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Chili Con Carne

You won't believe the simple tweaks that can transform your Chili Con Carne into an exciting new dish; discover them inside!

5.0 · 11 reviewsRecipe card by OZmarkEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 18, 2026
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Total time

135 min

Servings

1

Calories

679.9

Category

Soups & Stews

This hearty Chili Con Carne is a one-dish wonder that combines cubed beef and pork for a unique texture, simmered low and slow with a rich blend of spices and kidney beans. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe delivers deep, smoky heat without overwhelming spice.

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

  • 500 beef
  • 500 pork
  • 1 onion
  • 1 tomato paste
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tomato sauce
  • 2 water
  • 1 -4 mild chili powder
  • 2 salt
  • 2 oregano
  • 2 cumin
  • 1 red kidney beans

Method

  1. Add Pork and Beef to pan and brown meat.

  2. Then add onion, garlic, water, tomato sauce and tomato paste.

  3. Mix Cocoa, chilli powder, salt, cumin, oregano and add to pan slowly, mixing in well.

  4. Cook on low for 1-2 hours or until meat is tender OR pile ingredients into crockpot and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours.

  5. This dish is quite unique as it uses cubed meats rather than mince.

Easy swaps

  • Instead of Beef, use Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option.
  • Instead of Pork, use Extra beef or chicken breast for a leaner meat mix.
  • Instead of Mild chili powder, use Cayenne or chipotle powder for more heat.
  • Instead of Red kidney beans, use Black beans or pinto beans for variety.
  • Instead of Tomato sauce, use Crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes for chunkier texture.

Frequently asked

Why use cubed meat instead of mince?

Cubed meat gives the chili a hearty, stew-like texture and allows the meat to stay tender and juicy after long cooking, unlike mince which can become dry or mushy.

Can I skip the cocoa powder?

The recipe doesn't list cocoa, but if you mean the 'mild chili powder' mix, it often contains cocoa for depth. You can omit it, but it adds a rich, earthy undertone.

How spicy is this chili?

With 1-4 teaspoons of mild chili powder, it's moderately spicy. Adjust the amount to your heat preference, or add cayenne for extra kick.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat first, then combine all ingredients in a crockpot and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours for maximum flavor.

What sides go well with this chili?

Serve with cornbread, rice, tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese.

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