Hearty Cast Iron Homestead Chili

There’s nothing like a big pot of chili simmering on the stove after a long day of homestead chores. I remember when I first started growing my own food—there was something so satisfying about pulling fresh tomatoes, peppers, and onions straight from the garden to make a meal from scratch. Now, this hearty cast iron chili is a staple in my kitchen.

It’s packed with rich flavors, tender ground beef, and just the right amount of spice. Whether you're warming up after a chilly morning outside or feeding a hungry family, this dish is easy, filling, and made with wholesome ingredients you can grow or raise yourself.

Homestead Cooking Tips

• Use fresh tomatoes if you have them: If you grow tomatoes, dice them up instead of using canned. You can also roast them for extra flavor.

• Homemade broth makes a difference: If you’ve got homemade beef or bone broth, it’ll make the chili even richer.

• Adjust the spice level: If you like heat, toss in an extra jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper.

• Simmer longer for deeper flavor: The longer chili simmers, the better it gets. If you have time, let it cook low and slow for at least an hour.

• Make extra for leftovers: Chili tastes even better the next day, and it freezes well for easy meals later.

📷 Picture This: A slow-simmering Dutch oven filled with deep red chili, bubbling gently as the spices blend into a rich, comforting meal.

Measured Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or venison

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 large tomatoes or 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans or black beans, drained

• 2 cups beef broth or stock

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp cumin

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp olive oil, lard, or butter

• 1 small jalapeño, minced (optional)

📷 Picture This: A small wooden bowl filled with deep red chili powder, golden cumin, and smoky paprika, sitting next to a cutting board stacked with diced onions, peppers, and tomatoes.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions For Hearty Cast Iron Homestead Chili

Step 1: Brown the Meat

• Heat a cast iron Dutch oven over medium heat.

• Add olive oil, lard, or butter, then toss in the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until soft.

• Add the ground beef or venison, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7–8 minutes.

📷 Picture This: A cast iron pot sizzling as the beef browns, the onions and peppers softening and soaking up all the flavors.

Step 2: Add the Garlic & Spices

• Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Add the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and veggies in the spices.

📷 Picture This: A wooden spoon stirring a fragrant blend of garlic and warm, smoky spices into the sizzling meat.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes & Beans

• If using fresh tomatoes, dice them up and add them to the pot. If using canned, pour them in with their juices.

• Stir in the tomato paste, then add the drained beans.

📷 Picture This: A ladle pouring bright red, juicy tomatoes into the pot, their juices mingling with the seasoned meat.

Step 4: Simmer the Chili

• Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together.

• Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you have more time, let it cook for an hour for even better flavor.

📷 Picture This: A bubbling pot of chili, steam rising as it thickens into the perfect hearty dish.

Step 5: Taste & Adjust

• Give the chili a taste—add more salt, pepper, or spice if needed.

• If the chili is too thick, stir in a little extra broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer.

📷 Picture This: A wooden spoon lifting a thick, meaty spoonful of chili, the perfect balance of beans, tomatoes, and tender beef.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.

• Serve with cornbread, homemade biscuits, or a slice of fresh sourdough bread.

• Pair with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.

• If you like heat, add a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños.

📷 Picture This: A steaming bowl of chili topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, sitting next to a golden slice of cornbread on a farmhouse table.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Cast Iron Homestead Chili is a simple, wholesome meal that’s perfect for cozy evenings or feeding a hungry homestead family. Whether you're using homegrown veggies or pantry staples, it’s easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser.

Try it out, and don’t forget to save a little extra for leftovers—they only get better with time!