Ultimate Cowboy Chili with Steak and Chorizo
This Ultimate Cowboy Chili combines juicy sirloin steak and spicy chorizo for a flavor-packed bowl that embodies the spirit of Texas. Perfectly simmered for hours in a slow cooker, the depth of flavor weaves together the rich taste of the meats with a mix of aromatic vegetables, bold spices, and the unique addition of ground coffee. This hearty chili is perfect for gatherings, game days, or cozy nights in. By allowing it to cook low and slow, you enhance the flavors and create a comforting dish that will warm you from the inside out. Whether served with cornbread, crackers, or over rice, this chili is a true crowd-pleaser.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sirloin steak
1 lb (cubed, bite-sized)
Bacon (or vegetable oil)
4 slices (or 3 Tbsp) (cooked until crisp)
Chorizo sausage (or ground pork)
1 lb (cooked until browned)
Onions
2 medium (chopped)
Bell pepper
1 (seeded and chopped)
Celery ribs
2 (chopped)
Garlic cloves
4 (smashed)
Diced green chilies
1 can (4 oz) (drained)
Kidney beans
2 cans (16 oz each) (drained and rinsed)
Corn
1 can (16 oz) (optional)
Dark beer or ale
1 bottle (16 oz) (used for cooking)
Chopped tomatoes
1 can (28 oz) (drained)
Chili powder
3 tablespoons (for seasoning)
Freshly ground coffee beans
1 tablespoon (finely ground)
Paprika
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
Ground cumin
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
Brown sugar
1 tablespoon (for flavor balance)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Turn the crock pot on to low.
2
Prepare the Cowboy Steak Seasoning as per the separate recipe.
3
Coat the cubed sirloin steak thoroughly with the seasoning mix.
4
In a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain, reserving the drippings.
5
In the same skillet, brown the coated steak in the bacon drippings (or oil), in batches if necessary, until browned on all sides. Transfer to the crock pot.
6
Add the chorizo or ground pork to the skillet and cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes until browned. Transfer to the crock pot.
7
Add the chopped onions, bell pepper, celery, and smashed garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened, then add to the crock pot.
8
In the crock pot, combine the remaining ingredients: diced green chilies, kidney beans, corn (if using), dark beer, chopped tomatoes, and reserved bacon.
9
If the mixture looks too thick, add beef stock or more beer until the ingredients are just covered. Stir well.
10
Put the lid on the crock pot and cook for about 8 hours. After 7 hours, taste it and adjust seasoning if needed, then allow to simmer for an additional hour to deepen the flavors.
11
Serve warm, topped with cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Cowboy Chili?
It is a flavor-packed chili that combines juicy sirloin steak and spicy chorizo, slow-cooked for a deep Texas-style flavor profile.
What types of meat are in this chili?
The recipe calls for one pound of sirloin steak and one pound of chorizo sausage or ground pork.
Can I substitute the chorizo?
Yes, you can use ground pork instead of chorizo sausage if preferred.
How long does the chili need to cook?
The chili should be cooked on low in a crock pot for approximately 8 hours.
What crock pot setting should I use?
You should set your crock pot to the low heat setting for the best results.
Why is coffee added to the recipe?
One tablespoon of finely ground coffee beans is added to provide a unique depth of flavor to the chili.
How do I prepare the sirloin steak?
The steak should be cut into bite-sized cubes and thoroughly coated with Cowboy Steak Seasoning.
Is bacon used in this recipe?
Yes, 4 slices of bacon are cooked until crispy, and the reserved drippings are used to brown the steak.
Can I use vegetable oil instead of bacon drippings?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for browning the meat.
What kind of beer is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one 16 oz bottle of dark beer or ale.
What if I don't want to use beer?
You can use beef stock as a liquid substitute if you prefer not to use beer.
Is this chili spicy?
The chili has a bold spice profile including chorizo, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and green chilies, giving it a hearty kick.
Can I add corn to the chili?
Yes, adding one 16 oz can of corn is an optional addition mentioned in the recipe.
What vegetables are included?
The recipe includes onions, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and diced green chilies.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 smashed garlic cloves.
What should I do if the chili looks too thick?
If the mixture is too thick, add beef stock or more beer until the ingredients are just covered.
When should I check the seasoning?
It is recommended to taste and adjust the seasoning after 7 hours of cooking.
What beans are used in Cowboy Chili?
The recipe uses two 16 oz cans of kidney beans, which should be drained and rinsed.
How much chili powder is required?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of chili powder.
What is the purpose of brown sugar in the recipe?
One tablespoon of brown sugar is used to balance the bold and spicy flavors.
Do I need to brown the meat before putting it in the crock pot?
Yes, both the seasoned steak and the chorizo should be browned in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
What are the recommended toppings for serving?
Common toppings include cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
What can I serve with this chili?
This chili pairs well with cornbread, crackers, or served over rice.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 22 total ingredients listed for this Ultimate Cowboy Chili.
What spices are used besides chili powder?
Spices include paprika, ground cumin, dry mustard, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Do I drain the canned tomatoes?
Yes, the 28 oz can of chopped tomatoes should be drained before adding to the crock pot.
How do I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the chopped onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic in the skillet for about 5 minutes until softened.
What size can of green chilies is needed?
Use one 4 oz can of diced green chilies, drained.
Can I make this on a game day?
Yes, its slow-cooker nature and hearty flavor make it a perfect dish for game days or large gatherings.
Is the bacon added back into the chili?
Yes, the reserved crispy bacon is added to the crock pot along with the other main ingredients.