Cowboy Chili
A hearty, smoky chili with tender ground beef, vegetables, and bold spices, perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers seeking a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 lb. ground chuck
- 3 medium onions, diced ⓘ
- 2 medium bell peppers, diced
- 2 (8-inch) stalks celery, diced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. jalapeno pepper (optional) ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 16 oz. can tomato sauce
- 2 cans mushroom stems and pieces ⓘ
- 16 oz. can tomato paste
- 2 (3 oz.) bottles chili powder
- 2 Tbsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- garlic salt to taste ⓘ
- onion salt to taste
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onions, bell peppers, celery, and jalapeno in a little oil until tender.
- Add ground chuck and brown the meat thoroughly.
- Mix in stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, mushroom stems and pieces, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, Tabasco, bay leaves, garlic salt, onion salt, salt, and pepper.
- Add enough water to cover the ingredients.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cook for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in beer during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasonings after adding the first bottle of Tabasco.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you're short on time, you can use pre-diced vegetables or canned diced tomatoes. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use canned beans for a vegetarian twist while browsing more vegan recipes. Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cowboy Chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside a dessert like All American Dessert to complete the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring you leave space for expansion. When reheating, add a splash of water to maintain moisture and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cowboy Chili contains roughly 284 calories, with 11g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and calcium (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1596mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, Cowboy Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat on the stovetop before serving.
What can I add to make this chili thicker?
To thicken your chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans or add cornmeal to achieve a thicker consistency.
Is it possible to make Cowboy Chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a deliciously rich flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).