How to Make Cowboy Chili w/ Steak

Meaty Crockpot Chili on the Stove or Cooking by Campfire

© Larry Ervin

Jan 13, 2008

Inspired by a traditional recipe for Cowboy Steak, this chili is perfect whether you’re rooting the Dallas Cowboys on to the superbowl, or for your favorite Urban Cowboy (or Cowgirl). Prepare it as written, or modify it with your own favorite chili additives.

You will need:

Crockpot (a.k.a. slow-cooker) or alternately, a large heavy pot, preferably cast iron.

Meat:

• 1 lb sirloin steak, cubed bite-size
• Seasoning (see recipe below)
• 4 strips of streaky bacon (or 3 Tbsp vegetable oil)
• 1 lb chorizo (or ground pork)

Chili Seasoning:

• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 sticks celery chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed

Vegetables:

• 1 can diced green chilies
• 2 16 oz cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 16 oz can corn (optional)
• 1 16 oz bottle of dark beer or ale
• 1 28 oz can chopped tomatoes

1. Turn the crockpot on to high.
2. Roll cubed steak pieces around in the seasoning mix until they are thoroughly coated.
3. In a large, heavy fry pan over medium high heat, brown off the bacon (if using) until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels or clean newspaper, reserving the drippings.
4. Brown the coated cubes of steak in the bacon drippings (or oil), working in batches if necessary. Transfer browned steak to the crockpot.
5. Add the chorizo and cook it down, stirring, for about 5 minutes . Transfer the chorizo to the crockpot.
6. Add all the “aromatics” to the fry pan and sweat them down, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. Transfer them to the crockpot.
7. Stir in all the other ingredients and the reserved bacon to the crockpot. If there’s not enough liquid to cover, add some beef stock or more beer. Put the lid on.
8. Let the mixture come to a simmer, taste and adjust the seasoning to taste and let it simmer at least another hour. It’s ready to serve then or reduce the power to low and it will feed your hungry crowd all day if it lasts that long.

While the chili recipe above will stand up even if all you add is chili powder, this mix will give it more complex depth of flavor. The essential “Cowboy” element is ground coffee. Was this the result of a creative campfire cook or some happy chuck wagon mistake? You can also use this seasoning with onion powder and garlic powder in the mix.

You may want to mix up enough to use later as a dry rub for ribs or chops or even chicken. If you do, bloom the mixture just before using.

• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp dark (or espresso) roast coffee beans, freshly ground fine
• 1 tbsp each: ground cumin, paprika and brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp each: salt, dry mustard, ground coriander and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne (or to taste)

1. In a large fry pan over medium low flame, toss in all the seasonings except the brown sugar.
2. Let the spices bloom until they just begin to color.
3. Remove from the heat, transfer bowl and stir in the brown sugar.

Serving suggestions: A favorite chili topping is a dollop of sour cream and grated cheddar cheese. Have some hot pepper sauce on hand for the hot-heads. This recipe is great served with (or over) cornbread, too.

Stovetop variation: If you don't have a crockpot, you can simmer the chili in a large heavy pot on your stovetop. Once the mixture comes to a simmer, turn the flame down to its lowest setting. Stir frequently to keep it from sticking.

If chili is your thing, you may also want to try Hoppin’ John Chili.

Cheesier comfort food? Try Mac & Cheese for Grownups.

Here are some more ideas if you have a hankering for Soups or Stews, including:

• Belgian Beef Stew
• Lentil - Spinach Soup
• Red Bean and Andouille Sausage Soup
• Boeuf Bourguignon - Beef Burgundy
• African Chicken and Peanut Soup
• Cheddar and Ale Soup
• Pumpkin Apple Soup
• Broccoli and Toasted Hazelnut Soup au Gratin
• Bavarian Pilsner-Onion Soup
• Oregon Sharp Cheddar and Ale Soup
• Cioppino to Die For
• Turkey Minestra (from leftover roast turkey)
• Cream of Chicken with Wild Mushrooms (from leftover cooked chicken)

Cowboy Hat in search of Grub

Enough Steak for Double Recipe

Alternate Setting to Make Cowboy Chile

Chili Ingredients

Beer

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