When you need a hearty, high-protein meal that’s packed with flavour, chilli con carne is a go-to classic. This version is made with extra-lean beef mince, loads of veggies, and a rich blend of spices, making it both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on its own or a versatile filling for tacos, nachos, or burritos, this dish is the ultimate all-rounder.
With 136g of protein per batch, this chilli con carne is perfect for meal prep and easily customisable to suit your preferences. Plus, it tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal.
Nutritional Info (Approximate) p/serve:
Calories: 326
Pro: 34g
Carb: 33g
Fat: 8g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ High in Protein – With 136g of protein per batch, this dish is excellent for muscle recovery and keeping you full.✔ Loaded with Veggies – Zucchini, capsicum, and onions add fibre and essential vitamins.✔ One-Pan Wonder – Everything cooks in a single pan, making clean-up a breeze.✔ Versatile & Meal Prep Friendly – Enjoy it in different ways throughout the week!
Chilli Con Carne Mince
Ingredients (Serves 4)
500g 5% fat extra lean beef mince (Coles)
200g onions (finely chopped)
150g zucchini (grated or diced)
100g capsicum (diced)
40g tomato paste (Woolworths)
200g diced Italian tomatoes (Woolworths)
250ml no added MSG beef stock (Woolworths)
4 servings four bean mix (no added salt, Woolworths, drained & rinsed)
30g Mingle Crave This Chilli Con Carne Recipe Base
Directions
1. Sauté the Onion
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This brings out its natural sweetness and enhances the flavour of the dish.
2. Brown the Beef
Add the extra-lean beef mince to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. This ensures an even texture and locks in flavour.
3. Build the Flavour
Stir in the tomato paste and Mingle’s Chilli Con Carne Recipe Base, cooking for 1-2 minutes to let the spices bloom. This step intensifies the depth of flavour before adding liquids.
4. Add the Veggies & Beans
Stir in the diced capsicum, zucchini, and drained four bean mix. These ingredients add volume, texture, and a dose of fibre, keeping the dish balanced and nutrient-dense.
5. Simmer Until Perfect
Pour in the beef stock and diced tomatoes, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavour.
6. Rest & Enhance the Flavour
Turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let the chilli sit for 10 minutes before serving. This step allows the flavours to deepen and creates an even more delicious result.
How to Serve Your Chilli Con Carne
This chilli con carne is incredibly versatile! Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it:
🌯 Tacos & Burritos – Load into soft tortillas with lettuce, cheese, and guacamole.🍟 Loaded Nachos – Spoon over crunchy corn chips and top with melted cheese.🍚 Rice Bowls – Serve over brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa.🥔 Loaded Potatoes – Spoon onto a baked sweet potato with a dollop of Greek yoghurt.🥗 Salad Bowls – Add over a bed of greens with avocado and salsa.🍞 On Toast – A hearty and flavourful toast topper, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Extra toppings to take it to the next level:🧀 Cheese – Grated cheddar, mozzarella, or feta for extra creaminess.🥑 Guacamole – A fresh avocado smash balances out the spice.🌿 Fresh Coriander – Adds brightness and freshness.🥄 Sour Cream or Greek Yoghurt – Helps cool down the heat.🌶️ Extra Chilli Flakes – For those who love an extra fiery kick!
Tips & Tricks for the Best Chilli Con Carne
Use an Air Fryer for Extra Crispiness – Want crispy beef? Brown the mince in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes before adding it to the pan.
Make it Spicier – Add extra chilli powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh jalapeños if you love heat.
Reduce the Carbs – Skip the beans and add extra zucchini or mushrooms for a lower-carb option.
Slow Cook for Richer Flavour – If you have extra time, let the chilli simmer for up to an hour for an even deeper, richer taste.
Double the Batch for Meal Prep – This recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Why This Recipe is a Nutritional Winner
🥩 Lean Beef – A fantastic source of high-quality protein and iron.🫘 Beans – Provide plant-based protein, fibre, and slow-releasing energy.🍅 Tomatoes – Packed with antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health.🥒 Zucchini & Capsicum – Low-calorie veggies that add vitamins and texture.🍜 Beef Stock – Enhances the umami richness while keeping the dish moist.
With 136g of protein, 134g of carbs, and 32g of fat per batch, this meal is balanced for muscle recovery, energy, and satisfaction.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is easily adaptable based on your dietary needs:
🌱 Vegetarian Version – Swap the beef for lentils or a plant-based mince.🍗 Chicken Option – Use lean chicken mince instead of beef.🌾 Gluten-Free – Ensure the beef stock and seasoning mix are gluten-free.
This high-protein chilli con carne is a meal-prep game-changer that works for lunches, dinners, and everything in between. Try it out and tag us with #Uvolve—we’d love to see how you serve yours!
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