Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne is a mouthwatering take on the classic Tex-Mex dish. Packed with flavors, it’s a hearty, satisfying meal that mixes tender beef, beans and spices into a rich, bold sauce. Unlike some versions that just rely on chili powder, Jamie’s recipe brings a bit of finesse with fresh ingredients, herbs and a slow-cooked depth of flavor.
His version is a nod to traditional Chilli Con Carne but with a bit more of that Jamie twist-he loves using fresh vegetables, adding heat without overpowering the natural flavors of the dish. It’s a comfort food that works well whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or at a weekend gathering with friends.
Jamie Oliver Chilli Con Carne Recipe
Ingredients Needed
- Ground beef: The heart of this dish. You want a good lean beef here, something that breaks down well when cooked.
- Onions: For that rich base flavor.
- Garlic: Because every good dish needs garlic, right? It gives a deep, aromatic kick.
- Carrots: Jamie adds these for a slight sweetness and depth, balancing the spiciness.
- Canned tomatoes: A must for that rich, tomatoey base that helps the spices really come through.
- Red kidney beans: These give the chili its substance and soak up all the flavors.
- Green chili: For that extra burst of heat without it being too overpowering.
- Ground cumin and smoked paprika: These give the dish that smoky, earthy depth.
- Cinnamon: This is Jamie’s little secret to add warmth without being immediately noticeable.
- Beef stock: To ensure everything cooks down into a juicy, savory sauce.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
Some variations might include a bit of lime, coriander or even dark chocolate to give it a unique finish, depending on how adventurous you feel!
Equipment Needed
To get everything just right, here’s what you’ll need:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven: A good, heavy-bottomed pan is key for browning the meat and building the flavor base.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring everything and scraping the tasty bits off the bottom of the pan.
- Knife and chopping board: For chopping your veggies. nothing fancy, just your standard setup.
- Can opener: For those canned tomatoes and beans.
- Measuring spoons: If you’re sticking to Jamie’s recipe, a little precision on spices helps to get it just right.
- Serving bowls: Because this dish deserves to be served up in something nice!
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping your onion, garlic, carrots and chili. It’s a lot easier to cook if you have everything ready to go. Jamie is big on prep!
- Sauté the Veggies: Heat a little olive oil in your pan over medium heat. Toss in the onions, garlic and carrots. Cook until soft and golden which helps develop that sweet, savory base flavor.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with your spoon and cook until browned. This step is crucial because it gives the meat that deep, caramelized flavor.
- Add the Spices: Now’s the time for cumin, paprika and cinnamon. Stir them in so they toast just slightly in the oil which releases their essential oils and intensifies the flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in your canned tomatoes, beans and beef stock. Stir everything together, making sure those spices are well-mixed in. Bring the whole thing to a simmer.
- Slow-Cook and Simmer: Let it simmer for about 40 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally. This is when the magic happens. the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens up into a comforting, rich texture.
- Taste and Adjust: Once the chili’s cooked, taste it. If you want more heat, add a little more chili or even a dash of hot sauce. If you like it a bit sweeter, throw in some extra carrots or a spoonful of brown sugar.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your chilli con carne with a side of rice, tortillas or even some crispy tortilla chips. You could also add toppings like sour cream, cheddar cheese or avocado for extra richness.
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne taught me a few things. First, the importance of layering flavors. Every step-from sautéing the veggies to toasting the spices-adds depth. Jamie doesn’t rush the process and neither should you. The slow simmer allows the spices to infuse the beans, meat and tomatoes with complexity.
Second, using cinnamon in a chili? Never would have guessed! But it works. It doesn’t make the dish taste sweet, just warm which adds an extra layer of intrigue.
Lastly, it’s a flexible recipe. You can swap ingredients to suit your tastes. Don’t like beans? Leave them out. Want a bit more heat? Add more chili or a hot pepper. The base recipe is reliable but it’s easy to personalize.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne
Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne is already a crowd-pleaser but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it your own! If you’re in the mood to experiment, there are plenty of ways to tweak the recipe for extra flavor or make it better suit your preferences.
