I remember the first time I made Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Chilli Con Carne. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I had no plans to leave the house. The air outside was crisp, and the smell of a hearty dish filling the kitchen sounded like the perfect way to spend the day. So, I dug through my recipe collection and landed on Jamie’s recipe. I’ve always been a fan of his relaxed and flavorful approach to cooking, and this dish seemed like it could bring the warmth I was craving.
As the ingredients simmered together, filling the house with savory aromas, I realized just how easy it was to make something so complex and delicious. The slow cooking process worked its magic, turning simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful meal. That dish has since become a weekend favorite in my household.
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Chilli Con Carne Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s recipe for Slow Cooked Chilli Con Carne is the kind of dish you make when you want to fill the house with warmth and flavor. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packs layers of spices that meld together beautifully over time. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare, yet it feels like you’ve spent hours working on it. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or even a gathering with friends.
The magic happens in the slow-cook process, allowing the beef to break down tenderly while absorbing all those rich flavors from the spices and vegetables. There’s something so satisfying about stirring this dish as it cooks, knowing that you’re just hours away from a perfect meal.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need. You might already have most of them in your pantry or fridge.
- Ground beef (500g or 1 lb): The star of the show. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, but beef gives it that deep, rich flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): To get the sautéing started.
- Onions (2 large): Chopped finely to provide sweetness and texture.
- Garlic (4 cloves): Crushed or chopped, garlic is essential for the depth of flavor.
- Red bell peppers (2): For a sweet crunch that balances the heat.
- Chopped tomatoes (1 can, 400g): They form the base of the sauce and provide acidity.
- Tomato paste (1 tbsp): This thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Beef stock (300ml): To ensure the meat and spices have enough liquid to cook in.
- Chilli powder (1 tbsp): The main spice for heat and depth.
- Ground cumin (1 tbsp): For earthy undertones.
- Ground cinnamon (½ tsp): A surprising but delicious addition for warmth.
- Oregano (1 tsp): A hint of herby freshness.
- Dark chocolate (30g): The secret ingredient that deepens the flavor and adds richness without making it sweet.
- Salt & pepper: To taste.
- Fresh coriander (cilantro): For garnish at the end.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Chilli Con Carne
This is a super straightforward process that you can follow step-by-step. Trust me, you’ll feel like a pro once it’s done!
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Sauté The Onions And Garlic
Heat a little olive oil in a large pot. Add the onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. The kitchen will already start to smell amazing.
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Brown The Meat
Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and let it brown for about 5-6 minutes. You want it nice and caramelized, as this adds to the depth of flavor.
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Add The Peppers And Spices
Toss in the red bell peppers and all the spices (chilli powder, cumin, cinnamon, and oregano). Stir everything to coat the beef and veggies with the spices. You’ll get a fantastic aroma at this stage.
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Stir In The Tomatoes
Pour in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef stock. Stir to combine everything. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
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Slow-cook It
Now, you’re ready for the slow-cook magic. If you’re using a slow cooker, transfer everything and cook on low for 6-8 hours. If using the stove, lower the heat, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
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Add The Chocolate
About 20 minutes before serving, break up the dark chocolate into pieces and stir it into the chilli. This will melt in and enhance the overall flavor without making it too sweet.
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Serve
Ladle the chilli into bowls, garnish with fresh coriander (cilantro), and serve with a side of rice or some crusty bread.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s dive into a few ingredients that make this dish unique and elevate its flavor:
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Dark Chocolate
While chocolate might seem like an odd addition to a chilli, it’s actually a secret weapon in many traditional chilli recipes. It adds richness, deepens the flavor, and balances out the spices. The cacao helps mellow the acidity from the tomatoes and brings out the savory notes in the beef.
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Cinnamon
This is one of those spices that you might not expect in a chilli. But cinnamon adds warmth and a subtle sweetness that complements the heat of the chilli powder. It’s also great for balancing the earthiness of cumin.
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Beef Stock
Using beef stock instead of water provides extra depth and richness to the chilli. The gelatin in the stock also helps thicken the sauce, making it creamy and satisfying.
Expert Tips
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Let It Rest
This chilli gets even better the next day. If you can, let it sit for a few hours or even overnight. The flavors have more time to meld together, making each bite even more flavorful.
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Adjust The Heat
If you like it spicy, add more chilli powder or toss in some fresh chopped chilli peppers. For a milder version, reduce the chilli powder and skip any added fresh chiles.
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Use Quality Meat
Since this recipe relies on the flavor of the meat, choose ground beef with a bit of fat (around 20% lean). It’ll keep the chilli juicy and tender.
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Customize Your Toppings
The garnish makes a big difference! Sour cream, cheese, and fresh avocado add a cool, creamy contrast to the heat of the chilli. For an extra crunch, throw in some tortilla chips or a sprinkle of chopped spring onions.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to experiment with this recipe! Here are a few twists:
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Vegetarian Version
Swap the ground beef for lentils, mushrooms, or tofu. Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock for a plant-based version.
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Spicy Twist
If you’re a heat-seeker, add extra cayenne pepper or even some fresh habanero chillies to the mix for an extra punch.
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Mexican Flare
Add a bit of cumin and smoked paprika, and serve with a side of Mexican rice, guacamole, and lime wedges.
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Beans
Some people like to throw in beans-kidney beans or black beans-into their chilli for extra texture and protein. Just make sure to reduce the liquid slightly if you’re adding beans.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Chilli Con Carne is a great dish to have in your recipe repertoire. It’s versatile, flavorful, and so satisfying. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that just gets better with time, making leftovers even more delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe has you covered.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Slow-cooked Chilli Con Carne Different?
Jamie Oliver’s version uses slow cooking to develop rich flavors. He includes ingredients like chipotle, fresh tomatoes, and beans for a deeper taste.
How Long Should I Cook The Chilli Con Carne In A Slow Cooker?
You should cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Slow-cooked Chilli Con Carne Ahead Of Time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Just store it in the fridge or freezer and reheat when ready.