• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Wow Easy Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Beef
  • Chicken
  • Desserts
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Desserts
    • About Me
    • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Beef

    Dutch Oven Chili

    Published: Oct 18, 2022 · Modified: Nov 9, 2022 by Kate

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A bowl of chili, ingredients on a table, and text: Dutch Oven Beef Chili.

    This classic Dutch Oven Chili recipe is just like mom used to make! It's hearty and tasty with ground beef, beans, and an easy homemade blend of seasonings. Plus, it's easy to make in 1-pot on the stovetop with everyday ingredients.

    Looking down at a bowl of chili on a table.
    Dutch Oven Chili Recipe

    Looking for a delicious and easy chili recipe? Look no further!

    This is our family dutch oven chili recipe and it's always a family pleaser. I love that it's super easy to put together, and the kids love a good chili night!

    We like to serve it up a big dollop of sour cream, some grated cheese, and a little parsley. And of course, with a pile of fluffy cornbread!

    Jump to:
    • What is a Dutch Oven
    • Why will this recipe make you say, WOW!
    • Ingredients
    • How to make Dutch Oven Chili
    • Recipe Tips
    • Toppings for chili
    • What to serve with chili
    • Storage and Freezing
    • FAQs
    • Food Safety Tips
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    What is a Dutch Oven

    A dutch oven is a type of cooking pot that is usually made from cast iron or ceramic and has a lid. It is often used for braising, stewing, and baking. Dutch ovens are versatile and can be used on the stovetop or in the oven.

    Dutch ovens are great for chili, aren't they? We love that they make it super easy to whip up a flavorful stovetop chili with just one pot.

    The kitchen gets filled with tasty aromas and you'll soon be dishing up the tastiest meal.

    Close up of a bowl of chili with sour cream and cheese.

    Why will this recipe make you say, WOW!

    • It's a classic traditional chili recipe.
    • You can make it ahead, then warm it up on the stovetop or in the oven.
    • You can adjust the chili heat to your liking.
    • It's so easy! Follow the step-by-step instructions.
    • Freezer friendly.
    Ingredients on a table.

    Ingredients

    • Ground Beef - We use 90% lean ground beef.
    • Onion - yellow or red onion.
    • Garlic - to give extra flavor to the dish.
    • Olive Oil - or your favorite cooking oil.
    • Canned tomatoes - diced or crushed tomatoes.
    • Beef Broth - we love the richness from beef broth, but vegetable works too.
    • Kidney Beans - canned kidney beans or other red beans.
    • Tomato Paste - the thick puree in a small can or tube.
    • Spices: Ground Cumin, Chili Powder, Cayenne - to make it less spicy, leave out the cayenne and choose mild chili powder.
    • Ground cinnamon - our not-so-secret ingredient for adding depth of flavor.
    • Sugar - cuts through the acidity of the tomatoes.
    • Salt and Pepper

    How to make Dutch Oven Chili

    Onions cooked in a dutch oven.

    Cook the onions: Add the oil to a Dutch Oven (or large pot) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sautée for 5-7 minutes, stirring often so it doesn't scorch, or until very soft. Stir in the garlic for a further minute.

    Cooking ground beef in a dutch oven.

    Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and sautée, stirring for a further 7-10 minutes until cooked through and browned. Stir in the tomato paste/puree, as well as the cumin, chili powder, sugar, cayenne, salt and pepper.

    A dutch oven with cooked beef and other ingredients added.

    Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the broth, canned tomatoes, and kidney beans. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Serve and enjoy!

    Dutch oven with beef chili.

    Recipe Tips

    • Don’t skip sautéing onions. Cooking them first makes them wonderfully soft and full of flavor.
    • If using dried kidney beans, cook them first according to package instructions.
    • This chili is even better the next day when the flavors fully merge. We like to make a big batch and serve it one day with rice, and a day or two later with baked potatoes.

    Toppings for chili

    We love adding toppings to our chili to make it extra special. Try these!

