daily for various tasks. It's fantastic for boiling eggs too – they peel so easily.

For more, explore my collection of Instant Pot Recipes

(As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Best Ever Chilli Con Carne | Slimming Eats Recipe (6)

More Ground Beef (Mince) Recipes

looking for some more ground beef recipes to try? check out some of these:

  • Sloppy Joes
  • Mini Cottage Pies
  • Nasi Goreng – Indonesian Rice
  • Pastitsio
  • Keema Curry
  • Crispy Potato Topped Meat Pie
  • Best Ever Bolognese Pasta Bake
  • Best Ever Spaghetti Bolognese
  • Beef Lasagne
  • Mustard Beef with Mushrooms

or if you would like more recipe ideas or sides to make with this recipe - head on over to theFULL RECIPE INDEXwhere you will find over 900 delicious recipes with caloriesand you can search by meal type, ingredients, course, diet and more.

All recipes on Slimming Eats have estimated nutritional information for your convenience.

FAQ for Chilli Con Carne

Can I freeze this chilli con carne?

Yes, you can freeze chili con carne. Make sure it's cooled down to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 4-6 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stove or in a microwave until it's hot all the way through.

Can I use different beans?

Certainly! If you're looking to swap out kidney beans, which are traditionally used in chili recipes, you have several great options. Black beans, pinto beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas can serve as excellent substitutes. Each of these alternatives will offer a unique flavor and texture profile to your chili, allowing you to customize the dish to your taste preferences.

Why is so much tomato paste used?

The generous use of tomato paste in chili is key for its concentrated flavor, which creates a rich, thick sauce. It's crucial to use the specified amount for the right consistency and depth of flavor, while also thickening the chili and enhancing its savory taste.

Best Ever Chilli Con Carne | Slimming Eats Recipe (7)

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Recipe Card

Best Ever Chilli Con Carne | Slimming Eats Recipe (8)

Best Ever Slimming Friendly Chilli Con Carne

Yield: SERVES 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Best Ever Chilli Con Carne!!! – an all time classic family friendly recipe. Pure comfort in a bowl!!

Ingredients

  • 500g (17.5oz) of extra lean beef mince
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • 1 large carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 jalapeno’s, deseeded and chopped (if your jalapenos are small you may want to use a few more)
  • 400g can of kidney beans, drained
  • 800g (28oz) of chopped tomatoes, canned
  • 10.5 tablespoons (156ml) of tomato paste (puree)
  • 3 cups (720ml) of beef stock
  • 2 teaspoons of paprika
  • 2 teaspoons of cumin
  • ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper - optional (omit if you don't like too spicy)
  • 1 teaspoon of oregano
  • 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
  • olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Spray a large casserole dish over a medium high heat with some olive oil spray.
  2. Add the mince, onion and garlic and fry until browned.
  3. Add the carrots and fry for a further few mins
  4. Add the spices, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, red pepper, jalapenos, balsamic vinegar and stock and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to about medium low add in kidney beans, cover and cook for 45 mins -1 hour until sauce has reduced and thickened. (you still want it to lightly bubble so that the sauce reduces, so don't have the heat too low)
  6. Serve topped with your choice of toppings
  7. Enjoy!!

Notes

Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:

  • Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
  • WW Points and other Slimming or Weight Loss programs - due to plans regularly changing and updating, we recommend calculating with the official tools you get as a member to those plans to ensure accuracy of values.
  • Gluten Free Friendly - use gluten free stock
  • Dairy Free Friendly
  • Slow Cooker- reduce stock to about 300ml and brown as per recipe and then cook on low for 6-8 hours. You can always add a little more stock if needed.
  • Instant Pot- brown using saute function and then cook on high pressure for 15 minutes with a natural pressure release. (as the liquid doesn't tend to reduce down in the instant as it does on the stove I recommend using 400ml of stock (2 cups). Switch to saute mode after cooking to reduce down further if needed)
  • Freezer Friendly ❄️

Tip- ensure you use a large casserole pan/pot for this recipe, so that the sauce can reduce properly. If the pan is too small, the heat won't be even.

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Nutritional information etc are an estimate and are to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary in values from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information. It is always advised that you calculate values yourself by the ingredients you use and the tools provided to you as a member of the programme you are following.

It is the responsibility of the Reader to assure the products or ingredients they use in any recipes from Slimming Eats are allergen-free (gluten-free, egg-free, soy-free and/or dairy-free, for example). Slimming Eats assumes no liability for inaccuracies or misstatement about products, opinions or comments on this site.

