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Hearty Cowboy Chili with beans and meat, served in a bowl for a comforting meal.

Loaded Cowboy Chili

A hearty, bacon-forward chili recipe that combines beef chuck, beans, and a blend of spices, perfect for chilly nights.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Campfire
Servings 8 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

Meats

  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into small cubes, or 85 percent lean ground beef

Vegetables

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasoning

  • 3 tablespoons chili seasoning blend
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 to 2 pieces chipotle peppers in adobo, minced, plus 1 tablespoon sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Canned Goods

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes, 28 ounces
  • 2 cups beef broth, plus more as needed
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 can pinto beans, drained
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained

Other

  • Salt and pepper, to taste Optional: a splash of liquid smoke for extra campfire feel

Instructions
 

Cooking

  • Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp. Scoop it out and leave 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the pot.
  • Brown the beef in that fat. Work in batches so the meat sears, not steams. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add onion and green pepper. Cook until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  • Sprinkle in chili seasoning, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano. Stir to coat the meat and veggies.
  • Add chipotle, adobo sauce, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release flavor.
  • Simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring now and then, until the beef is tender.
  • Stir in all three beans and the bacon. Cook 10 more minutes. If it is too thick, add a splash of broth.
  • Finish with apple cider vinegar to brighten. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or heat.

Notes

This chili freezes well, reheats beautifully, and tastes even better the next day. For best flavor, brown your meat well and season in layers.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 800mgFiber: 12gSugar: 5g
Keyword Chili, Comfort Food, Cowboy Chili, Easy Dinner, Hearty Soup
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