This Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne Recipe is a rich and warming recipe, which is made with lean beef mince and hearty kidney beans. It’s the perfect family meal, ready in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne Recipe Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sunflower or olive oil
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 lb 2 oz (500g) lean beef mince (ground beef)
- 1-2 teaspoons hot chilli powder (depending on taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 14 oz (400g) can chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato purée
- 1 beef stock cube, dissolved in 1/2 pint (300ml) hot water
- 14 oz (400g) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of sugar (optional)

How To Make Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne Recipe
- Preheat the oven and prep: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C / Fan 130°C / Gas Mark 2). Prepare your vegetables by chopping the onions and red pepper.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the oil in a large ovenproof casserole dish or deep frying pan over high heat. Add the chopped onions and red pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the crushed garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Brown the mince: Add the beef mince to the pan. Using a wooden spoon, break up the meat and stir-fry over high heat until it is browned all over. Tip: Do this in batches if your pan is small so the meat fries rather than steams.
- Add spices and liquids: Sprinkle in the chilli powder, cumin, and coriander. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, and the beef stock. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if desired. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the chilli: Cover the casserole dish with a lid. Transfer it to the preheated oven and cook for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. If cooking on the stovetop, cover and simmer gently on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Add the beans: About 10 minutes before the end of the cooking time, stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans. Return to the oven (or stove) to heat through. The sauce should be thickened and rich.

Recipe Tips
- Why use the oven: Mary Berry creates a depth of flavor by cooking her chilli in a low oven rather than just on the stovetop. This slow, even heat allows the spices to meld perfectly with the meat without the bottom burning.
- The Secret Ingredient: A pinch of sugar is often used in tomato-based dishes to neutralize the acidity of the canned tomatoes, resulting in a well-rounded savory flavor.
- Make Ahead: Like most stews, this chilli tastes even better the next day. If you have time, make it 24 hours in advance and reheat it gently; the flavors will be deeper and richer.
- Texture: If the sauce looks too runny after cooking, remove the lid and boil on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce it. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water.
What To Serve With Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne
This classic dish needs simple, cooling sides to balance the spice.
- Fluffy boiled long-grain rice
- A baked potato with butter
- Sour cream and chives
- Tortilla chips or crusty bread

How To Store Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne Recipe
- Refrigerate: Allow the chilli to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled chilli in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove.
Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne Recipe Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 28g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving and may vary based on ingredients used.
FAQs
Yes, Mary Berry often makes a version using braising steak. If using steak chunks, you will need to increase the cooking time in the oven to about 2 to 2.5 hours to ensure the meat is tender.
No, Mary Berry’s recipes tend to be family-friendly and mild. 1-2 teaspoons of chilli powder provides a gentle warmth. If you prefer a hot chilli, add fresh chopped chillies or increase the powder.
Absolutely. After step 4 (bringing to a boil), transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 4 hours. Add the beans in the last 30 minutes.
Try More Recipes:
- Mary Berry Italian Chicken Recipe Recipe
- Mary Berry Panang Chicken Recipe
- Mary Berry Twice-Cooked Roast Potatoes Recipe
Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne Recipe
Description
A classic, reliable British take on the Tex-Mex favorite, featuring tender mince and a rich tomato sauce cooked slowly in the oven for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Fry onions and peppers in oil until soft. Add garlic.
- Add mince and brown thoroughly over high heat.
- Stir in spices, tomatoes, purée, and stock. Season.
- Bring to a boil, cover, and bake for 1 hour (or simmer on stove).
- Stir in kidney beans and cook for a final 10 minutes.
- Serve with rice.
Notes
- Oven vs. Stove: The oven method is recommended for a richer sauce, but the stove works for a quicker meal.
- Vegetarian: Substitute the beef with Quorn mince or extra beans and lentils for a meat-free version.
- Serving: A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream helps cool down the spice for children.
