cowboy chili

3 Pinches 1 Photo
Ofallon, MO
Updated on Apr 22, 2026

This tasty cowboy chili combines ground beef, onions, bell pepper, kidney beans, pinto beans, and Rotel tomatoes in a well-seasoned broth with a touch of tomato paste. You are going to love this thick and hearty chili.

prep time 15 Min
cook time 45 Min
method Stove Top
yield 6 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained (16 oz)
  • 1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained (16 oz)
  • 2 cans Rotel tomatoes with green chiles (10 oz each)
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper

How To Make cowboy chili

  • Step 1
    Brown the ground beef in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat.
  • Step 2
    About halfway through the browning process, add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add the green bell pepper and cook until the ground beef browns and the onion and green bell pepper are soft.
  • Step 3
    Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the garlic. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
  • Step 4
    Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, Rotel tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried marjoram, ground cayenne, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
  • Step 5
    Simmer over low heat for at least 45 minutes. A longer simmer time will yield richer and deeper flavors. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Discover More

Category: Chili
Ingredient: Beef
Culture: American
Method: Stove Top

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