This hearty Cowboy Chili is a delicious mix of ground beef, beans, and spices cooked to perfection. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in!
I love how filling it is—great for sharing with friends while telling stories around a campfire or just in your living room. Plus, it’s easy to make! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star ingredient that provides the meaty base. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute lean ground turkey or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
Kidney Beans: They add great texture and protein. If you don’t have kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans work well too. Just ensure they’re drained and rinsed to remove excess sodium.
Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can be used if you like that homemade taste. Alternatively, crushed tomatoes can provide a thicker consistency.
Chili Powder: This gives the chili its signature flavor. For a twist, you can use a mix of different chili powders like ancho or chipotle, or even smoked paprika for a richer taste.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking! Adding some ground coriander or additional cayenne pepper can elevate the heat and flavor.
How Can You Ensure Your Chili Has the Best Flavor?
The key to great chili lies in how well you cook the ingredients and how long you let them blend. Start by browning the meat and onions properly. This creates a lot of flavor!
- Use medium heat, and make sure to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
- After adding the spices, allow them to cook for a minute; this helps release their essential oils and enhances the flavors.
- The longer you allow the chili to simmer (up to an hour or more), the richer the flavor will become. Just keep it covered and stir occasionally.
Finally, tasting and adjusting seasoning at the end is essential—trust your taste buds! If you want more kick, add a splash of hot sauce or extra chili powder before serving.
How to Make Cowboy Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chili:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 410g) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For Garnishing:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cowboy Chili will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, giving you a total of roughly 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, but hearty enough to impress your family and friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the chopped onion and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it softens. Stir it occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
2. Adding Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 30 seconds. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Browning the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, and continue until it’s browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Mixing in Spices:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper if you’re feeling adventurous. Let these cook for about 1 minute so that the spices can release their flavors.
5. Adding the Rest:
Next up, add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes (don’t forget to include their juice), kidney beans, and beef broth. Give it all a good stir so everything is combined well.
6. Letting It Simmer:
Bring your chili to a gentle simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for at least 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. If you have more time, feel free to let it simmer longer—it only gets better!
7. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, give your chili a taste. This is the moment to add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if you want it spicier or seasoned to your liking.
8. Serve It Up:
When you’re ready to serve, ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro. Enjoy every comforting bite of your Cowboy Chili!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef. Just keep in mind that it may not be as rich in flavor, so you might want to season it a little more.
What If I Don’t Have Kidney Beans?
No worries! If you don’t have kidney beans, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or any other bean you prefer. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the chili.
How Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use more beans and vegetables for added texture. You might also want to add extra spices for flavor!
Can I Freeze Leftover Chili?
Yes! Cowboy Chili freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or microwave.
