1-Getting started with chili con carne: is simple and fun, especially when you follow these straightforward steps. First, prepare all your ingredients by chopping the onion, garlic, and red capsicum, and measure out the spices and other items. This setup helps everything move smoothly in the kitchen.

2-Next, in a large pot or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced onion, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3-Then, add 1 diced red capsicum and cook for 2 minutes until the onion turns translucent. Turn the heat to high and add 500g of beef mince, breaking it apart as it cooks until mostly browned.

4-Now, stir in the chili spice mix, including 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, 4 teaspoons paprika, 5 teaspoons cumin, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons oregano, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Cook until the beef is browned all over for that rich flavor.

5-After that, mix in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, 800g crushed tomato, 420g drained beans, 2 crumbled beef bouillon cubes, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, and 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups water. Bring it to a simmer for a quick cook on medium-low heat uncovered for 20 to 40 minutes, or cover and simmer on low for 1.5 to 2 hours for deeper flavors. In a slow cooker, use 1/4 cup water and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

6-Finally, adjust the salt to taste and serve hot. For ideas on serving, pair it with rice or corn chips. If you’re looking for more beef-based recipes, check out our easy beef fried rice guide for another quick meal option.