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The Ultimate Dutch Oven Chili Recipe: Hearty, Flavorful, and Easy to Make

The Ultimate Dutch Oven Chili Recipe: Hearty, Flavorful, and Easy to Make


  • Author: chef red
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (minimum, can be 3 hours + for deeper flavor)
  • Yield: 8-10 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Dutch Oven Chili recipe is a robust and flavorful meal, perfect for a cozy night in or a casual gathering. The slow simmering in a Dutch oven allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying chili that’s packed with meat, beans, and aromatic spices. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your spice preference and favorite additions.


Ingredients

  • Meat:

    • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)

    • 1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, your preference)

  • Aromatics & Base:

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil

    • 1 large yellow onion, chopped

    • 2 green bell peppers, chopped

    • 4 cloves garlic, minced

    • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

    • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

    • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

    • 1 cup beef broth

  • Spices & Seasoning:

    • 2 tablespoons chili powder

    • 1 tablespoon ground cumin

    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

    • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

    • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • Beans:

    • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

    • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

    • 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed (optional)

  • Optional Add-ins:

    • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for balancing flavors)

    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

    • Sour cream or shredded cheese, for serving


Instructions

  1. Brown the Meats: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onions and green bell peppers to the Dutch oven. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.

  4. Add Spices: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

  5. Add Beans and Other Ingredients: Add kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans (if using), jalapeño (if using), tomato paste, and brown sugar (if using). Stir to incorporate.

  6. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2-3 hours for deeper flavor. Stir occasionally. If you wish to thicken the chili, remove the cover during the last 30 minutes of simmering.

  7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper, or other seasonings, to your preference.

  8. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, or your preferred toppings.

Notes

  • The longer the chili simmers, the more developed the flavors will become.

  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your heat preference. You can add more or less depending on how spicy you want your chili.

  • For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cook time.

  • To make it spicier, add some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or a dash of hot sauce.

  • If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a large, heavy-bottomed pot will work too.

  • Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped carrots or celery.

  • For a sweeter chili, add a touch more brown sugar or maple syrup.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (minimum, can simmer longer)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Dutch Oven/Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: dutch oven chili, chili recipe, beef chili, hearty chili, easy chili, one-pot meal