Kent Rollins Chili Recipe

There’s something magical about cowboy chili that’s been simmering over a campfire or in this case, your stovetop.

This copycat Kent Rollins chili recipe brings that authentic chuck wagon experience right into your kitchen. Kent Rollins, the legendary cowboy cook, has perfected this cowboy chili recipe over decades of feeding ranch hands and hungry folks across the American West.

What makes this authentic cowboy chili recipe truly special is the unexpected addition of cocoa powder and ancho chilies, creating layers of smoky, rich flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re new to cowboy cook traditions or a seasoned chili enthusiast, this recipe delivers hearty, soul-satisfying comfort in every spoonful.

What Does It Taste Like?

This best cowboy chili recipe delivers a complex, deeply satisfying flavor profile that’s both rustic and refined. The initial taste hits you with savory, well-seasoned beef and aromatic garlic, followed by a subtle sweetness from brown sugar that balances the heat.

The traditional Mexican cocoa powder chili technique adds an unexpected richness earthy and slightly bitter that mellows the acidity of tomatoes beautifully. Smoky notes from ancho chili powder mingle with warm cumin and herbaceous Mexican oregano, creating that authentic chuck wagon depth.

The pinto beans add creamy texture while absorbing all those incredible flavors. It’s not overly spicy but wonderfully warming, with a velvety, thick consistency that coats your spoon and delivers pure comfort.

Kent Rollins Chili Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chili Base:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal flavor)
• 1 white onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans with liquid
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups water (or beef broth for richer flavor)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon Kent Rollins seasoning (or substitute: 1 teaspoon each salt, black pepper, garlic powder)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
• 2 tablespoons chili seasoning blend
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 pinches dried Mexican oregano (Fiesta brand recommended)

Kitchen Utensils You’ll Need

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener
• Lid for pot

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4-6 hearty portions

Kent Rollins Chili Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat your pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with your wooden spoon. Season with Kent Rollins seasoning (or salt, pepper, and garlic powder).

Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and no longer pink.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

Add the diced white onion directly to the browned beef. Stir well and cook for 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and softened.

In the last minute, add the minced garlic, stirring constantly to prevent burning while allowing it to release its fragrant oils.

Step 3: Add Beans and Tomato Paste

Pour in the entire can of pinto beans with their liquid. Stir to combine. Add the tomato paste and mix thoroughly, ensuring it coats all the beef and beans evenly.

This creates the foundation of your chili’s body.

Step 4: Layer the Seasonings

Now comes the magic of this cowboy Kent Rollins chili recipe. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, ancho chili powder, cumin, and crumbled Mexican oregano.

Add your chili seasoning blend. Stir everything together until the spices are fully distributed and aromatic.

Step 5: Thin and Bring to Boil

Add 1-2 cups of water (or beef broth) to reach your desired consistency the chili should be thick but pourable.

Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Let it boil for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let the chili simmer gently for 45 minutes. Stir every 10-15 minutes to prevent sticking. Check the liquid level periodically if it’s getting too thick, add water ¼ cup at a time. The longer simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 7: Final Adjustments

After 45 minutes, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The chili should be thick, rich, and deeply flavorful. If you prefer it even thicker, simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

1. Classic Cowboy Style

Serve your kent rollins chili recipe instruction-perfect batch in a bread bowl with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, diced raw onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Add crushed saltine crackers on the side for authentic chuck wagon vibes that Kent himself would approve of.

2. Frito Pie Transformation

Turn this into the ultimate comfort food by serving it over Fritos corn chips in individual bags or bowls. Top with cheese, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime. This Texas-style presentation is perfect for game day gatherings or casual outdoor meals.

3. Slow Cooker Adaptation

For a cowboy chili recipe slow cooker version, brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method deepens flavors even more and makes it perfect for busy days.

4. Crispy Refreshing Balance

Tangy cabbage slaw delivers the perfect crunchy contrast to your hearty bowl. The cool, acidic notes cut through rich flavors while adding vibrant texture that keeps every bite interesting and refreshing throughout your meal.

5. Spice It Up

Add 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce during the simmering stage for smoky heat that complements the cocoa beautifully. Or include diced jalapeños with the onions for fresh, bright heat that cuts through the richness.

