Cowboy Steak Chili in a Crock Pot

"While searching for an authentic Texas Style Chili, I discovered this recipe from http://recipes.suite101.com/article.cfm/cowboy_steak_chili. There are so many chili recipes with many variations for all types of taste buds, but this one really knocked my socks off. 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. The only change I made was to cook the chili for 8 hours on low in the crock pot before serving. I truly believe that one of the secrets to good chili is a looooooonnnnngggg cooking time. YEEHAA"
 
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photo by alenafoodphoto photo by alenafoodphoto
photo by alenafoodphoto
photo by alenafoodphoto photo by alenafoodphoto
photo by alenafoodphoto photo by alenafoodphoto
photo by Kimizee photo by Kimizee
Ready In:
8hrs 30mins
Ingredients:
22
Yields:
12 cups
Serves:
10-12
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ingredients

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directions

  • Turn the crock pot on to low.
  • Prepare the Cowboy Steak Seasoning following the separate recipe posting.
  • Roll cubed steak around in the seasoning mix until they are thoroughly coated.
  • 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.
  • Brown the coated cubes of steak in the bacon drippings (or oil), working in batches if necessary.
  • Transfer browned steak to the crock pot.
  • Add the chorizo or pork and cook it down, stirring, for about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer the chorizo or pork to the crock pot.
  • Add all the “aromatics” to the fry pan and sweat them down, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer them to the crock pot.
  • Stir in all the “other good stuff” and the reserved bacon to the crock pot.
  • If there’s not enough liquid to cover, add some beef stock or more beer. Put the lid on. Cook for @ 7 hours and then give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed and let it simmer at least another hour. The longer the better!

Questions & Replies

  1. Will this recipe fit in a regular size crockpot?
     
  2. Setting on crock pot, low or high?
     
  3. When do you add in the rest of the seasoning or is it just to coat the steak?
     
  4. Anyone try this in an InstaPot? thanks
     
  5. I am confused by the directions. Do you let it simmer in the crock pot for 1 hr? After that how long do you let it cook for in the crock pot?
     
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Reviews

  1. We are avid campers and this chili recipe is now a staple of our camping trips. We make this in advance along with some jalapeño & cheese cornbread...BOOM! If you have access to Belching Beaver Peanut Butter Stout beer, I highly recommend using it in this recipe. I also substitute one can of kidney beans with black beans. Awesome!
     
  2. 5 stars for the phrase 'more beer' in the directions o/
     
  3. We really enjoyed this recipe. I had a lb. of round steak, a lb. of chorizo, and bacon on hand. The only changes made were: only 1 tsp cumin, because we don’t care for it much, 7 oz can green chili’s due to size I had, Belgian style ale, instant coffee granules. It had such a nice, rich flavor. It wasn’t too hot for my hubby, who sometimes accuses me of trying to kill him with hot peppers. I let it cook all afternoon, I think about 6 to 7 hrs. It was perfect. I’ll definitely make it again.
     
  4. Just won 1st Place at a neighborhood Chili Cookoff with this recipe. Followed the recipe exactly. The texture was great with the steak/bacon/chorizo. Added the optional can of corn and used "Newcastle Brown Ale" for the beer. This is a little labor intensive but well worth it. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy.....
     
  5. My husband was blown away with this chili - very fragrant, not complicated, and nutritional. Will save this recipe and make it again!
     
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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

I love to grocery shop; prepare food; come up with new recipes; feed family and friends. I have won numerous cooking contests that I am very proud of.
 
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