Name: Cowboy Chili Recipe: Hearty, Smoky, and Made for the Trail
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend); 1 large onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred); 1 cup beef broth; 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tbsp ground cumin; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt & black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled; ½ cup dark beer or brewed coffee; 1 small can green chiles; 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder or dark chocolate; 2 tbsp masa harina or crushed tortilla chips (for thickening)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a hot bowl of cowboy chili after a long day. Whether you’re feeding the family or a hungry crowd, this dish delivers bold flavor, rustic charm, and that unmistakable taste of the American frontier. Unlike regular chili, the cowboy chili recipe skips the beans, amps up the smoke, and gets straight to the point—just like the cowboys who inspired it.

But this article goes beyond just a recipe. You’ll learn about the history of cowboy chili, why its ingredients matter, and how to tweak the dish to your liking. Whether you’re new to the kitchen or a seasoned cook, you’ll finish this read ready to serve up a pot of chili that impresses every time.

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Why Cowboy Chili Stands Out

Historically, cowboy chili wasn’t just comfort food—it was fuel. Cowboys on the trail needed hearty, easy-to-make meals. Thus, cowboy chili evolved into a rich, meat-heavy stew that could be cooked over open flames using simple staples like beef, dried peppers, and tomatoes.

Unlike traditional chili, this version keeps it rugged and simple: no beans, no sugar, and no fuss. It’s built around meat, spice, and slow simmering, creating a bold flavor profile perfect for cold nights, camping trips, or hearty dinners at home.

Ingredients for Cowboy Chili

This cowboy chili recipe uses everyday ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Ground beef (80/20)	2 lbs	Chuck or brisket blend preferred
Onion	1 large	Finely chopped
Garlic cloves	4 cloves	Minced
Tomato paste	2 tbsp	For deep base flavor
Crushed tomatoes	28 oz can	Fire-roasted preferred
Beef broth	1 cup	Adds moisture and flavor depth
Chipotle peppers	2 in adobo	Chopped for smoky heat
Chili powder	2 tbsp	Must-have spice
Cumin	1 tbsp	Adds warmth and depth
Smoked paprika	1 tbsp	Enhances smokiness
Oregano	1 tsp	Herbal flavor
Salt & Pepper	To taste	Season throughout
Olive oil	2 tbsp	For browning meat

Optional Add-Ins:

Bacon (4 strips): Crispy and crumbled
Green chiles: Mild heat and extra texture
Coffee or dark beer (½ cup): Adds earthy bitterness

How to Make cowboy chili recipe (Step-by-Step)

1. Sear the Beef

In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil and brown the beef in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan—you want a good sear, not steam. That’s where the flavor lives.

2. Add the Aromatics

Add chopped onions, sauté until softened, then stir in garlic. Cook for another minute. Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens—this step is key for umami depth.

3. Bloom the Spices

Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Toast the spices briefly, then add chipotle peppers for that essential smoky punch.

4. Simmer the Chili

Add crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Simmer on low, uncovered, for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally. The sauce will thicken and develop rich, complex flavors.

5. Final Touches

Adjust seasoning. Add lime juice or a splash of vinegar for brightness. Top with shredded cheese, green onions, or sour cream before serving.

Customize Your cowboy chili recipe

Hosting someone with dietary restrictions? Pair this chili with one of our gluten free dairy free dessert recipes to round out a crowd-friendly meal.

Want to add some flair? Try these additions:

Unsweetened cocoa or dark chocolate: Adds richness
Masa harina or crushed tortilla chips: Natural thickener
Fire-roasted poblanos: For an extra-smoky touch

Want it chunkier? Swap ground beef for cubed chuck roast and slow-cook it for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Serving Suggestions

Looking to pair your cowboy chili with a hearty breakfast twist? Try it alongside one of our breakfast recipes without eggs for a satisfying morning meal.

cowboy chili recipe is bold and versatile. Try it:

With jalapeño cheddar cornbread
Over baked potatoes
As a chili dog
With a side of buttered rice

Or make it your star dish during outdoor cookouts by simmering it in a cast-iron pot over an open flame.

FAQs About cowboy chili recipe

What makes cowboy chili recipe different from regular chili?

It’s beanless, smokier, and built around hearty beef and bold spices.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown your beef and aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Is cowboy chili spicy?

Moderately spicy. Reduce chipotle peppers for less heat or add cayenne if you like it fiery.

Does it freeze well?

Absolutely. Let cool, then store in containers for up to 3 months.