Crock Pot Cowboy Chili

When cold weather rolls in and comfort food beckons, this Crock Pot Cowboy Chili answers with bold flavor and down-home ease. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it simmer to perfection.

A hearty combination of ground beef and beans gives this chili that stick-to-your ribs satisfaction, while a touch of ketchup and brown sugar adds a sweet cowboy twist that sets it apart from your run-of-the-mill chili.

Ingredients for Cowboy Chili

This throw-together recipe is destined to become your new favorite winter meal. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can have supper ready to go in the crock pot in no time.

• Ground Beef
• Onion
• Ketchup
• Brown Sugar
• Pork and Beans
• Chili Beans
• Green Pepper
• Black Pepper
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Garlic Powder

How to Make Crock Pot Cowboy Chili

Step by Step Instructions

1. Brown ground beef and onion in a large skillet until browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Add beef mixture to slow cooker insert.
3. Add the remaining ingredients and stir.
4. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Storage Instructions

Let leftovers cool completely; transfer to an airtight container, and store in an airtight container. Rewarm chili in the microwave or on the stove top.

Crockpot Cowboy Chili FAQs

Do I need to drain my ground beef once it’s cooked?

Yes, drain off any excess grease after browning your ground beef. If you use extra lean ground beef, there might not be any excess grease to drain.

Can I use other types of beans in this chili?

You can substitute your favorite canned beans or whatever might be in the pantry. Don’t have pork and beans? Use a can of baked beans instead.

Do I need to drain the beans before adding them to chili?

Don’t drain your pork and beans or chili beans – add everything to the crock pot!

Is this cowboy chili sweet or spicy?

This particular recipe has a sweeter flavor, but if you are looking for more of a spicy kick, you can easily modify to your liking.  

What do you serve with chili?

Cornbread is the perfect side to go with this – or any kind of – chili! Try this sweet cornbread recipe from our friend Maryann or these old-fashioned cornbread muffins.

How do I make chili spicier?

You can use hot or spicy chili beans instead of the regular mild chili beans to kick up the heat level in your cowboy chili. You could also add hot peppers. Dice up jalapenos, serranos or habaneros for a fresh, yet spicy boost.

You could also add additional spices or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level in your chili. Crushed red pepper flakes, spicy chili powder or cayenne pepper can be added, but remember a little goes a long way. Make sure you taste as you go!

Chili Cowboy-Style

You may notice that we love beans around the farm. Crock Pot Calico Beans and Baked Beans with Pineapple are a couple of our favorites. My great friend, Maryann, made us her favorite version a few weeks back and I fell in love. Her version includes green pepper which gives these beans a flavor very similar to the chili at Wendy’s. It was the inspiration for this Crock Pot Cowboy Chili recipe!

Crock Pot Soup Recipes

My kiddos go crazy for soup in the winter, and this crock pot cowboy chili recipe is sure to be in our regular rotation. We particularly love to make soup in the slow cooker.  How convenient it is to toss everything in the Crock Pot before work and to come home to a warm, delicious, family-pleasing meal. Some of our other favorites are:

• Crock Pot Chicken Chili
• Easy Crock Pot Taco Soup
• Crock Pot Sausage Tortellini Soup
• Pressure Cooker Potato Soup
• Crock Pot Chicken Corn Chowder

Check out our Fall Soup Recipes blog post for a full collection of our favorite hearty soups!