Crockpot Cowboy Chili

Spice things up a bit with this Slow Cooker Cowboy Chili Recipe. This is so easy to make and tastes delicious. If you can throw things in a crock pot, you can make this. It is SO easy that you can put this together on busy mornings and come home to dinner waiting.

Try it for Game day, family dinner or parties. If you want to make it even faster, try our Instant Pot Cowboy Chili Recipe . You may love this Slow Cooker Brisket Chili.

Why We Love Cowboy Chili

You definitely want to give this crockpot chili a try. It is our of our favorite recipes to make on rainy or cooler days. There is just something about a warm bowl of chili that is the best comfort food.

This Cowboy Chili is hearty, filling and full of flavor. This chili can be made in a variety of ways and with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef – We used lean ground beef
• Onion – If you are out of fresh yellow onion, see Best Onion Substitute or add in ½ teaspoon of onion powder.
• Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Chili Powder – See The Best Chili Powder Substitute
• Cayenne – If you don’t like spicy check out our Best Cayenne Pepper Substitute)
• Cumin – See Best Substitute for Cumin if you are out

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Ground Turkey -Substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Turkey takes on the flavor of the other ingredients.
• Beans – Try using pinto beans or black beans instead of kidney beans or mix them together.
• Veggies – Instead of red bell peppers, try using green bell pepper or yellow. I bet a mix of all 3 would be yummy and look pretty too.
• Tomatoes – Add tomato sauce with the diced tomatoes. You can also add a can of cream of mushroom with the tomato sauce. We have even added a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a delicious variation.
• Hot Sauce – For even more spicy flavor add in about 8 dashes of hot sauce. I like to add towards the end of cooking time.
• Brown Sugar – For a hint of sweetness add in ½ tablespoon of brown sugar.

How to Make Cowboy Chili

• Step 1 – Brown the beef in a large skillet. Drain the fat.
• Step 2 – Place in the crock pot.
• Step 3 – Add remaining ingredients except for the cheddar cheese and red onion and stir everything together.

• Step 4 – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Step 5 – Serve with cornbread, top with shredded cheese and onions.

Expert Tips

• Slow Cooker Recommendation – You will need a good slow cooker. This  programmable crock pot  is handy when you are not at home during the day. You may want to check out these Best Slow Cookers of 2024.
• Liners – Use crock pot liners to make clean so easy.
• Less Meat – Stretch your meat budget by reducing the meat to 1 pound and adding extra beans. You can also add extra diced tomatoes to bulk up the chili recipe.
• Instant Pot – You can also make this recipe in the instant pot if you prefer.
• Chili Consistency – See How to Thicken Chili with these easy tips

Can I Make Cowboy Chili on the Stovetop?

Yes, this cowboy chili can be cooked on the stovetop in a Dutch Oven or a Large Pot over medium low heat. We like to allow the chili to boil then simmer as all the ingredients cook together.

What to Serve with Cowboy Chili

We like to keep things simple and serve with homemade cornbread and top with shredded cheese and onions. Yum!

Add your favorite toppings for even more flavor.

• Sour Cream
• Green Onion
• Hot Sauce
• Diced Jalapeno Peppers
• Saltine Crackers
• Corn Chips
• Tortilla Chips
• Diced Avocado
• Fresh Cilantro
• Green Chiles
• Chopped Bacon

How to Serve Leftover Chili

We love to use the leftovers to turn into a casserole. The kids think they are eating something new when really it is just leftovers.

It is simple to make. Pour the leftover chili over tortilla chips and then top with cheese. Bake until cheese is melted and top with all of your favorite toppings.

You may also like to check out these Leftover Chili Recipes for more delicious ideas!

Frequently Asked Questions