Time-Saving Tuesdays – Mags Cheats Chilli Con Carne

Ok, this is going to sound bizarre… yes it really will but it works, to a point. I’m not pretending in any way this is authentic or genuine or even nice… no it is nice I wouldn’t post it if it wasn’t but please don’t write in complaining because it does work trust me.

Time-Saving Tuesdays – Ingredients For Cheats Chilli Con Carne
Time-Saving Tuesdays – Ingredients For Cheats Chilli Con Carne

Yes, this is a recipe, it’s a bit like my Cheat’s Shepherd’s Pie but only spicy, and with kidney beans… so ok nothing like it 😆 . The ingredients and equipment are simple, it’s what you see above.

  • A tin of Minced Beef and Onion
  • A tin of Red Kidney Beans
  • Minced Garlic Granules
  • Mixed Dry Herbs
  • Chilli Powder
  • Salt and Pepper

You will also need a couple of teaspoons, a wooden spoon and your favourite small saucepan… mine is above.

Time-Saving Tuesdays –  Cheats Chilli Con Carne - Tinned Minced Beef In The Sauce Pan
Time-Saving Tuesdays – Cheats Chilli Con Carne – Tinned Minced Beef In The Sauce Pan

Pour all the minced beef into the saucepan, I know, I know it does look a cross between dog food and baby food but it’s lush honestly and I really love the Asda variety, which helps because it’s where my mother shops.

Time-Saving Tuesdays –  Cheats Chilli Con Carne - Red Kidney Beans In The Sieve
Time-Saving Tuesdays – Cheats Chilli Con Carne – Red Kidney Beans In The Sieve

Tip the red kidney beans into a sieve and then run cold water over them…. normally I would place them in boiling water from the kettle to soften them but they were ok as they were… I think I’ve learned something your honour!

Time-Saving Tuesdays –  Cheats Chilli Con Carne - Minced Beef and Red Kidney Beans In The Sauce Pan
Time-Saving Tuesdays – Cheats Chilli Con Carne – Minced Beef and Red Kidney Beans In The Sauce Pan

I want to shout this in the style of Part Sharp on an early 90’s children’s game show but… MIX! All right I know I went off on one then but I’m allowed. Tip the kidney beans on to the minced beef, I didn’t mix them together at this point as such, I thought it would make more sense to do it all at the same time… saving time is what it’s all about

Time-Saving Tuesdays –  Cheats Chilli Con Carne - Adding The Herbs and Spices
Time-Saving Tuesdays – Cheats Chilli Con Carne – Adding The Herbs and Spices

Add the Mixed Dry Herbs, Garlic and Chilli Powder to taste. I went with a tablespoon of Mixed Dry Herbs, a teaspoon of Chilli Garlic Granules and a ¼ of a teaspoon of the chilli powder. Now stir everything together and place on a medium high heat to warm everything through.

Time-Saving Tuesdays –  Cheats Chilli Con Carne - Cooking Away Nicely
Time-Saving Tuesdays – Cheats Chilli Con Carne – Cooking Away Nicely

Stir regularly to ensure it all combines and then season with salt and pepper. Remember as I said at the top of the post, it’s not traditional or authentic, but it’s quick and easy and as long as you season it properly it’s really tasty too.

Time-Saving Tuesdays –  Cheats Chilli Con Carne and Boiled Potatoes
Time-Saving Tuesdays – Cheats Chilli Con Carne and Boiled Potatoes

I’ve served this with boiled potatoes because… in the #TimeSavingTuesdays theme we had them left over. It’s an excellent little cheat’s recipe. If you don’t want to go to this much faff… and trust me it’s not a faff you can buy Asda Chilli Con Carne which was a 7 out of 10, read my review here.

My mother is in hospital at the moment, and I don’t think it would be fair to take the credit for this because it was her idea… she’s been saying about it for a while but I’ve not got around to it. I’m glad I did… well done Mags and I can’t wait to see you home 😀

Nobody ever knows what goes on in people’s minds but I am so grateful for my friends and family for all their help while my mother has been in hospital. The people in this picture below…. your loved, but i hope you know that!

Family and Friends... they're equally important :D
Family and Friends… they’re equally important 😀

Come back in the week for the piece de resistance, the end of my Mother’s Day Menu the Nutella and Oreo Cheesecake. You can read how to make the starter of Scallops With Curried Cauliflower Purée with Smoked Bacon or the main of Duck with Sautéed Potatoes and a Balsamic Berry Jus.

See you soon… happy days!!

2 Comments

Like what you've read, leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.