Cowpoke Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with ground beef, beans, and bold spices, perfect for comfort food lovers and ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz) can beef broth ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, undrained ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed oregano ⓘ
- dash red pepper ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz) package baby lima beans (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic; drain off excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth until smooth.
- Add kidney beans and seasonings, including chili powder, crushed oregano, and red pepper.
- Add lima beans if using.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of hot sauce to the chili. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for lentils or textured vegetable protein. Fresh herbs like cilantro or chives can also enhance the flavor. Don't hesitate to adjust the spice level by varying the amount of chili powder and red pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cowpoke Chili with cornbread or over rice for a filling meal. Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños add a nice touch. It pairs beautifully with Baked Stuffed Hamburger for a hearty dinner. Consider a side salad to balance the richness of the chili.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cowpoke Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cowpoke Chili contains roughly 832 calories, with 40g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (150% of the Daily Value), iron (93% of the Daily Value), and protein (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 912mg per serving (40% 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 use other types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! While kidney beans are traditional, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a different texture and flavor. Just ensure they are cooked and drained properly if using canned beans to maintain the integrity of the chili.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. For an extra kick, consider adding a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix.
Is it possible to prepare this chili in advance?
Yes, Cowpoke Chili can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld. Simply cook and cool it, then store in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving, as the taste often improves overnight.
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).