Hearty Cowboy Chili: Robust Bean & Beef Recipe (Print Version)

Hearty Cowboy Chili brings big flavor to your table. Rich beef, smoky spices, and tender beans make this a comforting, satisfying meal for any night.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 90 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 110 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High Protein, Dairy-Free (without toppings)

# Ingredients:

→ Hearty Base

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
03 - 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
05 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if possible)
06 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
07 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

# Instructions:

01 - Grab your biggest pot or Dutch oven, drizzle in a bit of oil, and get it hot over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want a good, deep brown color here, not just grey. Drain off most of that fat—I usually leave a tiny bit for flavor, but too much makes it greasy. Then, add your chopped onion and let it soften, about 5-7 minutes, until it's translucent. Next, stir in that minced garlic; honestly, the smell at this stage is just heavenly, a real kitchen mood-setter!
02 - Once the garlic is fragrant, sprinkle in all your spices: the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir them around for about a minute. This step is crucial; it toasts the spices and really wakes up their flavors. I once rushed this, and the chili just wasn't as vibrant, so don't skip it! You'll notice a rich, earthy aroma filling your kitchen—that's how you know you're doing it right. Keep stirring to prevent burning, but let them get nice and toasty.
03 - Pour in your beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes. Give everything a good stir, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Those bits are pure flavor, my friend! This is where the magic starts, and the chili begins to take on its deep, reddish hue. Bring it to a gentle simmer. It should smell tangy and rich, a promise of what's to come. Don't be afraid to adjust the heat a bit here.
04 - Now, add your well-rinsed kidney and black beans to the pot. Stir them in gently. Bring the chili back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it do its thing. I usually let it simmer for at least 45 minutes to an hour, but honestly, the longer, the better—up to 2-3 hours if you have the time! This slow simmer allows all those flavors to meld and deepen beautifully. My house always smells incredible during this stage.
05 - After simmering, give your chili a good stir. Now's the time to taste and adjust! Add salt and pepper to your liking. I usually start with a teaspoon of salt and a half teaspoon of pepper, then add more if needed. Sometimes I even add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. This is your chili, so make it sing for your taste buds! Don't be shy with the seasonings; a little more can make a big difference.
06 - Once you're happy with the seasoning and consistency—it should be thick and hearty—it's ready! Ladle your chili into bowls. This is where you can get creative with your favorite toppings! A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, some shredded cheddar cheese, maybe a few jalapeño slices for a kick. It should look rich, smell deeply savory, and taste like pure comfort. Enjoy that first warm, satisfying bite!

# Notes:

01 - Why You'll Love This Recipe: It's surprisingly straightforward, even when I make a mess. Great for those who claim they don't like beans (they won't even notice!). Pure comfort food, feels like a warm blanket on a cold day. Perfect for a relaxed night in with a good movie. Makes enough for leftovers, which taste even better the next day. Just has that emotional depth that really satisfies. You Must Know: Always toast your spices for about a minute before adding liquids; it wakes up their flavor so much! Don't forget to drain most of the fat from the ground beef; I learned that the hard way with a greasy chili once. A pinch of cocoa powder (unsweetened!) can add incredible depth and color to your chili. Pro Tips: Don't be afraid to add a secret ingredient like a splash of coffee or a square of dark chocolate to deepen the flavor. Always let your Hearty Cowboy Chili rest for about 10-15 minutes after cooking; it really allows the flavors to settle and intensify. Try serving it with a side of jalapeño cheddar cornbread for an extra kick and texture.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Biggest pot or Dutch oven

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