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
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Meat:
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2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
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1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, your preference)
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Aromatics & Base:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 large yellow onion, chopped
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2 green bell peppers, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 cup beef broth
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Spices & Seasoning:
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2 tablespoons chili powder
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1 tablespoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
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1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Beans:
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1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
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Optional Add-ins:
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1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 tablespoon brown sugar (for balancing flavors)
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
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Sour cream or shredded cheese, for serving
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Instructions
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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.
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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.
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Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
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Add Spices: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
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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.
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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.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper, or other seasonings, to your preference.
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Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, or your preferred toppings.
Notes
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The longer the chili simmers, the more developed the flavors will become.
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Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your heat preference. You can add more or less depending on how spicy you want your chili.
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For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cook time.
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To make it spicier, add some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or a dash of hot sauce.
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If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a large, heavy-bottomed pot will work too.
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Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped carrots or celery.
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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