If you’re searching for a chili recipe that strikes the perfect balance between bold flavors, comforting warmth, and satisfying heartiness, look no further than the Dixon Chili Recipe. This classic dish blends a rich medley of spices, tender meat, and beans into a simmered masterpiece that’s ideal for cozy nights or feeding a crowd.
Whether you’re a chili connoisseur or a kitchen novice, Dixon chili offers a straightforward yet deeply flavorful experience that warms you from the inside out.
What makes this chili stand apart is its unique blend of spices and the slow simmering process that allows every ingredient to harmonize beautifully. It’s perfect for game days, family dinners, or as a make-ahead meal to enjoy throughout the week.
Plus, with a few simple tweaks, you can customize it to your taste preferences, making it truly your own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Dixon Chili Recipe is beloved for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile.
You can easily adjust the heat or add extra vegetables for a more robust meal. It’s also a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your food.
The slow simmering technique ensures the flavors are deep and complex, while the meat turns tender and juicy. This recipe also uses pantry staples, making it accessible for most home cooks.
Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies meat lovers and chili enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro, jalapeños
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Can opener
- Ladle (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Open and drain the beans and tomatoes.
- Heat the olive oil in your large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with your spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook the spices with the meat for 1-2 minutes to bloom their flavors.
- Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with juices), kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired. For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings. Consider shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Tips & Variations
“For a smoky depth, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce during the simmering stage.”
Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian-friendly dish. For a vegan version, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
If you like your chili extra spicy, increase the cayenne pepper or add some chopped fresh chilies. Alternatively, for a milder version, reduce the chili powder and omit the cayenne.
Adding vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or diced carrots can boost nutrition and texture. You can also experiment with beans — pinto or cannellini beans work wonderfully in this recipe.
For slow cooker enthusiasts, brown the meat and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Cholesterol | 50 mg |
Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
This chili is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Spoon it over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside warm cornbread for a classic combo.
It also pairs excellently with tortilla chips or baked potatoes for a filling meal.
For a lighter option, serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. If you’re hosting a game day or casual gathering, set up a chili bar with assorted toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, jalapeños, and avocado slices so guests can customize their bowls.
Don’t forget to check out some of our other delicious recipes such as Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or the hearty Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide for complementary meal ideas.
Conclusion
The Dixon Chili Recipe is a timeless dish that brings warmth, flavor, and comfort to your table with every bite. Its rich blend of spices, tender meat, and hearty beans create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe that’s accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
Beyond its delicious taste, the flexibility of this chili allows you to tailor it to your preferences — whether that means adjusting the heat, adding vegetables, or even making it vegetarian. Plus, it stores well, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal or leftover option.
For more exciting recipes that can round out your menu, be sure to explore our collection like Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or the flavorful Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.
So grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and dive into this classic chili that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
📖 Recipe Card: Dixon Chili Recipe
Description: A hearty and flavorful chili perfect for family dinners. This recipe combines ground beef, beans, and spices for a classic comfort meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT1H30M
Total Time: PT1H50M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and brown the ground beef.
- Add diced onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, kidney beans, and black beans.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 25 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 28 g
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