Ultimate Cowboy Chili: Three Meats, Potatoes, and a Flavor Kick
This isn’t your grandma’s mild-mannered chili. This is Cowboy Chili—a rugged, deeply savory, and fully loaded pot of comfort food that demands a hearty appetite. With a trio of meats, tender chunks of potato, and a secret blend of seasonings including a packet of dry ranch, this recipe is a full meal in a bowl.
If you’re looking for a chili that satisfies a crowd, warms you from the inside out, and leaves absolutely no doubt that you’re digging into something special, you’ve found it. It’s perfect for game days, cold winter nights, or any time you need a big, flavorful hug.
Why I Love This Recipe
What makes this Cowboy Chili recipe my absolute favorite is its sheer heartiness and the incredible depth of flavor. A lot of chilis rely on one type of meat and a few spices, but this recipe goes all in.
- Three Meats for Maximum Flavor: We use ground beef, sausage, and kielbasa, each adding a different layer of texture and smokiness. This combination is non-negotiable for that true “cowboy” flavor.
- The Potato Factor: Adding diced potatoes is a game-changer. They soak up all the rich, meaty broth and tomato flavor, turning this from a soup-like chili into a proper, stick-to-your-ribs stew.
- Secret Seasoning Weapon: The addition of a dry ranch seasoning packet is the flavor hack that pulls it all together, adding a savory, zesty kick that people will notice but won’t be able to name.
- The Beer Finish: Rinsing the empty cans with beer (or broth) at the end ensures you capture every last bit of flavor. Plus, the beer adds a subtle, earthy depth to the simmering process.
The Ultimate Cowboy Chili
Ingredients
| Category | Ingredient | Notes |
| Meats | 1 lb Ground Beef | I prefer 80/20 for richness. |
| 1 lb Sausage | Hot or sweet Italian sausage, or a breakfast sausage. | |
| 1 Kielbasa | Look for a good quality smoked kielbasa, chopped into bite-sized pieces. | |
| Aromatics | 1 large Onion | Diced fine. |
| Liquids | 1/2 box Beef Broth | Set aside the rest for step 5 if skipping the beer. |
| 1 can Beer | (Optional) A light lager or amber ale works great. See swaps for non-alcoholic option. | |
| Vegetables | 6 medium Potatoes | Peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks. Adjust quantity to your preference. |
| 2 cans Rotel | Drained or undrained—your choice. | |
| 2 cans Tomato Soup | Canned condensed tomato soup for a creamy, classic base. | |
| 2 cans Beans | Black, kidney, or pinto—your choice. Drain and rinse. | |
| 1 can/bag Extra Sweet Corn | Canned and drained or frozen corn is fine. | |
| 1 large can Green Beans | Drained. | |
| Chopped Carrots | (Optional) Adds a nice bit of color and sweetness. | |
| 1 small jar Chilies | Diced green chilies, undrained. | |
| Seasonings | 1 Chili Seasoning Packet | Standard store-bought is fine. |
| 1 Dry Ranch Seasoning Packet | The key to the unique flavor! | |
| Onion Powder | To taste. | |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste. | |
| Tony’s Chachere’s Creole Seasoning | A dash for a little extra Southern kick. |
Export to Sheets
Swaps and Notes
- Beer Substitute: If you want to skip the beer, simply use the rest of the beef broth when rinsing the cans in step 5.
- Vegetarian: This is a meat-heavy chili, but you could substitute the meats with 3 cans of mixed beans (like cannellini, kidney, and pinto) and 1 lb of plant-based ground crumble, adding a splash of liquid smoke for depth.
- Potatoes: You can use sweet potatoes or skip them entirely, but I highly recommend trying them at least once!
- Spice Level: To crank up the heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the rest of the seasonings, or use hot Rotel.
Directions
- Brown the Meats: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, sauté the diced onion over medium-high heat until softened. Add the ground beef and sausage. Brown the meat, breaking it up as you go. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add Broth and Kielbasa: Stir in about 1/2 box of beef broth to deglaze the pot and keep the meat moist. Add the chopped kielbasa and cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Season and Potato Power: Add the diced potatoes and all of the seasonings: the chili packet, the dry ranch packet, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Tony’s. Stir well to coat the meat and potatoes.
- Mix in the Cans: Dump in the remaining ingredients: Rotel, tomato soup, beans, corn, green beans, carrots (if using), and diced chilies. Stir everything thoroughly to combine.
- The “Rinse” Step: This is an old-school trick! Take each empty can (the tomato soup, Rotel, etc.) and pour a small amount of beer into it. Swirl it around to pick up any clinging flavor, then pour the liquid into the pot. (If not using beer, use the remaining beef broth.) This adds liquid and flavor without wasting any of the delicious canned ingredients.
- Simmer and Serve: Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The chili is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have deepened. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: The two-hour simmer is crucial. It’s what allows the potatoes to fully cook and soften, and it gives the seasonings, especially the ranch, time to infuse into the broth and meat.
- Sear the Kielbasa (Optional): If you like a slightly crispier kielbasa, remove the browned ground beef and sausage, then quickly sear the kielbasa pieces before returning the other meats to the pot.
- Make it Ahead: Chili is always better the next day! The flavors deepen overnight. Make a batch the day before you plan to serve it.
- Use Quality Broth/Beer: Since the liquid is key to the flavor, use a good quality beef broth or a beer you enjoy drinking.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This chili is so hearty it barely needs a side, but a good accompaniment is always welcome.
- Toppings: Serve with a spread of classic toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, and maybe some crispy tortilla strips.
- Bread: Nothing beats a thick slice of buttered cornbread to soak up the leftover chili broth. You could also serve it with my recipe for Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter as a savory side.
- Drinks: Pair it with a cold beer or a crisp glass of lemonade. My favorite sweet sip is this refreshing Blueberry Lemonade.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, Per Serving)
Yields: 12 servings Serving Size: About 1.5 cups
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 450 |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 1100mg |
| Total Carbs | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g |
| Total Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 25g |
Export to Sheets
Note: This is a rough estimate and will vary significantly based on the specific brand of meat, sausage, beer, beans, and tomato soup used.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This chili freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags (lay them flat to save space). It can be frozen for up to 4–6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoy a hearty, comforting meal like this Cowboy Chili, you’ll want to try some of my other favorite stick-to-your-ribs recipes:
- For a different kind of Southern comfort in a bowl, check out This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is my Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.
- Looking for another great one-pan dinner? This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a winner.
- Need a big appetizer to feed a crowd? My recipe for This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers is the perfect game-day snack.
- If you’re craving a classic, you can’t go wrong with my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
- For a savory, simple Sunday meal, these These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food For Lazy Sundays are always a good choice.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Chili is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition. It’s the meal you make when you want to gather people around the table and fill them up with something truly delicious and unforgettable. It’s deeply flavorful, intensely satisfying, and simple to master.
I’d love to hear how your chili turned out! Drop a comment below and let me know your favorite toppings. And, of course, follow @ChefManiac on social media for more of my favorite hearty recipes! Happy cooking!
— Jason Griffith
Leave a Reply