This Dutch Oven Chili is a warming and hearty dish. With ground beef, beans, and a mix of spices, it’s perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings with friends!
Making this chili is super easy—just cook it all in one pot! I love to serve it with some crusty bread. Seriously, who doesn’t love a big bowl of warm chili on a chilly day? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef for this chili to keep it flavorful without excess grease. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken can also work well. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or plant-based ground meat!
Beans: Kidney beans add great texture and taste, but you can also use pinto beans or even chickpeas. If you’re avoiding beans, throw in some extra vegetables like corn or zucchini instead!
Spices: Chili powder and cumin are essential for flavor. Don’t have those? You could use taco seasoning as a substitute. Just be aware it might alter the chili’s taste slightly.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are super convenient. You can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer, just peel and chop them up. If fresh tomatoes are too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance it out.
How Do I Ensure My Chili Has Incredible Flavor?
Building flavor is key in this chili! Start by caramelizing the onion and bell pepper. Be patient; let them cook until they’re soft and just starting to brown, which enhances their sweetness.
- Brown the ground beef well to develop a rich flavor—don’t rush this step!
- Toasting the spices for 1-2 minutes allows their oils to release and enhances the overall taste.
- Simmering for an hour gives the flavors time to meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and taste to adjust seasonings.
These steps will make a big difference in how taste-packed your chili turns out. Enjoy! 😊
How to Make Dutch Oven Chili?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chili:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Dutch Oven Chili takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to cook. Allowing it to simmer lets all the flavors meld together beautifully. It’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating your Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil, then toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are softened and starting to become translucent.
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. This step really boosts the flavor of your chili!
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef into the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You want to cook it until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink—this usually takes about 8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off at this point.
4. Spice It Up:
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), and sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Let this cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices, which enhances their flavor!
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the fun stuff! Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the Dutch oven and let it cook for 1 to 1.5 hours. Make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking and check that it’s not getting too thick—add a splash of water if necessary.
7. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, taste your chili! You can adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or even more spices if it needs a kick!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your fabulous chili hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Enjoy it with some crusty bread or cornbread on the side. Perfect for sharing with friends and family!
This hearty Dutch Oven Chili is not just a meal; it’s a warm and comforting experience. Enjoy every bite! 😊
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you want a leaner option. Just make sure to keep an eye on the cooking time as it may cook faster than beef.
How Do I Store Leftover Chili?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze chili in individual portions for up to 3 months—just let it cool completely before freezing!
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! If you don’t have some spices, you can use a store-bought chili seasoning mix instead. Just follow the package instructions for the amount to use.
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the ground beef with quinoa, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version!
