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Dutch Oven Chili

Yields10 ServingsPrep Time15 minsCook Time45 minsTotal Time1 hr

I get a lot of compliments every time I cook this chili.

Dutch oven chili

 2 lbs ground bison, beef, or turkey
 4 cups cooked beans (kidney, pinto, red, etc.) The red beans add the best flavor in my opinion. But sometimes, I'll add some of each.
 1 medium onion, chopped
 4 sticks celery, chopped
 43.50 oz canned diced tomatoes(14.5 oz normally equals 1 can, so 3 cans equals 43.5 oz)
 2 tbsp oil
 1 tbsp flour(I've used gluten free flour with great results as well. But wheat flour works fine.)
 1 tbsp chili powder
 2 tsp granulated garlic (Garlic powder also works, but I like that granulated garlic is not as fine.)
 2 tbsp kosher salt(Add more or less to taste. If using table salt, cut amount in half.)
 2 tsp black pepper (I prefer freshly course ground, but any ground pepper works.)
 2 bay leaves
1

Heat cast iron on medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil. Once pan and oil are hot, add chopped onions and celery and sauté for 5-6 minutes. Stirring every minute or so.

2

Add ground meat, and continue to sauté for another 10 minutes, again stirring every minute or so.

3

Once meat is browned, stir in 1 tablespoon of oil, salt, black pepper, flour, chili powder, and granulated garlic and cook for 1 minute.

4

Stir in beans, diced tomatoes, and bay leaves.

5

Reduce heat to low and place the lid on the Dutch oven. Simmer for at least another 30 minutes, stirring at least every 10 minutes. However, the longer it simmers, the better it tastes. I've let it simmer for hours, just be sure to stir it about every 10 minutes to avoid it scorching. Remove bay leaves before serving.
For an even better taste, complete this step in a smoker with the lid of the Dutch oven off. Smoke at about 250°, stirring about every 15 minutes. Hickory is my favorite wood for this recipe, but use whatever wood you like.

Nutrition Facts

10 servings

Serving size

Amount per serving
Calories320
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9.2g12%

Saturated Fat 2.6g13%
Cholesterol 81mg27%
Sodium 1484mg65%
Total Carbohydrate 24.3g9%

Dietary Fiber 7.7g28%
Total Sugars 4.3g
Protein 35.3g
Calcium 4mg1%
Iron 111mg617%
Potassium 1028mg22%

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.