Cowboy Steak Chili in a Crock Pot

Cooking Guides

Cowboy Steak Chili in a Crock Pot

This cowboy steak chili is a bold, hearty slow cooker recipe made with chunks of sirloin steak, smoky bacon, spicy chorizo, beans, and dark beer. Slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen while the steak becomes tender and rich. It’s the perfect comfort food for game day, cold nights, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Ingredients

The Meat

  • 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite-size cubes
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped (or 3 tablespoons vegetable oil)
  • 1 pound 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 ale
  • Cowboy steak seasoning, prepared separately
  • Beef stock, as needed

Instructions

  1. Turn the crock pot on to low heat.
  2. Prepare the cowboy steak seasoning according to the separate recipe.
  3. Toss the cubed sirloin steak in the seasoning until thoroughly coated.
  4. In a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving the drippings.
  5. Working in batches if necessary, brown the seasoned steak cubes in the bacon drippings (or oil). Transfer the browned steak to the crock pot.
  6. Add the chorizo or ground pork to the skillet and cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes until lightly browned. Transfer to the crock pot.
  7. Add the onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes.
  8. Transfer the cooked aromatics to the crock pot.
  9. Stir in the diced green chilies, kidney beans, corn (if using), dark beer, and reserved bacon.
  10. If needed, add beef stock or additional beer until the ingredients are mostly covered.
  11. Cover and cook on low for about 7 hours. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  12. Continue cooking for at least 1 additional hour for deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the better.

Serving Tips

Serve cowboy steak chili with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over baked potatoes. Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze well for easy meals.

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