There’s something about cold weather that makes me crave a hearty, comforting bowl of chili.
This Cowboy Chili is a nod to traditional recipes handed down through generations, loaded with bold flavors, tender ground beef, and hearty beans.
Perfect for gatherings or a cozy meal at home, it’s a dish that will warm you from the inside out.
Cowboy Chili is a rustic, one-pot dish that combines ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and bold spices for a comforting and flavorful meal.
It’s simple to prepare and can be adapted with different types of meat or beans.
Serve it with cornbread or crackers for the ultimate cowboy-style comfort food.
Authentic Cowboy Chili
Course: MainDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes1
hour300
kcalIngredients
- For the Chili:
2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
2 medium onions, diced
2 cans (10 oz each) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), drained
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup water
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chipotle relish or 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (optional for extra smokiness)
- For Serving:
Grated cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Chopped green onions
Cornbread or crackers
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the onions and drain the cans of diced tomatoes and kidney beans.
- Step 2: Brown the Meat and Onions
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until it begins to brown, breaking it into small pieces.
- Add the diced onions and continue cooking until the onions are translucent and the beef is fully browned.
- Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Beans
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and water.
- Step 4: Season the Chili
- Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- If desired, stir in chipotle relish or adobo sauce for extra flavor.
- Step 5: Simmer
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 40–45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 6: Serve
- Ladle the chili into bowls and top with grated cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
- Serve with cornbread or crackers on the side.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Meat Variations: This chili can be made with ground pork, turkey, or venison for a unique twist.
- Beans or No Beans: Feel free to skip the beans for a traditional meat-only chili.
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder and chipotle relish to suit your heat preference.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
Freezing: Freeze chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