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Add Extra Heat
If you’re a fan of spice, consider throwing in some extra chillies. Fresh red or green chillies can really amp up the heat. You can also play around with different types of dried chillies (like chipotle or ancho) for a smoky kick. For a subtle heat boost, adding a dash of cayenne or chili powder to the base will really round out the flavors.
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Use Different Meats
While ground beef is the standard choice, you could swap it out for something leaner like turkey or chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using pork, lamb or even a combination of meats to add richness and depth to the dish.
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Experiment with Beans
Jamie’s recipe calls for kidney beans but you can switch these up depending on your taste. Black beans, pinto beans or even chickpeas can add different textures and flavors. I like using a mix of beans for variety. You could also try swapping some of the beans for lentils which absorb flavors beautifully and add a heartier feel.
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Sweeten It Up
A touch of sweetness can balance the heat. You could stir in a tablespoon of honey, brown sugar or even a chunk of dark chocolate during the simmering process. The chocolate won’t overpower the dish, just add a deep, rich undertone that complements the spices.
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Add Vegetables
For more nutrition and texture, you could toss in additional vegetables. Diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash work well, adding a touch of sweetness and making the chili more filling. You could also add bell peppers, zucchini or corn for extra crunch and color.
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Herb Variations
Fresh herbs can elevate the dish. While the recipe calls for oregano, why not try adding fresh cilantro, basil or even thyme for added flavor. Adding herbs at the end of cooking helps maintain their freshness and keeps them vibrant.
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Tweak the Tomato Base
Jamie’s version uses canned tomatoes but you can experiment with a roasted tomato base for a more intense flavor. Roast your tomatoes beforehand to bring out their natural sweetness, then blend them into the chili.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
If you’ve made a big batch of Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne, you’re in luck because this dish only gets better the next day!
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Cool It Before Storing
Let your chili cool down to room temperature before popping it in the fridge or freezer. Putting hot food directly into the fridge can raise the temperature inside which can promote bacterial growth.
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Fridge Storage
Chili will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent it from absorbing other smells in the fridge. If you’re planning to keep it longer, freezing is a better option.
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Freezer Storage
You can freeze chili for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. If you’re freezing it in portions, it’s easier to reheat smaller amounts later. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove for the best texture.
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Reheating Tips
Reheat on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure an even temperature. If the chili has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. It should heat through nicely without drying out.
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Taste Adjustments After Storing
Sometimes, stored chili can lose a bit of its fresh flavor. After reheating, taste it again and adjust the seasoning as necessary. add a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to bring it back to life.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne?
Chilli Con Carne is hearty and rich, so pairing it with the right sides can really elevate the meal. Here are some tasty ideas:
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Rice
Classic! A steaming bowl of rice is the perfect base for chili. It soaks up the chili and balances out the heat.
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Cornbread
Soft, buttery cornbread is a great complement. Its slightly sweet flavor pairs wonderfully with the bold, spicy chili. It’s the perfect thing to soak up the leftover sauce!
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Tortilla Chips
If you’re in the mood for something crispy, tortilla chips are an excellent choice. You can scoop up the chili like a dip or crumble them into your bowl for some added crunch.
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Guacamole and Sour Cream
Top your chili with a dollop of sour cream or homemade guacamole. The creaminess helps cool down the heat and adds a fresh contrast to the deep, smoky flavors in the chili.
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Grilled Vegetables
Lightly charred vegetables like corn on the cob, bell peppers or zucchini would add a grilled smoky flavor that pairs nicely with chili. It’s a way to sneak in some extra veggies.
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Salad
A fresh side salad can add some brightness to balance out the richness of the chili. Something simple like a mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette works great.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne Different From Other Recipes?
Jamie adds a mix of fresh ingredients, including cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon, for a unique flavor twist.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne Vegetarian?
Yes! Just swap the beef for lentils or beans, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version.
How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne Take To Cook?
It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to cook, including simmering time for those rich, deep flavors.
