Chili in Dutch Oven recipe has become one of my go-to meals for easy family dinners. It’s simple, hearty, and filled with the kind of rich, comforting flavors that bring everyone running to the table. I love how everything comes together in one pot. Dutch Oven Chili recipe is a delicious mix of tender ground beef, savory spices, kidney beans, and a thick, chunky tomato base. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed Sunday evening, this flavorsome chili is always a hit, especially when topped with a little shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions. Try it with one of my bread.
Ingredients for Chili Dutch Oven
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this cozy, flavorful Chili Dutch Oven meal:
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Red bell pepper
- Garlic cloves
- Ground beef
- Tomato paste
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Crushed tomatoes
- Diced tomatoes
- Kidney beans
- Beef broth
Instructions for Chili Dutch Oven
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef. Cook it while breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and coat the beef.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together well.
- Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially with the lid, and let simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. For extra spice, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings!
Tips & Substitutions
- Toppings ideas:
Top your chili with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, diced avocado, or crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor. - Want it spicier?
Add more crushed red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or even a splash of hot sauce to kick up the heat. - Meat swap:
You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey or even a meatless crumble for a vegetarian version. - Thinner or thicker chili:
If you like a thinner chili, add a splash more beef broth. For an even thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
Storage & Reheating
- Storing:
Let the Dutch Oven Chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. - Freezing:
My Chili in Dutch Oven freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. - Reheating:
Reheat the chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. For individual portions, microwave until warmed through.
If the chili thickens too much after chilling, just add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.
Chili Dutch Oven
Servings: 6 people
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef. Cook it while breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for a 1 minute to toast the spices and coat the beef.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together well.
- Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially with the lid, and let simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. For extra spice, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings!