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Nutrition Information

Yield 6Serving Size 1 SERVING
Amount Per ServingCalories 288Total Fat 5.7gSaturated Fat 1.9gCholesterol 0mgSodium 1105mgCarbohydrates 37gFiber 9.8gSugar 12.7gProtein 27.1g

Nutritional information is an estimate and is to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary greatly from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information.

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Are you Looking for Slimming World Syns or Weight Watchers (WW) Points?

We are removing all Slimming World syn values from the website, you can read more about that here.

To ensure precise calculations, we recommend utilizing the official tools provided with your membership to specific plans, as they may undergo regular updates. Values can vary between different brands, so it's essential to calculate recipes using these tools to guarantee accuracy in any recipe you prepare.

Disclosure:

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Check Legal section, for Full Disclaimer, Disclosure and Privacy Policy.

More Mexican

  • Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
  • Cheesy Beef Enchilada Stuffed Pasta Shells
  • Mexican Barbecue Chicken Skewers
  • Turkey Chilli (Stove Top and Instant Pot)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mrs B says

    Perfect dish for a dieter and her non dieting hubby

    Reply

  2. Louise McGetrick says

    Hi Siobhan, I've only recently discovered your wonderful blog. I've tried lots of slimming world inspired chilli recipes and this beats them all by a mile! Quote from my partner last night - "I've only had 3 mouthfuls and already I give it a 10 out of 10!".

    Thanks for all the inspiring posts.

    Louise x

    Reply

  3. wendy says

    This Chilli Con Carne recipe is so delicious, and easy to make!
    Siobhan your a pure genius, thanks for all your wonderful recipes 🙂

    Reply

  4. May says

    Another big hit! Simply yummy!!

    Reply

  5. Emma says

    I absolutely love your recipes, not had a bad one yet and has made doing slimming world so much easier. Thank you

    Reply

    • Shevy (Slimming Eats) says

      Thank you so much for your support Emma.

      Reply

  6. Bridget says

    Made this for 2nd time today and it was just as nice as the 1st time, Devine!!!
    I left out the pepper so it wouldn't be spicy as my almost 2 year old loves your recipes too.

    Reply

  7. Julia wilks says

    Needed a chilli con carne recipe and found your site. Made the chilli' it is lovely. Did a bit of brown rice with it, husband loved it too, and he's not on a diet. Thank you

    Reply

  8. Maha says

    Tried this recipe tonight!! Absolutely delicious!! Thanks for sharing it with us.

    Reply

    • Shevy (Slimming Eats) says

      so pleased to hear that, it definitely is a staple in my house.

      Reply

  9. Jane says

    Hi is it a tin of chopped tomatoes? Or fresh, and is it tomato purée?

    Reply

    • Shevy (Slimming Eats) says

      yes canned chopped tomatoes and paste (puree)

      Reply

  10. Audrey Crowe says

    Hi, what size/ weight in a serving of the chilli?
    Thanks

    Reply

    • Shevy (Slimming Eats) says

      the recipe serves 6 people, so divide into 6 portions and one portion is a serving 🙂

      Reply

  11. Irene says

    The best ever!!!!!!

    Reply

  12. Vivienne Pennington says

    My grandchildren say this is better than their mums. My go too Recipe aways some in Frezer
    Winner.

    Reply

  13. Matt says

    Looks great! If I was to make a smaller portion, would I just half the ingredients?

    Reply

    • Siobhan (Slimming Eats) says

      yep just half all ingredients.

      Reply

  14. Hayley Watson says

    Hi,
    If I wanted to make this for 30 people, would I just multiply all ingredients by 6?

    Reply

    • Siobhan (Slimming Eats) says

      Hi Hayley, the recipe serves 6, but those are quite decent servings, so yes you could either multiply by 6 or if you are serving with sides and toppings, multiplying by 4 may be enough for 30 people. Hope that helps.

      Reply

  15. Debbie says

    The title of this dish is no lie. I made this for the family but left out the kidney beans as my boys don't like them. As it was cooking the smell was amazing. I made it with home made chips(fries) and it was really tasty. I will be making this again and again.

    Reply

  16. Eileen says

    The best chilli I have ever made. Makes me cringe at my 1990 efforts! Smells magnificent when it’s cooking and doesn’t fail to deliver on the plate.
    Now make it every couple of weeks.
    Thanks so much.

    Reply

  17. Génesis says

    The best chilli con Carne, is so good!!❤️

    Reply

  18. Laura says

    I’ve made this many times and it always goes down well. However I can’t locate the slow cooker bit, it now seems to have disappeared. Can you help please?

