With hunks of beef and lots of tasty veg, this is a healthy take on classic chilli con carne. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall says: “It tastes even better the day after it’s made, so leftovers are a treat.”

Chunky beef chilli recipe

Ingredients:(serves 6-8)

Olive or vegetable oil, for fryingAbout 200g free-range pork belly (rind on or off), cubed800g chuck or stewing steak, cubed150ml red wine (optional)2 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced4 medium carrots, halved and thickly sliced4 garlic cloves, sliced1tsp dried chilli flakes2tsp each cumin and coriander seeds, crushed (or 1tsp each ground)1tsp smoked paprika1 star anise (optional)½–1 fresh red chilli, sliced (optional)A few strips of pared orange zest3–4 sprigs of thyme (optional)400g tin tomatoesAbout 1L hot beef stock, or veg or chicken stock1 large sweet potato (300–400g), peeled and cubed (or you can use squash)2 x 400g tins beans (cannellini, kidney or butter beans), drained and rinsedSea salt and black pepper

Method:1. Set a large heavy frying pan over a high heat and add a dash of oil. When hot, add the pork with some salt and pepper. Cook briskly for several minutes, turning the meat from time to time, until browned all over. Transfer to a large flameproof casserole dish. Repeat the browning process with the beef, doing it in two batches so as not to crowd the pan, seasoning it as you go and adding a dash more oil to the pan if necessary.

2. When all the meat is browned and transferred to the casserole, reduce the heat under the pan to low and pour in the red wine (or 150ml of the hot stock). It will bubble and hiss. Stir the liquid, scraping the pan with a spatula, to release all the caramelised meaty bits from the base of the pan. Bring to a simmer and set aside.

3. Meanwhile, add the onions, carrots, garlic, spices, chilli if using, orange zest, a pinch of salt and a twist of pepper, plus the thyme if using, to the casserole with the browned meat. Cook over a medium heat, stirring often, for eight to 10 minutes to soften the veg.

4. Tip the liquid from the frying pan over the meat. Add the tomatoes and hot stock; if the liquor isn’t enough to cover everything, add a little more stock or boiling water. Bring to a low simmer and cook very gently for one-and-a-half hours or until the meat is becoming tender.

5. Add the sweet potato and beans (with a little more hot stock or water if needed) and cook for a further 30 to 45 minutes. Check that all the meat and veg are nice and tender, tweak the seasoning and the chilli is ready to serve.

Eat Better Forever by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, photography by Simon Wheeler, is published by Bloomsbury, priced £26. Available now (bloomsbury.com)