Dutch Oven Chili

Dutch Oven Chili is the perfect one-pot, stovetop meal. It's hearty, packed with flavor and texture, and has over 30 grams of protein per serving. This healthy meal is comfort food at it's peak, especially when paired with homemade cornbread!

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Dutch Oven Chili Ingredients and Substitutions
• How To Make Dutch Oven Chili
• Chili Toppings and Serving Suggestions
• Expert Tips
• Recipe Variations
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Storing and Reheating Chili Instructions
• More Healthy Comfort Food Dinners
• Did you make this recipe?
• Dutch Oven Chili

This hearty Dutch oven chili is the perfect cozy dinner. It's made in one pot and takes about one hour from start to finish.

You just need ground meat, onions, garlic, spices, and a few canned goods to make this incredible, one-pot chili. All ingredients are simple, accessible, and make a great cost-effective meal.

Pair this with homemade cornbread and a side salad for a warm, comforting meal the whole family will love. You could also try this gluten free chili or 5 ingredient chili if you don't have as much time to spend in the kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

1. Gluten and dairy free: Not only is this homemade Dutch oven chili delicious, but it's also healthy and naturally gluten and dairy free!
2. Inexpensive: Groceries aren't cheap nowadays, but this recipe utilizes many canned pantry staples that frequently go on sale
3. Protein packed: This stove-top chili will keep you full for hours with over __ grams of protein per serving
4. Great for meal prep: Cook once and eat multiple this with this meal! You can either cook and store in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week, or freeze half for another night
5. Minimal dishes: Everything cooks in just one Dutch oven so there's minimal dishes and time required to make this recipe

Dutch Oven Chili Ingredients and Substitutions

*full list of ingredients and measurements can be found in recipe card below*

• Meat: To really make this Dutch oven chili flavorful I like to use a mixture of lean ground beef and ground pork.
• Seasoning: I prefer to make my own chili seasoning with tons of spices. It's flavored with dark chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, coriander, salt, and even a pinch of nutmeg for added depth of flavor
• Beans: This recipe calls for black beans and pinto beans
• Veggies: You'll need onions, jalapenos, garlic, and corn
• Canned goods: For the canned goods you will need tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef broth

Substitutions

• Meat: If you don't like ground pork, you can use all ground beef. If you're not a red meat eater, try it with ground turkey or chicken!
• Beans: The beans are a completely personal choice and any canned beans will work. you can use kidney beans, cannellini beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas
• Veggies: Leave out the jalapeno if you don't like spice, or add in roasted garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms for more veggies
• Broth: If you don't have beef broth, chicken or vegetable broth will also work. You can also make this with bone broth and make the chili more nutrient dense

How To Make Dutch Oven Chili

1. Heat Dutch oven over medium heat, then add in the ground beef and ground pork and cook until no longer pink

2. Add in the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook for 5 minutes

3. Add in remaining ingredients, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower heat and simmer for 45 minutes

Chili Toppings and Serving Suggestions

I suggest serving Dutch oven chili with homemade cornbread and a side salad. It's also great to serve with chips and guacamole at a party!

For toppings, the possibilities are endless. You can top homemade chili with:

• Sour cream
• Greek yogurt
• Shredded cheese
• Salsa
• Diced avocado
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Bacon bits
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced jalapeno

Expert Tips

1. Brown the meat first: It can be tempting to just throw everything into the pot and let it simmer, but browning the meat really develops more flavor
2. Extra vegetables: You can sauté carrots, celery, bell peppers, and mushrooms with the onions if you want more veggies in your chili
3. Meatless: Leave the meat out and make an all bean chili. Add two cans of extra beans (your choice) for a meatless chili
4. Add leftovers: If you have leftover chicken or turkey from a big meal, replace the ground meats with that. You'll need about 6 cups of cooked chicken, but it's a great way to repurpose leftovers
5. Cook once, eat twice: Double this Dutch oven chili recipe and freeze half for another meal. It stays good in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

While I like this stovetop chili as is, you can also customize it to your taste! Here's a few ideas:

• Ground turkey chili: Replace the ground meat with 2 pounds of ground turkey
• Chicken chili: Use 6 cups of cooked chicken breast in place of the ground meat
• Spicy chili: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• Vegetarian chili: Replace the meat with extra beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing and Reheating Chili Instructions

STORING: You can store any leftovers of this delicious Dutch oven chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

FREEZING: This is also a great recipe to double and freeze half for another meal! Let it cool completely, then spoon into a freezer safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. thaw overnight in the fridge before eating.

REHEATING: To reheat, scoop your desired portion into a microwave safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30 second intervals until warmed through.

More Healthy Comfort Food Dinners

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