    • Sliced avocado
    • Sour cream
    • Shredded cheese
    • Jalapenos
    • Fritos
    • Guacamole
    • Salsa

    What to serve with chili

    • Cornbread is a classic!
    • Tortilla chips. Try making your own.
    • Soft and fluffy dinner rolls.
    • A side of rice or seasoned rice.
    • A bowl of guacamole or salsa.
    • Pour it over baked potatoes.
    • Looking for an appetizer? Try Buffalo Bacon Wrapped Chicken Wings!

    Storage and Freezing

    Storage: Store cooked chili in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop, microwave, or in the oven in a dutch oven. Ensure it's cooked through.

    Freezing: This chili is freezer friendly. When it's completely cooled, store it in freezer bags or a container for up to 3 months. You'll then need to defrost it fully and reheat it as above.

    FAQs

    What is the secret to the best chili?

    Cooking it low and slow, using good 90% lean ground beef and adding a touch of ground cinnamon are our top secrets for making the BEST chili!

    Food Safety Tips

    • Before cooking, be sure to wash your hands and countertops.
    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that has touched raw meat.
    • Always wash your hands after touching raw meat.
    • Never leave cooking food unattended.
    • Keep those pot/pan handles turned in away from the front of the stove.
    • When cooking at high temperatures, use oils with a high smoking point, to avoid harmful compounds.
    • Put foods in the fridge or freezer within 2 hours of cooking. Reduce this to within 1 hour if it is 90 degrees or hotter outside.

    Cook to safe temperatures:

    To ensure food is cooked through, it's best to use a food thermometer. Be aware that you can’t always tell by looking.

    • Beef, Pork, Lamb: 145 °F
    • Fish: 145 °F
    • Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Ground Lamb: 160 °F
    • Turkey, Chicken, Duck: 165 °F

    📖 Recipe

    Bowl of dutch oven chili topped with shredded cheese and sour cream.

    Dutch Oven Chili

    This classic Dutch Oven Chili recipe is hearty and tasty with ground beef, beans, and an easy homemade blend of spices. An easy 1-pot dish!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr 10 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 15 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 199 kcal

    Equipment

    • Dutch Oven

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 onion (chopped)
    • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
    • 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste/puree
    • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
    • 2 teaspoons chili powder (mild or hot)
    • 2 teaspoons sugar
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper -optional
    • 1 ½ cups beef broth
    • 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
    • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

    To serve

    • Sour cream
    • Grated cheese
    • Parsley

    Instructions
     

    • Add the oil to a Dutch Oven (or large pot) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sautée for 5-7 minutes, stirring often so it doesn't scorch, or until very soft. Stir in the garlic for a further minute.
    • Add the ground beef to the pan and sautée, stirring for a further 7-10 minutes until cooked through and browned. Stir in the tomato paste/puree, as well as the cumin, chili powder, cayenne, sugar, cinnamon, salt and pepper.
    • Stir in the broth, canned tomatoes, and kidney beans. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check it regularly and add more beef stock (or water) if it's starting to dry or scorch.
    • Serve and enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 199kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 16gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 643mgPotassium: 391mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 294IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 3mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

    Keyword beef chili, best chili, dutch oven chili, stovetop chili
    Tried this recipe?Head down to the comments and give it a star rating!

    More Beef

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Camila

      October 18, 2022 at 6:04 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious and super easy to make! A total hit at home. Thank you!!!!

      Reply
    2. Nellie Tracy

      October 18, 2022 at 7:03 pm

      5 stars
      Great chili recipe! Such a classic to have on hand for fall. Will be making often!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Woman pulling tray of food out of the oven.

    Hi, I'm Kate! I'm a food blogger and cookbook author from the Pacific Northwest.
    Here you'll find fast, budget-friendly recipes that will make the whole family say WOW! 
    About Me

    Popular Recipes

    • Caramel Whoopie Pies
    • Lime Crema
    • Strawberry Vinaigrette
    • Mango Coconut Bars

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign up for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About Me

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 WOW Easy Recipes