Healthy Recipe: Chilli Con Carne

Key to Life Health and Fitness • February 28, 2021

Healthy Recipe: Chilli Con Carne

Ingredients


  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 brown onion, finely chopped 
  • 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
  • 500g extra lean beef mince
  • 3 teaspoons Mexican spice mix
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 115g (1/2 cup) red lentils
  • 400g can diced tomatoes
  • 120g chargrilled capsicum strips, drained
  • 400g can black beans or kidney beans, rinsed, drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh coriander
  • 2 long fresh green chillies, sliced
  • Natural yoghurt, to serve (optional)


Method


Step 1

Heat the oil in a large heavy based pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery, and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes. Add mince and cook, breaking up any large pieces with a wooden spoon, for 4 minutes Add the spice mix and cumin. Season well.


Step 2

Stir in lentils and tomato. Add 375ml (1½ cups) water. Bring mixture to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until the lentils are cooked and mixture has thickened.


Step 3

Stir through the capsicum and beans, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir through half the coriander and half the chilli.


Divide chilli con carne among serving bowls. Scatter with the remaining coriander and chilli. Serve with yoghurt, if using

Iron, Calcium & Key Nutrients Often Missed
By Key to Life Health and Fitness • September 24, 2026
Modern eating habits, busy schedules, and reduced outdoor time all contribute to nutrient gaps. The good news is that small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference.
Breathing for Calm: Simple Techniques to Reduce Stress
By Key to Life Health and Fitness • September 1, 2026
Breathing is a built‑in stress‑management system that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. When life becomes busy or overwhelming, breathing patterns often shift without us noticing—becoming shallow, fast, or irregular. This signals the body to stay alert, keeping the nervous system in a heightened state.
Rediscovering Movement: Exercise That Feels Good, Not Punishing
By Key to Life Health and Fitness • September 1, 2026
Many people grew up with fitness messages focused on intensity, discipline, and “earning” food. Over time, this can create an unhealthy relationship with exercise—one driven by guilt or pressure rather than enjoyment.
Alison Curl our September Member of the Month.
By Key to Life Health and Fitness • September 1, 2026
Congratulations to Alison Curl our September Member of the Month. ​Alison has been a KTL member for over seven months, and in that time she has gone from strength to strength. She began in our Seniors classes, building a solid foundation of strength, mobility and confidence.
Beef mince and pumpkin protein dinner bake
By Key to Life Health and Fitness • September 1, 2026
This beef mince and pumpkin protein dinner bake ticks all the nutritious (and delicious) boxes for a midweek dinner. It’s a bowl of comfort that’s brimming with flavour. A lighter, brighter lasagne, this bake can also be made gluten free if you use gluten-free lasagne sheets.
By Key to Life Health and Fitness • August 12, 2026
Rohan has been a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor at Key to Life for over 10 years. He brings a wealth of experience to each and every session and walks-the-talk with his personal commitment to his health and well-being.
More Posts