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

• Ready In: 8 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 10-12
• Yields: 12 cups

Ingredients

• The Meat

• 1  lb  sirloin steak, cubed bite-size
• 4  slices bacon (or 3 Tbsp vegetable oil)
• 1  lb chorizo sausage (or ground pork)

• The Aromatics

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

• The Other Good Stuff

• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
• 2 (16 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (16 ounce) can corn (optional)
• 1 (16 ounce) bottle dark beer or 1 (16 ounce) bottle ale
• 1 (28 ounce) can chopped tomatoes

• Cowboy Steak Seasoning

• 3  tablespoons chili powder
• 1  tablespoon coffee beans, dark freshly finely ground
• 1  tablespoon paprika
• 1  tablespoon ground cumin
• 1  tablespoon brown sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne (or to taste)

Directions

1. Turn the crock pot on to low.
2. Prepare the Cowboy Steak Seasoning following the separate recipe posting.
3. Roll cubed steak around in the seasoning mix until they are thoroughly coated.
4. In a large, heavy fry pan over medium high heat, brown off the bacon (if using) until crisp.
5. Remove and drain on paper towels or clean newspaper, reserving the drippings.
6. Brown the coated cubes of steak in the bacon drippings (or oil), working in batches if necessary.
7. Transfer browned steak to the crock pot.
8. Add the chorizo or pork and cook it down, stirring, for about 5 minutes.
9. Transfer the chorizo or pork to the crock pot.
10. Add all the “aromatics” to the fry pan and sweat them down, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes.
11. Transfer them to the crock pot.
12. Stir in all the “other good stuff” and the reserved bacon to the crock pot.
13. 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!