Cheesy Toast-Topped Chilli con Carne
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A hearty and comforting Chilli con Carne topped with crispy, cheese-covered toast — the perfect cozy meal for family dinners or cold evenings.
- Author: Laura
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 500g minced beef
- 1 can (400g) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 250ml beef stock or broth
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4–6 thick-cut bread slices
- 150g grated cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the minced beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add chopped tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef stock. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pour the chilli into an ovenproof dish.
- Lay the bread slices over the top of the chilli, slightly overlapping if needed.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese generously over the bread slices.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef with lentils or a meat substitute.
- Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option.
- Make the chilli base ahead and bake with cheese and toast before serving.
- Use slightly stale or pre-toasted bread to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg