Cooking Basics
How to freeze chilli con carne: A step-by-step guide
February 23, 2022
Chilli con carne is probably one of American cuisine’s most famous and popular dishes. Yes, it’s from the States! This delicious dish comes from southern Texas, and not, as many believe, from Mexico.
The classic ingredients are minced meat, kidney beans, onions, chilli peppers and passata or chopped tomatoes. Sweetcorn is sometimes added by the Brits, but it doesn’t really belong in a classic chilli.
Chilli con carne usually simmers for hours. For those who love meal-prepping, this is perfect! Cook a large pot full of chilli on a Sunday, and you’re set for the coming week. But what do you do with the rest if you can’t face eating the same meal five days in a row? How long does chilli con carne keep in the fridge?
Don’t worry! Your delicious chilli is not going to go to waste. You can easily freeze chilli con carne. There are just a few things to consider first. Before freezing, it is imperative that you let the dish cool down first. IF you try to freeze your chilli while it’s still warm, the taste will be badly affected when you defrost it. Follow this step-by-step guide and learn how to successfully freeze chilli con carne.
How to season chilli con carne
First of all, let’s talk about how to make chilli con carne. We have several recipes on our website for chilli con carne, including this delicious quick vegan chilli packed with lentils and beans. There’s also a fun chilli bowl recipe served with rice and salad. One thing they all have in common? They are all seasoned perfectly with our Chilli con Carne Seasoning, containing a delicious blend of paprika, cumin, chilli and even cocoa powder. Quickly throw your ingredients into the saucepan plus a tablespoon of this seasoning blend, and you have a beautiful dish with wonderful flavour.
If you’d like to improve your own chilli con carne recipe, you could also try our Meat Allrounder, Ground Meat Seasoning or Mexican Allrounder seasoning. These blends contain a perfectly balanced mix of herbs and spices to brighten up your chilli or other mince-based dishes. Or bring the fire with our Extra Spicy Seasoning!
How to freeze chilli con carne
To freeze, transfer the cooled chilli into individual plastic containers that can be tightly sealed. These containers are a better choice than freezer bags because you can ensure an airtight seal – crucial for preventing freezer burn and preserving the chilli’s flavour and texture.
Using smaller plastic containers is also practical for both freezing and portion control. This way, when it’s time to defrost, you can thaw just the amount you need without having to defrost the whole batch. If you would prefer to use freezer bags, make sure you securely close them with a clip or tie.
How long can you freeze chilli con carne for?
The chilli will be fine in the freezer for 4–6 months. If you’re unsure whether it’s still good, give it a sniff or taste a little bit. If it seems sour, it’s best to throw it out. If the appearance of the chilli has changed dramatically, it’s safer not to eat it.
Remember, it’s generally not a good idea to freeze chilli con carne for more than 6 months. The higher fat content in the minced meat can lead to it becoming rancid over time, affecting the flavour.
What is the best way to thaw frozen chilli con carne?
Quick and easy, just the way we like it! Simply throw the frozen chilli con carne into a saucepan. Then gently heat it over a low to medium heat. This slow heating ensures your delicious chilli retains its characteristic aromas and flavours. Alternatively, for a gentler thaw, place the frozen chilli in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a saucepan in the same manner.
Get more inspiration from Just Spices
Would you like more inspiration, expert tips and delicious recipes? Our website is packed with helpful information to give you the edge when it comes to cooking delicious food. We want you to feel empowered to take charge in the kitchen and create tasty meals without the hassle. Try our wonderful recipes created by our in-house chefs – the same chefs who design and create all our seasonings and spice blends. Our blog is full of useful ideas when it comes to seasoning meat correctly or learning how to cook pasta, for example. And you can also read more about how Just Spices came about – and what our mission is!
