Are you ready to experience a chili so good, it'll win awards (at least in your own home)? This Cowboy Chili recipe is a delicious blend of hearty beef, vibrant vegetables, and just the right amount of spice. It's perfect for a chilly evening, a weekend gathering, or even a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. This easy recipe is surprisingly healthy, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking delicious and nutritious homemade cooking. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this best recipe for Cowboy Chili!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes a generous 6-8 servings.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and chuck)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, tortilla chips
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds flavor and creates a wonderful base for your chili.
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Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Simmer: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally.
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Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chili:
- For a deeper flavor: Consider using a combination of ground beef and chuck for a richer, more complex taste.
- Adjust the spice level: Start with less cayenne pepper and add more to taste. If you prefer a milder chili, omit the cayenne pepper altogether.
- Slow cooking is key: Allowing the chili to simmer for a longer time will deepen the flavors and tenderize the beans.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, carrots, or zucchini to customize your chili.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of lentils or 2 cups of chopped mushrooms.
- Spicy Chili: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño pepper for extra heat.
- White Chicken Chili: Replace the ground beef with shredded chicken and use white beans instead of kidney, pinto, and black beans. Adjust seasonings as needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
- Fiber: Approximately 10-12g
This hearty and healthy Cowboy Chili recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, a weekend get-together, or a chilly night in. Enjoy this award-winning recipe and let us know how yours turned out! Remember to share your culinary creations with us – we'd love to see your photos!