What’s the Difference Between Cowboy Chili and Regular Chili?

Cowboy chili is a lot like regular chili, but it’s made to be hearty enough to satisfy a cowboy. The difference between cowboy chili and regular chili usually comes down to the amount of meat in it: Cowboy chili typically has at least two pounds of meat in it. It also contains beans, which add more protein and could help bulk up the chili during times when meat was hard to come by out on the range. After all, being a cowboy is hungry work! Regular chili, on the other hand, doesn’t need to have beans, though it’s a common addition.