1-First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients for this cowboy chili to make the process smooth. Dice 1 medium onion and 1 large green bell pepper, and measure out 2 teaspoons of minced garlic this mise en place helps everything go quickly. Brown 2 pounds of 80/20 ground beef in a stock pot over medium heat for about 8 minutes until it’s no longer pink, then remove it with a slotted spoon and set aside, draining most of the grease but leaving 1 tablespoon for flavor.

2-Second Step: Sauté the Vegetables Once the beef is set aside, add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot and sauté them over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until they become tender and aromatic. This step builds a flavorful base for your spicy chili, allowing the veggies to release their natural sugars. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and adjust the heat if needed to avoid burning.

3-Third Step: Add Aromatics and Return Meat Stir in the 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to release its fragrance without browning. Then, return the cooked ground beef to the pot, mixing it well with the vegetables for even distribution. This combines the flavors early, ensuring your cowboy chili has a cohesive taste throughout.

4-Fourth Step: Incorporate Beans, Tomatoes, and Seasonings Now, add 1 (15.5 ounce) can of pinto beans (rinsed and drained), 1 (15.5 ounce) can of dark red kidney beans (rinsed and drained), 3 (14.5-ounce) cans of diced tomatoes with their juice, 1 (1.25 ounce) package of chili seasoning mix, and 2 tablespoons of chili powder. Pour in 2 (14.4 ounce) cans of beef broth and stir everything together thoroughly. For dietary adaptations, swap beef broth with vegetable broth if making a vegetarian version, and adjust spices for milder preferences.

5-Fifth Step: Simmer the Chili Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low for a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. This long simmer allows the flavors of your beef chili to meld perfectly, making it tender and rich check after 1 hour and add a bit more broth if it thickens too much.

6-Sixth Step: Season and Serve After simmering, taste the chili and season with salt and pepper to your liking, adjusting based on the other flavors. For this cowboy chili, serve it hot with toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, or tortilla chips to enhance the experience. If you’re adapting for low-calorie needs, skip high-fat toppings and pair with fresh veggies instead.

7-Final Step: Enjoy and Store Leftovers Once ready, ladle the chili into bowls and add your preferred garnishes for a personalized touch. This completes your spicy chili preparation, yielding about 6 servings that can be enjoyed right away or saved for later. Remember, for make-ahead options, cool the chili before storing to maintain quality.