The Ultimate Cowboy Chili Recipe: Simple & Hearty

When I first moved to the U.S., I missed the cozy flavors of home but didn’t have time for complicated meals. This cowboy chili recipe quickly became my go-to for a warm, hearty dinner that’s easy to make after long days. It’s a comforting one-pot meal that brings together simple ingredients and bold flavor without any fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Cowboy Chili Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: Double the meat and use two kinds of beans for an extra-rich taste and texture.
• Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find groceries plus a handy chili seasoning packet save you time.
• Perfect for a Crowd: Easily doubled or tripled for potlucks, game day, or family dinners.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means you spend more time enjoying your meal, less time washing dishes.

What Makes a Chili a “Cowboy Chili”?

Cowboy chili is a hearty, stew-like chili traditionally made with ground beef and beans. Unlike some Texas chilis that skip beans, cowboy chili embraces them fully, adding richness and a satisfying texture. This style reflects rancher roots where filling, nourishing meals were a must after long days working outdoors. The inclusion of both pinto and kidney beans gives the chili that iconic comfort food character, balancing meatiness with the subtle earthiness of the beans. Some variations of chili, like those popularized by the resourceful Chili Queens, might have included beans due to customer requests or to utilize leftover ingredients.

Key Ingredients for This Cowboy Chili Recipe

Using 80/20 ground beef strikes the perfect balance between lean and fat, keeping the chili juicy and flavorful without drying out. Pinto beans bring a soft creaminess, while dark red kidney beans add a firmer bite and deep flavor contrast. The chili seasoning packet is a lifesaver for busy cooks like me, speeding up prep without sacrificing complexity. For an extra depth boost, try adding a tablespoon of instant coffee grounds or a splash of dark beer to enhance the smoky undertones.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 large green bell pepper (diced)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 (15.5 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15.5 ounce) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 3 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (1.25 ounce) package chili seasoning mix
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 (14.4 ounce) cans beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make This Cowboy Chili Recipe (Step-by-Step)

1. Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the stock pot and cook over medium heat until no longer pink, about eight minutes. Strain the beef from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside. Drain all but about one tablespoon of the grease from the pot.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
4. Return the beef: Return the ground beef to the pot.
5. Bloom the spices: Before adding chili powder, sprinkle it in and stir for about 30 seconds to unlock its full flavor potential.
6. Combine remaining ingredients: Add the pinto beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, the chili seasoning mix, chili powder, and beef broth.
7. Bring to boil: Stir until everything is combined, then bring the broth to a boil.
8. Simmer: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium low. Simmer the chili for two hours, stirring occasionally.
9. Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to your preference. Serve cowboy chili hot with your choice of toppings.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Chili Recipe Instructions

To make this cowboy chili in a slow cooker, start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Next, sauté the diced onion and green bell pepper until tender. Transfer the browned beef and vegetables into the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, pinto beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with juice, chili seasoning mix, chili powder, and beef broth. Stir to combine, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Instant Pot Cowboy Chili Recipe Instructions

Begin by using the ‘Sauté’ function on your Instant Pot. Brown the ground beef thoroughly, then add diced onion and green bell pepper; sauté until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Stir in the pinto beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with juice, chili seasoning mix, chili powder, and beef broth. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 20 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release, then open the lid, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

Cowboy Chili Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Best Toppings and Sides for Cowboy Chili

Try setting up a chili toppings bar with fun, tasty options like:

• Crushed Fritos
• Pickled red onions
• Sliced avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Jalapeño slices
• Cotija cheese
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar
• Diced red onion
• Lime wedges

For sides, classic cornbread pairs perfectly, but skillet cornbread or serving your cowboy chili over steamed rice or a baked potato also makes a satisfying meal. For another hearty and comforting meal option, consider this foolproof broccoli cheddar soup recipe.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

Store leftover cowboy chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; it tastes even better the next day as flavors have time to meld. For longer storage, freeze chili in portioned containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl until heated through, stirring halfway to maintain texture.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cowboy Chili

Conclusion

This cowboy chili recipe is my favorite for cozy nights when I want something hearty, easy, and full of flavor. It’s a simple one-pot meal that delivers big on comfort without all the fuss. Now I want to hear from you: What’s YOUR secret ingredient for the perfect chili? I’d love to see your ideas in the comments below! If you loved this recipe, please leave a star rating and share the warmth with others. Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest @aisharecipes

Cowboy Chili Recipe

A hearty and flavorful Cowboy Chili recipe made with ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices. Perfect for a comforting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
• 1 medium onion diced
• 1 large green bell pepper diced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 15.5 ounce can pinto beans rinsed and drained
• 1 15.5 ounce can dark red kidney beans rinsed and drained
• 3 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes
• 1 1.25 ounce package chili seasoning mix
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 14.4 ounce cans beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Stock pot
• Slotted spoon

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. Cook ground beef in a stock pot over medium heat until no longer pink, then strain and set aside, leaving 1 tablespoon of grease.
2. Sauté diced onion and green bell pepper in the remaining grease until tender.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Return the ground beef to the pot.
5. Add pinto beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili seasoning mix, chili powder, and beef broth, then stir to combine.
6. Bring the broth to a boil, then cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the chili sit for a few hours before serving. Top with cheese, sour cream, or green onions for added taste.