There’s something special about cooking a hearty meal by the water. This Dockside Chili with a Twist was filmed right on the boat, and it proves you don’t need a full kitchen to put together a delicious, filling supper. Using simple ingredients — ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a smoky splash of BBQ sauce (or even a dash of beer or cola) — this one-pot chili is rustic, budget-friendly, and absolutely packed with flavor.
It’s the kind of meal that feels right at home whether you’re out on the lake, docked at the marina, or just looking for a quick and hearty supper at home. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s the perfect $10 dinner that will keep the whole family satisfied.
Serve it with crusty bread, over rice, or alongside a crisp salad, and you’ve got a rustic comfort food classic you’ll want to make again and again.
Dockside Chili with a Twist – A $10 One-Pot Supper!
Description
This Dockside Chili with a Twist is a hearty, one-pot meal made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a splash of smoky BBQ sauce (or beer/cola for extra depth). Rustic, budget-friendly, and ready in about 30 minutes, it’s the perfect $10 family supper whether you’re cooking at home or right by the water.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Add the ground beef to a pan over medium high heat. Stir and fry until cooked through and browned. Push to one side and add in the bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Stir and sauté until fragrant and the bell pepper begins to soften.
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Add in the tomatoes, red beans, and black beans. Mix until well combined. Put the BBQ sauce and cola in. Once again mix until combined. Add the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir one more time until combined. Reduce the heat to medium low and allow to simmer for about 15 minutes.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning. Garnish with cilantro or parsley. Serve with some toast or buns. I nice green salad or fries is good too.
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Enjoy your Dockside Chili with a Twist!
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 454kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Sodium 982mg41%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 7g29%
- Sugars 11g
- Protein 26g52%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutritional values are a within reason estimate and my vary depending on several factors.
Note
- Twist Options: This chili works with smoky BBQ sauce, a splash of beer, or even cola for sweetness. Each gives a slightly different “dockside” flavor.
- Protein Swap: Try half ground beef and half sausage for extra depth, or use ground turkey if you want it lighter.
- Bean Choices: Kidney and black beans are classic, but pinto or mixed beans work just as well.
- Make It Stretch: Serve over rice, pasta, or baked potatoes to feed more people on a tight budget.
- Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium beans, tomatoes, and BBQ sauce if you want to cut the salt without losing flavor.
- Leftovers: This chili reheats well and tastes even better the next day — perfect for meal prep or a quick marina lunch.
- Toppings: Finish with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips for extra flair.
