Jamie Oliver 15 Minute Meal Chilli Con Carne Meatballs

This Jamie Oliver 15 Minute Meal Chilli Con Carne Meatballs is a rich and smoky recipe, which includes lean beef mince and jarred red peppers. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 15 minutes.

Jamie Oliver 15 Minute Meal Chilli Con Carne Meatballs Ingredients

Bulgur Wheat

• 1 mug (300g) of bulgur wheat
• 1 preserved lemon
• 1 cinnamon stick

Meatballs

• 400g lean beef mince
• 1 heaped tsp garam masala
• Olive oil
• 3 jarred red peppers
• 4 spring onions
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 700g passata
• 1 bunch of fresh coriander
• 1 × 400g tin of red kidney beans
• 1 pinch of cumin seeds
• 4 tbsp fat-free natural yoghurt
• 1 lime

Grilled Chillies

• 4 fresh chillies

How To Make Jamie Oliver 15 Minute Meal Chilli Con Carne Meatballs

1. Cook Bulgur Wheat: Combine bulgur, 2 mugs of boiling water, preserved lemon, and cinnamon stick in a medium pan. Cover and stir occasionally.
2. Shape Meatballs: Mix mince with salt, pepper, and garam masala. Form 16 small balls and place in a hot frying pan with oil, tossing regularly.
3. Make The Sauce: Blend red peppers, half the spring onions, paprika, passata, and half the coriander. Pour into a new pan with a splash of water.
4. Char The Chillies: Prick and grill chillies until blackened.
5. Add Beans: Rinse beans, add to meatballs with cumin. Transfer meatballs into sauce, leaving beans behind.
6. Finish Sauce: Slice remaining spring onions. Stir beans into the sauce.
7. Serve It Up: Remove cinnamon stick. Mash preserved lemon into bulgur. Serve with meatballs, yoghurt, charred chillies, lime wedges, and fresh herbs.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use couscous instead of bulgur? Yes, couscous is quicker but has a different texture.
• How spicy is this dish? The grilled chillies add optional heat—omit them for a milder version.
• How to prevent dry meatballs: Don’t overcook and keep them small for fast, even cooking.
• Why use jarred peppers? They add sweetness and smokiness instantly without roasting fresh ones.
• Can I freeze the sauce? Yes, the meatball sauce freezes well for up to 1 month.

What To Serve With Chilli Con Carne Meatballs

This dish is complete on its own but pairs well with:

• Warm flatbreads
• Crisp green salad
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Steamed rice
• Avocado slices

How To Store Chilli Con Carne Meatballs

Refrigerate: Store meatballs and bulgur separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freeze: The sauce and meatballs can be frozen for up to 1 month. Defrost and reheat gently before serving.

Chilli Con Carne Meatballs Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 437 kcal per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 8g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

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