Smoky Cajun Beef Chili
Dive into the rich and bold flavors of this Smoky Cajun Beef Chili. Perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices and smoked paprika, this hearty chili promises a mouthwatering blend of smoked sausage, tender ground beef, and an exciting mix of beans and peppers. Ideal for gatherings, this chili is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, leaving your guests craving for more.
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
Jimmy Dean sausage
1 package (16 ounce) (browned)
whole canned tomatoes
4 cans (29 ounce each) (cut into large chunks)
tomato sauce
1 can (29 ounce) (none)
kidney beans
1 can (16 ounce) (washed)
black beans
1 can (16 ounce) (washed)
red onion
1 (chopped)
jalapeno peppers
6 (chopped)
serrano peppers
3 (chopped)
celery stalks
3 (chopped)
garlic cloves
4 (chopped)
Tony Chachere's Seasoning
2 tablespoons (none)
smoked paprika
3 tablespoons (none)
chili powder
3 tablespoons (none)
cumin
2 tablespoons (none)
ground pepper
1 tablespoon (none)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Gather your friends and family to share in this tantalizing culinary experience. They'll want to arrive in about an hour, so give them a heads-up!
2
In a large 8-quart pot, start by browning the sausage over high heat. Do not drain the fat, as this adds flavor. Allow the sausage to sear well and develop a rich brown crust. Don’t worry if bits stick to the bottom; that’s where the flavor deepens.
3
Add the chopped celery, onion, and garlic to the pot. Cover and reduce the heat to medium, allowing the vegetables to sweat and soften for at least 10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
4
In a separate pan, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then add the beef to the main pot.
5
With the meats and vegetables combined, incorporate the whole canned tomatoes (chop them roughly if preferred), tomato sauce, kidney beans, and black beans. Be sure to include all the juices from the tomatoes.
6
Season the mixture with Tony Chachere's Seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, ground pepper, and kosher salt.
7
Increase the heat to a high simmer and let the chili cook for about an hour. Stir occasionally and taste to adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Cajun Beef Chili?
It is a rich and bold chili made with ground beef, Jimmy Dean sausage, Cajun spices, smoked paprika, and a mix of beans and peppers.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 24 people, making it ideal for large gatherings.
What types of meat are used in this chili?
The recipe uses 1 lb of ground beef and 1 package (16 ounces) of Jimmy Dean sausage.
Should I drain the fat from the sausage?
No, you should not drain the fat from the sausage as it adds significant flavor to the base of the chili.
Should I drain the fat from the ground beef?
Yes, unlike the sausage, the recipe instructs you to drain any excess fat from the ground beef after browning it in a separate pan.
What kind of beans are included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of kidney beans and one 16-ounce can of black beans, both washed.
Is this chili spicy?
Yes, it has a spicy kick from 6 jalapeno peppers, 3 serrano peppers, and Tony Chachere's Seasoning.
How much smoked paprika is required?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of smoked paprika to achieve its smoky flavor profile.
What type of canned tomatoes should I buy?
You will need 4 cans (29 ounces each) of whole canned tomatoes.
How should I prepare the whole canned tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be cut into large chunks or chopped roughly before being added to the pot with their juices.
What size pot is recommended for this recipe?
A large 8-quart pot is recommended to accommodate the volume of ingredients for 24 servings.
How long should the vegetables sweat?
The celery, onion, and garlic should be covered and allowed to sweat for at least 10 minutes over medium heat.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
Once all ingredients are combined, the chili should cook at a high simmer for about one hour.
What gives the chili its Cajun flavor?
The Cajun flavor comes primarily from 2 tablespoons of Tony Chachere's Seasoning combined with other spices.
How many jalapenos are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 chopped jalapeno peppers.
How many serrano peppers are used?
The recipe includes 3 chopped serrano peppers for additional heat.
What is the specific sausage brand mentioned?
The recipe specifically lists Jimmy Dean sausage.
How many stalks of celery are needed?
You will need 3 chopped celery stalks.
Is there tomato sauce in this chili?
Yes, one 29-ounce can of tomato sauce is added to the mixture.
How much cumin is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of cumin.
Do I need to add salt to the chili?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, though you should taste and adjust as needed.
How much ground pepper is required?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of ground pepper.
What kind of onion is used?
The recipe specifies one chopped red onion.
How many cloves of garlic are in the recipe?
There are 4 chopped garlic cloves.
How much chili powder should I add?
You should add 3 tablespoons of chili powder.
Can I prepare the ground beef in the same pot as the sausage?
The instructions recommend browning the ground beef in a separate pan before adding it to the main pot.
What should I do if bits of sausage stick to the bottom of the pot?
Don't worry if they stick; those bits contribute to the deep flavor of the chili.
How should the vegetables be cooked?
They should be sweated and softened for at least 10 minutes on medium heat while covered.
Is this a good recipe for a party?
Yes, it is described as a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that is ideal for gatherings.
What is the total amount of whole tomatoes used in ounces?
With 4 cans at 29 ounces each, the recipe uses a total of 116 ounces of whole tomatoes.