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Best Ever Chilli Con Carne | Slimming Eats Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to make your chili con carne better? ›

10 ways to take chilli con carne to the next level
  1. Cook it in one pot only.
  2. Make it ahead by up to three days.
  3. Use fresh spices.
  4. Source traditional Mexican dried chillies.
  5. Use a marbled cut of beef (not mince!)
  6. Add coffee for extra flavour.
  7. Choose your beans.
  8. Use chocolate.
May 2, 2023

Can you use black beans instead of kidney beans in chilli con carne? ›

Nigella's Cornbread Topped Chilli Con Carne(from FEAST) is a chilli made with minced (ground) beef and canned and drained red kidney beans. If you don't like kidney beans then black (turtle) beans are a good alternative.

What is traditionally eaten with chilli con carne? ›

The dish may be served with toppings or accompaniments; grated cheese, diced onions, and sour cream are common toppings, as are saltine crackers, tortilla chips or corn chips, cornbread, rolled-up corn or flour tortillas, and pork tamales. Chili can also be served over rice or pasta in dishes such as chili mac.

What is the difference between chili and chili con carne? ›

Traditional chili con carne has red kidney beans, but they can be left out if you wish. What is the difference between chili and chili con carne? Chili refers to the actual fruit/pepper while chili con carne is a spicy beef stew.

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

When to add canned beans to chili? ›

You know the saying, “save the best for last?” To keep your beans nice and plump, add them about 20 minutes before you finish cooking. This will give them plenty of time to impart that perfectly seasoned chili flavor to your recipe without overcooking.

Should you drain kidney beans for chilli? ›

You'll want to drain the kidney beans, but rinsing them is optional. Doing so will reduce the amount of sodium that gets carried into the dish. I choose to let mine sit in the strainer for awhile, but I don't rinse them.

Do you drain dark red kidney beans for chili? ›

Unless the recipe tells you to keep the canned beans in their liquid, you should drain your can and give the beans a good rinse before using. This will improve the flavor and texture of your finished dish.

What do Mexicans eat with chilli con carne? ›

One can get as fancy as one wants, but chili con carne is pretty basic, so keep it simple. With rice, cornbread, and corn tortillas. Generally served in a bowl. If you are using rice, some put it over the rice in a shallow bowl or plate.

What to add to chilli con carne to cool it down? ›

If your chilli is extra spicy, then a bowl of coleslaw brings a cooling element. Add a fresh salad for a light side - try our colourful Mexican corn salad or avocado and black bean salad. For those with a big appetite, then potato wedges or loaded potato skins are good options for padding out the meal.

Do you put parmesan on chilli con carne? ›

Chilli is great served with rice but try serving it with a green salad and crusty bread too, it makes a really nice change. We always serve our chilli with loads of grated parmesan cheese over it, but that certainly isn't mandatory!

Do Mexicans eat chili con carne? ›

The Mexican equivalent of Chilli con Carne is Frijoles Charros. It's more of a soup based Chilli. But they sometimes add pastor meat to it along with onions and cilantro and Manchego cheese.

How do you add depth to chili con carne? ›

Sprinkle in some MSG

The tiniest pinch of ajinomoto (also known as MSG or flavour enhancer) instantly adds depth to a chilli that's failed to find its mojo. It's a quick rescue trick that will make it taste extra-savoury by stimulating the umami tastebuds in our mouths.

What kind of beef is best for chili? ›

When making chili, former Southern Living Test Kitchen Director, Robby Melvin, recommends using a mix of ground chuck and ground sirloin. "It's the best of both worlds," he says. "You get a balanced lean-to-fat ratio from the chuck and the hearty, beefy leanness from the sirloin."

How to add depth of flavour to chilli con carne? ›

What can I add to chilli con carne for more flavour? Spices such as ground cumin, coriander and cinnamon round out the flavours without adding much heat (that's where the chillies come in). If you enjoy smoky flavours, try adding smoked paprika in addition to the other spices.

What to add to bland chilli con carne? ›

  1. a few bay leaves.
  2. chili flakes.
  3. Black Pepper.
  4. a small amount of paprika and cayenne.
  5. chipotle peppers and maybe a teaspoon of adobo sauce. I deseed the peppers and chop until they basically become a paste. ...
  6. I use San Marzano tomatoes and find they are very flavorful,
  7. add some tomato paste (maybe a tablespoon or two)
Mar 10, 2015

Why is my chilli con carne bland? ›

It could be that you have enough flavorings but not enough salt. Or perhaps there aren't enough flavors. Chili powder, or some variety like ancho, pasilla, chipotle, and cumin are a nice way to add some easy flavor.

How do you make chili not boring? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

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