6. Smoky Sweet Complement

Fire-roasted corn kernels bring charred depth and natural sweetness alongside spicy warmth. This colorful addition enhances the Southwestern experience with caramelized notes that harmonize beautifully, creating a restaurant-quality presentation at home.

7. Bean Variations

While pinto beans are traditional, try mixing in kidney beans, black beans, or even ranch-style beans for different textures and flavors. For a Texas-purist authentic cowboy chili recipe, omit beans entirely and add extra beef.

8. Cornbread Pairing

Serve alongside warm, buttered cornbread or jalapeño cornbread muffins. The slight sweetness and crumbly texture perfectly complement the savory, complex chili. Cast iron skillet cornbread adds extra cowboy authenticity to your meal presentation.

9. Elegant Golden Base

Serve over fragrant saffron-infused rice for a luxurious foundation that absorbs every drop of flavorful sauce. The delicate aromatic grains transform your dish into a complete, satisfying meal while adding sophisticated visual appeal to your table.

10. Breakfast Chili Bowl

Reheat leftover chili and serve it over crispy hash browns with a fried egg on top, plus shredded cheese and green onions. This hearty breakfast transforms your cowboy cook dinner into a protein-packed morning meal that’ll fuel any hard day’s work ahead.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cowboy Chili

1. Choose the Right Beef

The 80/20 ground beef blend is crucial for this best cowboy chili recipe. Leaner beef will make your chili dry and less flavorful, while the 20% fat content adds richness and helps carry the spices. Don’t drain all the fat after browning leave about 2 tablespoons in the pot for authentic cowboy flavor and body.

2. Toast Your Spices

For even deeper flavor, toast the ancho chili powder and cumin in a dry pan for 30-60 seconds before adding them to your chili. This releases essential oils and intensifies their smoky, earthy notes. Watch carefully to prevent burning, which creates bitterness instead of depth.

3. The Cocoa Secret

The unsweetened cocoa powder is what sets this traditional Mexican cocoa powder chili apart from ordinary recipes. It doesn’t make the chili taste chocolatey instead, it adds earthy richness and helps balance acidity from tomatoes. Use Dutch-process cocoa for smoother flavor or natural cocoa for slightly brighter notes.

4. Control Your Simmer

Low and slow wins the chili race. Keep your simmer gentle you should see occasional bubbles, not a rolling boil. Too high heat will toughen the beef and cause liquid to evaporate too quickly. If you have extra time, simmer for up to 2 hours for even more developed flavors.

5. Liquid Adjustments

Beef broth instead of water adds tremendous depth to your kent rollins chili recipe ingredients. You can also use a combination of water and beer (lager works well) for complexity. Add liquid gradually it’s easier to thin chili than to thicken it later.

6. Thickening Techniques

If your chili is too thin after simmering, try these cowboy-approved methods: simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, add a tablespoon of corn masa mixed with water (Kent’s preferred method), or mash some of the beans against the pot side to release their natural starches.

7. Season in Layers

Don’t add all your kent rollins chili recipe ingredients seasonings at once. Season the beef while browning, add more with the beans and tomato paste, then adjust at the end. This layering technique ensures balanced, well-distributed flavor rather than one-dimensional taste. Always taste before the final simmer you can add more but can’t take away.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover copycat kent rollins chili recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore consistency. Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Common Queries and FAQs

Common Kent Rollins Chili Recipe questions answered to help you understand it better.

Can I make this cowboy chili recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! For a cowboy chili recipe slow cooker version, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet first to develop flavor, then transfer to your slow cooker with all remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The extended cooking time makes the flavors even richer and more developed.

What makes Kent Rollins chili different from regular chili?

This cowboy Kent Rollins chili recipe stands out because of the cocoa powder and ancho chili powder combination, which creates unexpected depth and complexity. The brown sugar balances heat and acidity, while Mexican oregano adds authentic Southwestern flavor. It’s simpler than many competition chilis but delivers professional-level taste through quality ingredients and proper technique.

Can I leave out the beans for authentic Texas chili?

Yes! Traditional Texas authentic cowboy chili recipe often contains no beans at all. Simply omit the pinto beans and increase the ground beef to 1.5-2 pounds. You may need to add slightly more liquid. Some cowboy cooks prefer beans for stretching the meal and adding texture, so both versions are authentically Western.

What’s the best substitute for Kent Rollins seasoning?

