Hairy Bikers' Chilli con carne Recipe

I first made the Hairy Bikers’ Chilli con Carne on a cold winter evening when I needed something warming and hearty. I had been flipping through their cookbook for a while and kept coming back to the picture of their rich, deep-red chilli bubbling away in a heavy pot. I grew up eating various versions of chilli, but this one looked like it had all the layers of flavor I was craving. So I gave it a go, and it completely lived up to my expectations.

What I love about their version is how it brings real depth of flavor with just a few thoughtful ingredients. There is something about the combination of spices, the slow-cooked beef, and the addition of a little chocolate that creates a dish far more exciting than your everyday chilli. It felt rustic, authentic, and full of heart. It is the kind of dish that fills the house with a mouthwatering aroma and makes everyone ask what is cooking.

Since that night, I have made this recipe countless times. It has become a favorite in my household, especially when I want to feed a crowd or make something that reheats beautifully the next day. The Hairy Bikers have a way of turning classic recipes into something special, and this chilli is no exception.

If you are new to making chilli or just want a version that is packed with flavor but easy to follow, I really recommend giving this one a try. It has never failed me, and I think it might just become one of your regular go-to meals as well.

Let me walk you through exactly how I make it, with every ingredient and step included so you can enjoy it just the way I do.

What is Hairy Bikers’ Chilli con Carne Recipe

It is a classic chilli made with minced beef, kidney beans, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a blend of warming spices. The Hairy Bikers’ version is known for its depth of flavor, often enhanced with dark chocolate and a slow simmering time to develop a rich, satisfying sauce.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This recipe delivers big on comfort and taste. It is easy to follow, uses affordable ingredients, and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. Whether you are feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this chilli is a satisfying and flavorful option that keeps well and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers’ Chilli con Carne Recipe

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red pepper, chopped
500 grams minced beef
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon hot chilli powder (or to taste)
400 gram tin chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato purée
1 beef stock cube
400 gram tin red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 small piece of dark chocolate (about 20 grams)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh coriander or parsley to garnish (optional)

Instruction to Make Hairy Bikers’ Chilli con Carne Recipe

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and chopped red pepper. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the pepper begins to soften.
Add the minced beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it is fully browned.
Stir in the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and chilli powder. Let the spices cook for 1 to 2 minutes to release their aroma.
Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, and crumble in the beef stock cube. Stir well to combine everything.
Reduce the heat to low and let the chilli simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After 30 minutes, stir in the drained kidney beans and the piece of dark chocolate. Cook for another 10 to 15 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water.
Serve hot with your favorite sides and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers’ Chilli con Carne Recipe

I usually serve this chilli with fluffy rice or warm tortilla chips. It also goes really well with baked potatoes or soft wraps. A dollop of sour cream, grated cheese, or sliced avocado on top adds a creamy finish. Sometimes I make cornbread on the side for something extra special.

My Tips to Make the Best Hairy Bikers’ Chilli con Carne Recipe

Let it simmer slowly. The longer it cooks, the better the flavor.
Use good quality minced beef with a little fat for extra richness.
Don’t skip the dark chocolate. It sounds unusual but adds depth and smoothness.
Make it a day ahead if you can. It tastes even better the next day.
Add more chilli powder or fresh chopped chilli if you like it extra hot.

Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers’ Chilli con Carne Recipe

Swap the minced beef for minced turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Make it vegetarian by using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
Add sweetcorn or chopped courgettes for extra veggies.
Use a mix of beans such as black beans and pinto beans for variety.
Stir in a splash of lime juice at the end for a bright, fresh twist.

Best Way to Store Hairy Bikers’ Chilli con Carne Recipe

Let the chilli cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It also freezes very well. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 450
Protein: 32 grams
Carbohydrates: 20 grams
Fat: 28 grams
Saturated Fat: 9 grams
Fiber: 6 grams
Sugar: 8 grams
Sodium: 700 milligrams

FAQs

Can I make this recipe in advance
Yes, and it actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have developed.

Can I freeze it
Absolutely. Let it cool and freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.

Can I make it spicier
Yes, just increase the amount of chilli powder or add chopped fresh chillies.

What can I use instead of dark chocolate
You can use a small spoon of cocoa powder as a substitute.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tinned
Yes, but you will need to cook them longer to break them down fully.

Conclusion

This chilli con carne recipe from the Hairy Bikers has become a true staple in my kitchen. It is the kind of dish that never lets you down, whether you are cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or just craving something warm and satisfying. Every time I make it, I remember that cold winter evening when I first discovered the recipe and how excited I was by the way my kitchen smelled while it simmered away.

The combination of spices, tender beef, and that little touch of dark chocolate creates a sauce that is bold, deep, and full of character. It is comfort food with personality. What I love most is that it invites variation. You can make it as mild or as spicy as you like, you can bulk it up with veggies, or even make it vegetarian without losing the heart of the dish.

I have served this to picky eaters, big families, and chilli enthusiasts, and it always gets the same reaction. People go back for seconds. Sometimes even thirds. And I think that says it all. It is not just a recipe. It is something that brings people together at the table, fills the room with warmth, and leaves everyone satisfied.

If you are looking for a new twist on a classic, or just want a reliable chilli recipe that tastes amazing every time, I really hope you try this one. It is rich, it is easy to make, and it has that comforting homemade quality that keeps you coming back to it again and again.

Just give it a try and see how it becomes part of your own kitchen story, just like it became part of mine.