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Saturday Cowboy Chili (Chili con Carne)

270 min • 8 to 10 servings •
John S

270 min •     8 to 10 servings•

John S

Bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños, with a pot of chili, onion, and jalapeño in the background.

I call this Saturday Cowboy Chili because I usually start this in the morning and let it cook for most of the day to tenderize the meat. After all, this is chili con carne, meaning chili with meat. I always believe if you take the time to make something good, make a big batch and freeze some for another time. In this recipe I use chipolte chiles in adobo sauce because it adds a nice smokey flavor along with some nice heat. This recipe makes about 1 gallon. Serves 8 to 10.

Ready

  • 2 lbs lean round steak (or flank steak), cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 3 lbs lean ground beef (chili grind if you can get it)
  • 5 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cups onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 14 oz beef broth
  • 2 cans (15 oz.) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (12 oz.) tomato paste
  • 2 Tbsp minced canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, or to taste
  • 8 Tbsp chili powder
  • 2 Tbsp oregano
  • 2 Tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 Tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 4 Tbsp yellow cornmeal or masa flour
  • 2 -15oz. cans small red kidney beans or pinto beans
  • 8 oz of pilsner beer (to add liquid when needed)
  • Garnish
  • Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Finely chopped raw onions
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced fresh Jalepeno peppers

    • Set

  • Large heavy pot
  • Wooden spoon

    • Go!

  • Heat oil in large pot. Add onions, cook until soft and golden.
  • Add meat in small batches, turning and searing constantly until meat starts to brown.
  • Add and stir well, garlic, beef broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and chipoltes. Stir until blended.
  • Stir in chili powder and remaining seasonings.
  • Cover. Cook at low heat for 3-4 hours.
  • Add beans, stir and heat through.
  • Serve with garnish of Monterey Jack cheese, chopped raw onions, dallop of sour cream and fresh jalepenos.

    • Recommendations

    If you like yours a little more spicy, add 1 tsp crushed red peppers or hot sauce to taste.

    beef chili chili con carne comfort food

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