How to Make Cowboy Steak Chili

Sports fans or chili freaks, all will cheer as you score big with this man-pleasing grub. This hearty and crockpot-easy chili fulfills the cravings of your hungry crowd.

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.

Cowboy Steak Chili

You will need:

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

The Meat:

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

The Aromatics:

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

The Other Good Stuff:

• 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. Prepare the Cowboy Steak Seasoning following the recipe below. Roll cubed steak 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 good stuff” 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.

Cowboy Steak Seasoning

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 idea comes from Cowboy Steak, where 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 to make Cowboy Steak. If you do, it is traditional to add onion powder and garlic powder to 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 and the aroma from the pan is killer.
3. Remove from the heat, transfer bowl and stir in the brown sugar.

Serves: 10-12

Serving suggestions: A favorite chili topping is a dollop of sour cream and maybe some 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, or you don't need to hold the chili all day, 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.

For munchies during the big game, you can't miss with Hot & Cheesy Artichoke Dip or Super Easy Game Day Buffet.

Cowboy Hat in search of Grub

Enough Steak for Double Recipe

Alternate Setting to Make Cowboy Chile

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