Best Ever Slimming Friendly Chilli Con Carne Recipe
Best Ever Chilli Con Carne!!! – an all-time classic family-friendly recipe. Pure comfort in a bowl! There’s something incredibly satisfying about a hearty bowl of chilli, especially when it’s packed with flavor and good-for-you ingredients. The Best Ever Slimming Friendly Chilli Con Carne is not only delicious but also a great way to bring everyone together around the dinner table. Perfect for cozy nights in, gatherings with friends, or even meal prep for the week ahead, this dish works beautifully for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a tasty meal without the guilt or simply want to impress your family with your cooking skills, this recipe is a winner. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, you’ll find that this chilli con carne warms both the heart and the belly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Packed with flavor: Each bite bursts with spices and fresh ingredients that elevate your dining experience.
– Slimming friendly: Enjoy a hearty meal without worrying about calorie counts or unhealthy additives.
– Versatile: Perfect for various occasions, from family dinners to casual get-togethers.
– Easy to prepare: Simple steps make this dish accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
– Freezable: Make extra portions and store them for those busy days when you need a quick meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious chilli con carne:
For the Chilli
– 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 jalapenos, deseeded and chopped (use more if they’re small)
– 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
Variations
One of the best things about chilli is its flexibility! Feel free to customize this dish based on your preferences or what you have on hand:
– Swap the protein: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option while keeping it equally delicious.
– Add more veggies: Toss in some zucchini or corn for added texture and nutrition.
– Spice it up: If you love heat, consider adding more jalapenos or even some diced habaneros!
– Make it vegetarian: Replace beef mince with lentils or black beans for a hearty plant-based version.
How to Make Best Ever Slimming Friendly Chilli Con Carne
Step 1: Prepare the Meat and Aromatics
Spray a large casserole dish over medium-high heat with some olive oil spray. Add the mince, onion, and garlic into the dish. Fry until browned. This step is essential as it develops deep flavors that form the base of your chilli.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Next, add in the finely chopped carrots and fry for a few more minutes. These vegetables not only enhance flavor but also add nutrients and texture to your dish.
Step 3: Incorporate Spices and Tomatoes
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the spices—paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), oregano—along with chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, red bell pepper, jalapenos, balsamic vinegar, and beef stock into the pot. Bring everything to a boil; this will help meld all those fantastic flavors.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the kidney beans. Cover and let it cook for about 45 minutes to an hour until the sauce has reduced and thickened nicely. It’s important not to have the heat too low; you want it to lightly bubble so that those flavors intensify.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
When ready to serve, spoon out generous portions into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like fresh herbs or sliced avocado if desired. Enjoy every comforting bite!
With just these simple steps, you’ll create an outstanding Best Ever Slimming Friendly Chilli Con Carne that everyone will love!
Pro Tips for Making Best Ever Slimming Friendly Chilli Con Carne
Making the perfect chilli con carne is all about layering flavors and getting the texture just right. Here are some pro tips to elevate your dish and keep it slimming friendly.
– Choose lean mince: Using extra lean beef mince helps keep the fat content low while still providing a hearty flavor. Look for a mince that is at least 5% fat or lower.
– Spice it up: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to suit your taste. If you love heat, add more cayenne pepper or experiment with different types of chili powders for a unique twist.
– Let it simmer: The longer you let your chilli simmer, the better the flavors will meld together. If you have time, consider letting it cook for an hour and a half on low heat.
– Fresh herbs make a difference: Adding fresh cilantro or parsley as a garnish before serving can brighten up the dish and add an extra layer of flavor.
– Taste as you go: Always taste your chilli while cooking. This way, you can adjust seasoning levels to suit your palate perfectly.
How to Serve Best Ever Slimming Friendly Chilli Con Carne
Serving your chilli con carne in a thoughtful way can enhance both its appearance and enjoyment. Here are some ideas to present this family-friendly dish beautifully!
Garnishes
– Fresh cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a vibrant color and fresh flavor that complements the richness of the chilli.
– Avocado slices: Creamy avocado offers a delightful contrast in texture and adds healthy fats to your meal.
Side Dishes
– Brown rice: For a wholesome option, serve your chilli over brown rice which adds fiber and nutrients.
– Cornbread: Soft, warm cornbread pairs perfectly with chilli, soaking up those delicious juices.
– Mixed greens salad: A light salad with a zesty dressing can balance out the richness of the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Meal prepping is a fantastic way to enjoy this delicious chilli throughout the week without any hassle. Here’s how you can store and reheat it effectively.
Storing Leftovers
– Allow the chilli to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers for storage.
– Refrigerate leftover chilli for up to 3 days. Be sure to label containers with dates for easy tracking.
Freezing
– Portion out leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags for long-term storage.
– Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
– For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.
– Alternatively, microwave in short intervals (1 minute), stirring in between until hot.
FAQs
If you’re new to making chilli con carne or have specific questions about this recipe, here are some common inquiries that might help!
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for something leaner. Just be mindful that it might require slightly different cooking times.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This chilli freezes very well, making it perfect for meal prep or batch cooking.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Certainly! Substitute the beef mince with lentils or extra beans like black beans or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian version that retains all its heartiness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this Best Ever Slimming Friendly Chilli Con Carne! It’s such a comforting dish that brings warmth not just from its spices but also from sharing it with loved ones. Give it a try today—you’ll be so glad you did!
Best Ever Slimming Friendly Chilli Con Carne
Ingredients
Method
- Spray a large casserole dish over medium-high heat with some olive oil spray. Add the mince, onion, and garlic into the dish. Fry until browned.
- Add in the finely chopped carrots and fry for a few more minutes.
- Add the spices—paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), oregano—along with chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, red bell pepper, jalapenos, balsamic vinegar, and beef stock into the pot. Bring everything to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the kidney beans. Cover and let it cook for about 45 minutes to an hour until the sauce has reduced and thickened nicely.
- Spoon out generous portions into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like fresh herbs or sliced avocado if desired.