Mix 1 teaspoon each of kosher salt, coarse black pepper, and garlic powder as a simple substitute. For closer approximation to Kent’s blend, add ½ teaspoon onion powder and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika. The key is balancing savory, peppery, and garlicky notes without overpowering the other spices in the chili.

Why does this recipe use cocoa powder in chili?

This traditional Mexican cocoa powder chili technique dates back centuries to Mexican mole traditions. Unsweetened cocoa adds earthy, slightly bitter notes that enhance meaty flavors, deepen color, and create a more complex taste profile. It doesn’t make chili taste like chocolate instead, it adds richness and helps balance acidic ingredients while mellowing heat.

How spicy is this cowboy chili recipe?

This best cowboy chili recipe is moderately mild to medium in heat. Ancho chili powder provides smoky flavor with gentle warmth rather than intense spice. If you prefer spicier chili, add cayenne pepper (start with ½ teaspoon), diced jalapeños, or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. For milder chili, reduce the chili seasoning blend by half.

Can I use different types of beans?

Absolutely! While pinto beans are traditional in cowboy cooking, kidney beans, black beans, or a combination work beautifully. Ranch-style beans (pre-seasoned pintos) add extra flavor. For variety, use 2-3 different bean types. Just maintain roughly the same total volume one 15-ounce can or about 1.5-2 cups of cooked beans.

Should I drain the pinto beans before adding?

No, the kent rollins chili recipe instruction calls for adding beans with their liquid. The bean liquid contains starch that helps thicken the chili naturally and adds subtle flavor. If you prefer less liquid or are using low-sodium beans, you can drain half the liquid and reserve it to add back if needed.

What’s the difference between ancho and regular chili powder?

Ancho chili powder is made from dried poblano peppers and has a sweet, smoky, slightly fruity flavor with mild heat. Regular chili powder is typically a blend of various chili peppers plus cumin, garlic, and oregano. Ancho provides more authentic cowboy cook flavor, but you can substitute with regular chili powder just reduce other seasonings slightly to avoid over-spicing.

How do I prevent my chili from being too watery?

Control liquid by adding water or broth gradually start with 1 cup and add more only if needed. Simmer uncovered during the last 15-20 minutes to evaporate excess liquid. For emergency thickening, mix 1 tablespoon corn masa or cornmeal with 2 tablespoons water, stir into chili, and simmer 10 minutes. Mashing some beans also helps thicken naturally.

Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, though flavor will be milder. Use 93/7 ground turkey and add 2 tablespoons of oil or butter when browning to replace the fat from beef. Consider adding 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and an extra ½ teaspoon cumin to boost savory depth. Ground chicken works similarly but may require even more seasoning adjustments.

How long does homemade cowboy chili last?

Properly stored in airtight containers, this copycat kent rollins chili recipe lasts 4-5 days in the refrigerator. For freezing, cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers leaving 1-inch headspace for expansion, and freeze up to 3 months. Label with date and contents. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best texture.

What toppings go best with cowboy chili?

Classic toppings include shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced raw white or red onions, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. For authentic cowboy cook style, add crushed saltines or cornbread. Diced avocado, lime wedges, hot sauce, and pickled jalapeños add fresh contrast to the rich, hearty chili.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This kent rollins chili recipe ingredients list doubles easily. Use a larger pot (at least 6-quart capacity) and brown the beef in two batches to ensure proper browning. You may need to extend simmering time by 15-20 minutes for flavors to fully develop. Chili actually improves when made in larger batches as flavors meld better.

Is Mexican oregano really necessary?

Mexican oregano provides authentic Southwestern flavor with citrusy, earthy notes distinct from Mediterranean oregano. It significantly enhances this authentic cowboy chili recipe, but if unavailable, substitute with half the amount of regular oregano plus a pinch of marjoram or use ½ teaspoon dried cilantro for similar herbal brightness.

This Kent Rollins chili recipe brings genuine chuck wagon tradition straight to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. The combination of cocoa, ancho chilies, and patient simmering creates a cowboy chili recipe that’s both rustic and remarkably sophisticated.

Whether you’re feeding hungry ranch hands or family on a weeknight, this hearty, soul-warming dish delivers authentic Western comfort. Grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and experience why this best cowboy chili recipe has kept cowboys satisfied for generations. Happy trails and happy cooking, partner!

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