Quick Draw Cowboy Chili Recipe

Quick Draw Cowboy Chili captures the heart and soul of a classic Western cookout with a smoky, bold twist that’ll put a little swagger in your step. With its irresistible mix of chorizo, ground beef, chipotles in adobo, and a medley of beans, this chili is as easy to make as it is to fall in love with. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on game night or whipping up a hearty dinner that’ll warm you to your boots, this recipe never disappoints. Each spicy, savory bite is packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes. If quick comfort and big taste are what you’re after, saddle up for this Quick Draw Cowboy Chili!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Quick Draw Cowboy Chili lies in its simple lineup of ingredients, each one playing a unique role in building that signature depth of flavor and irresistible aroma. Don’t skip the details—these are the elements that transform a basic chili into something unforgettable.

• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for a richer flavor foundation as you sauté your base.
• Yellow onion: Grated onion melts into the sauce, adding subtle sweetness and body.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly pressed or grated garlic infuses every spoonful with warm, robust flavor.
• Chipotle chiles: Diced chipotles (from canned chipotles in adobo) boost the chili with smoky, peppery heat.
• Adobo sauce: Just a couple tablespoons enrich the pot with a deep, earthy taste and gentle fire.
• Chorizo: Removing the casing lets the spicy, seasoned pork mingling freely—essential for that wild, tangy bite.
• Ground beef: Lean beef delivers a hearty, meaty base without making the chili greasy.
• Chili powder: The key spice, setting the warmth and color for classic chili flavor.
• Dried oregano: Just a tablespoon adds subtle herbal notes that balance the heat.
• Ground cumin: Cumin brings out the Tex-Mex magic, adding earthy, nutty undertones.
• Ground cinnamon: A surprising pinch of cinnamon rounds out the flavors with a hint of sweetness.
• Kosher salt: Enhances every flavor and ensures nothing gets lost in the simmer.
• Black pepper: A little pepper brightens up the heat and ties together the spices.
• Tomato sauce: A rich, tangy base that soaks into every meat and bean—don’t skimp!
• Ranch style beans: Bring in a saucy, gently seasoned creaminess to the pot.
• Kidney beans: Drain and rinse for best texture; they hold up perfectly during cooking.
• Black beans: Their earthy flavor and creamy texture keep every bite interesting.
• Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato goodness—it thickens and intensifies the rich chili broth.

How to Make Quick Draw Cowboy Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Start by heating your olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the grated onion and cook until it turns soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in the pressed or grated garlic, and let it sizzle for another 30 seconds. This simple step lays a caramelized, aromatic foundation that gives Quick Draw Cowboy Chili its crave-worthy depth.

Step 2: Add Chipotles and Adobo

Stir the diced chipotle chiles and adobo sauce right in with the onions and garlic. The moment they hit the pan, you’ll notice an incredible smoky aroma begin to fill your kitchen. The rich, brick-red sauce gets right to work building the signature smoky-spicy personality that sets this chili apart from the pack.

Step 3: Brown the Meats

Add your chorizo to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Let it sizzle, stirring frequently, until the chorizo starts to brown and spread its spice throughout the base. Next, crumble in the ground beef and continue breaking up any clumps. Stir in the chili powder, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper so every crumb of meat gets perfectly seasoned. Cook until both chorizo and beef are browned and cooked through, about 4 to 6 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Tomato Sauce and Beans

Pour in the tomato sauce, then tip in the ranch style beans, kidney beans, black beans, and tomato paste. Stir everything together until the chili looks thick, glossy, and absolutely loaded. All those beans bring flavor, color, and a satisfying heartiness to every bite of this Quick Draw Cowboy Chili.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Now just bring your chili pot up to a boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes. Give it the occasional stir so nothing sticks and burns. The flavors will meld and deepen, and the sauce will get just thick enough to cling beautifully to every spoonful.

How to Serve Quick Draw Cowboy Chili

Garnishes

The right toppings really let this chili shine. I love a sprinkle of fresh Colby Jack cheese, some chopped fresh oregano for an herbal punch, and a slice of buttery cornbread on the side. Sliced green onions, crushed tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream are all fantastic options, too—let your crew make it their own!

Side Dishes

Nothing says “cowboy comfort” like a steaming hunk of cornbread or a skillet full of cheesy quesadillas alongside your bowl. If you’re planning a big gathering, some simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted sweet potato wedges balance out the hearty character of Quick Draw Cowboy Chili. Trust me—those flavors together absolutely sing!

Creative Ways to Present

Quick Draw Cowboy Chili doesn’t have to stick to a bowl! Try ladling it over baked potatoes, stuffing it into toasted bread bowls, or even using it as a topping for loaded nachos. It’s also phenomenal spooned atop rice or used to fill tortillas for an irresistible chili burrito. A little creativity turns this classic into a wild west feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Quick Draw Cowboy Chili cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. It keeps like a dream in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only get deeper and more developed, making every reheat just as exciting as the first round.

Freezing

For longer storage, this chili freezes beautifully. Portion out cooled chili into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date so you can track your chili stash for cozy dinners down the road.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your Quick Draw Cowboy Chili gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, a splash of beef broth, water, or tomato sauce will loosen it up perfectly. For a speedy single serving, the microwave works great too—just cover so it doesn’t splatter!

FAQs

Is Quick Draw Cowboy Chili very spicy?

This chili does have some noticeable heat thanks to the chipotles and adobo sauce, but the warmth is beautifully balanced by the beans, tomato sauce, and a hint of sweetness from the cinnamon. If you prefer milder flavors, just reduce the amount of chipotle and adobo, or add a little extra tomato sauce to soften the kick.

Can I make Quick Draw Cowboy Chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it in advance deepens the flavors as everything has a chance to meld together. Simply cool and refrigerate, then gently reheat before serving. It’s the ultimate dish for prepping ahead of a busy week or a party.

What if I can’t find ranch style beans?

No ranch style beans? No problem. Substitute with an additional can of kidney or pinto beans, or whatever canned beans you love. You can also stir in a tablespoon of chili powder to mimic some of the seasoning you’d get from the ranch style ones.

Is there a vegetarian version of this chili?

You bet! Swap out the chorizo and beef for plant-based ground meat alternatives, and opt for vegan chorizo, which is widely available in most grocery stores. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegetarian, making it super easy to adapt for meat-free friends.

Can I use this chili as a topping or filling?

Yes, that’s one of the joys of Quick Draw Cowboy Chili! It’s thick and hearty enough to crown baked potatoes, stuff inside burritos, load up on nachos, or even spoon over grilled hot dogs. It’s as versatile as it is delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about sharing a big, hearty pot of Quick Draw Cowboy Chili that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Whether you’re new to chili or a seasoned chili fanatic, this recipe will stick with you long after the last bite. Roll up those sleeves and give it a go—you won’t regret making this wild west favorite your own!

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