Rich spice drifting through the kitchen, that slow simmer sound filling the roomHairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne always hits when you need an easy, comforting win. It’s trending on Reddit thanks to its cozy, nostalgic vibe and foolproof steps. This one’s beginner-friendly with just a bit of chopping, thirty minutes of simmering, and a whole lot of flavor.
This is hearty, classic chilliground beef, red kidney beans, tomatoes, and warm spices. It builds deep flavor without a ton of fuss. If you’ve got a can opener and a skillet, you’re halfway there. Think diner chili, but made at home. Full details in the blog!
I’ve worked on over a dozen chili recipes in our test kitchen, but this one hits a memorymy uncle’s backyard potluck, enamel pots over the fire. I finessed the spice-to-simmer ratio so it’s richer but not too hot. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love This Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne
This dish is the ultimate comfort food, delivering bold, rich flavors with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s bound to become a family favorite:
Easy, Cozy Cooking: It’s a one-pot wonderfewer dishes, more flavor!
Nostalgic Vibes: Classic spices and slow-simmered goodness make this feel like it came straight from a family recipe box.
Flexible to Your Taste: Spice levels are completely adjustable, so you can keep it mild or crank up the heat.
Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for big gatherings or batch cooking for the week.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
These humble pantry staples come together to create authentic, hearty chili:
Ground Beef: The base of your chilli, creating richness and heartiness.
Spices: Chili powder, paprika, and cayenne add depth without being overpowering. Adjust to your spice comfort level!
Beans and Tomato: Red kidney beans and chopped tomatoes bring texture and that classic chili flavor.
Red Wine: This little secret adds complexity and elevates the entire dish. Don’t skip it!
Flour + Cornmeal: A simple flour-cornmeal mixture thickens the chili just enough for that perfect spoonful.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget the hot sauce! Just 12 drops add a punch without overpowering the other flavors.
Ingredient
Measurement
Optional Substitutions
Ground Beef
2½ lbs
Ground turkey or plant-based ground meat
Red Kidney Beans
1 x 15 oz can
Black beans or pinto beans
Red Wine
⅔ cup
Beef broth (no wine) or a splash of grape juice for depth
Chili Powder
2½ tsp
Smoked paprika for a less spicy version
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through this comforting recipeit’s simpler than you think!
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Pour in red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up all the flavorful bits. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, crushed garlic, bouillon cubes, and all the spices. Mix well.
Add the kidney beans and hot sauce. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
In the last 10 minutes, make a slurry with water, flour, and cornmeal. Stir it into the chili to thicken.
Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Let it rest for 5 minutes off the heat before serving.
Note: The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor gets. Don’t rush this cozy dish!
Quick Timing Guide:
Step
Estimated Time
Sautéing Vegetables
5–7 minutes
Browning Meat
5 minutes
Simmering
2 hours
Thickening
10 minutes
Serving and Storing Your Chili
This dish is versatileyou can serve it over rice, with cornbread, or simply with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese on top.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Make Ahead: This tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Storage Option
How Long?
Tips
Fridge
4 days
Let cool fully before storing in airtight containers.
Freezer
3 months
Freeze in single portions for easy reheating.
Pro Tip: Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen up the chili if it thickens too much in storage.
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne
Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne combines hearty, slow-cooked flavors with well-balanced spices that develop depth without overwhelming the palate. This approach highlights how layering ingredients and cooking time can elevate a classic dish into something comforting and richly textured.
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Perfecting the Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne
This Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne recipe took several rounds to nail downone time I accidentally over-spiced it, and another time it was too watery. After a few lessons in timing and seasoning, I finally landed on a version that’s rich, balanced, and full of heart, making all the trial and error worthwhile.
FAQs ( Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne )
What makes the Hairy Bikers chilli con carne recipe special?
The Hairy Bikers’ chilli con carne stands out for its perfect balance of rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Their recipe typically features a blend of ground beef and beans, slow-cooked with aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder. The secret lies in their technique of browning the meat properly and building layers of flavor with onions, garlic, and a splash of dark beer or stock. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s both comforting and packed with authentic taste.
How long does it take to cook Hairy Bikers chilli con carne?
The Hairy Bikers chilli con carne typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish. The prep work usually takes around 15-20 minutes for chopping vegetables and browning the meat. The actual cooking time is about 1-1.5 hours of gentle simmering to allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer, slower cooking process is what makes this chilli so rich and flavorful, so it’s definitely worth the wait!
Can I make Hairy Bikers chilli con carne in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! The Hairy Bikers chilli con carne adapts beautifully to slow cooker preparation. Simply brown the meat and onions in a pan first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooker method actually enhances the flavors even more, making the meat incredibly tender. Just remember to add any beans in the last hour to prevent them from becoming mushy.
What type of beans work best in Hairy Bikers chilli con carne?
The Hairy Bikers typically use kidney beans in their chilli con carne recipe, as they hold their shape well during long cooking and have a creamy texture that complements the meat perfectly. You can use either canned kidney beans (drained and rinsed) or dried beans that have been soaked overnight and pre-cooked. Some variations include a mix of kidney beans and black beans for extra color and texture. Pinto beans or cannellini beans also work wonderfully if you prefer a milder bean flavor.
How spicy is the Hairy Bikers chilli con carne recipe?
The Hairy Bikers chilli con carne has a moderate heat level that most people find comfortable – it’s flavorful without being overwhelming. The recipe typically uses mild to medium chili powder, paprika, and sometimes a touch of cayenne pepper for warmth. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder, or including fresh chilies like jalapenos for extra heat. The beauty of this recipe is that it focuses on building rich, complex flavors rather than just heat, making it perfect for the whole family.
Thomas Baker
Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne – Simple and Irresistible
Rich, meaty, and slow-simmered with red wine and spices, this chilli con carne is hearty, flavour-packed comfort in a bowl, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
