Savory morsels of tender steak, infused with the bold flavors of spicy sausage, complemented by a medley of five distinct bean varieties, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy kick from green chili, come together to create an unbeatable winter staple that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Begin cooking your chili early in the day, allowing it to simmer throughout the afternoon to create a mouthwatering dinner that’s sure to bring joyful smiles to all who gather around the table at night. What’s more invigorating on a crisp autumn day than the rich aroma of a hearty pot of chili wafting from your kitchen window?
It’s been over 15 years since my friend Shannon wowed me with her exceptional chili at a party – the kind that left an indelible mark on my taste buds. For years, I had been crafting a reliable yet unremarkable chili recipe, one that consistently pleased but never truly wowed.
I devoured two massive portions of her exceptional chili and subsequently nagged her for the coveted recipe. Fortunately, her kindness extended to sharing it with me. What surprised me was the astonishing similarity between our two chili recipes – a virtual carbon copy, with the sole exception of one key component.
Chili with Ranch Style Beans
That one ingredient though? Adding this one key ingredient made all the difference between an average, run-of-the-mill chili recipe and a truly exceptional one that’s sure to leave everyone wanting more. The secret ingredient is indeed the rich and savory flavor of the Ranch Style Beans.
The warmth of this chili brings a smile to my face and fills my heart with joy. The aroma wafting through the air, a culinary delight that puts a smile on my face! As I anticipate the evening meal, the savory scent builds my excitement, making every hour tick by more slowly. As the aroma of slow-cooked chili wafts through the air, it’s impossible not to be enveloped by a sense of warmth and contentment that makes even the most mundane day feel cozier.
A medley of tender steak, bold spicy sausage, and an array of five diverse bean varieties is expertly blended with juicy tomatoes and a hint of smoky chilies, resulting in a truly exceptional chili that showcases its complexity and depth. Beware the impressive array of ingredients that may initially overwhelm you. This straightforward recipe requires minimal effort and can be swiftly assembled in the morning.
I find that letting it simmer on low for most of the day, whenever possible, allows for a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods. As the pot simmers for several hours, a harmonious marriage of flavors unfolds among the tender steak, savory sausage, and bold chilies. Can’t help but indulge in a steaming hot bowl of chili whenever I get a head start on my day’s culinary pursuits.
5 Bean Chili
While this steak chili recipe shares similarities with others, its unique twist lies in a singular key component. The rustic charm of ranch-style beans elevates the overall flavor profile significantly. The mixture of beans holds a certain je ne sais quoi that’s simply enchanting. I kid you not.
Fifteen years prior, I had no experience purchasing canned beans of this type. And now? I maintain a stash of around a dozen canned goods in my pantry at all times. Ranch-style chili beans bring a medley of mouthwatering spices to this dish, harmoniously complementing the flavors of the sausage and steak.
Steak Chili
With a plethora of chili recipes under my belt, I’ve crafted some mouth-watering dishes, both with succulent steak additions and sans the savory meat. Occasionally, I opt for chicken, while our group frequently employs ground beef or sausage as our foundation; occasionally, we also prepare a delicious vegetarian option.
When paired with steak, chili boasts a unique fusion of flavors and textures that aren’t replicable with other types of meat, making it an unparalleled culinary experience. I relish incorporating the pungent aroma of crumbling spicy sausage into this dish, as its bold flavors and satisfying crunch expertly complement the tender steak.
Savor the rich flavors of this hearty chili served atop creamy baked potatoes, al dente macaroni, or fluffy rice, or pair it with a crumbly slice of warm cornbread for a match made in comfort food heaven. It’s truly delectable when topped with a generous helping of melted cheese, a dollop of creamy sour cream, and crunchy Cornbread Croutons, but it also shines on its own, showcasing its inherent flavor profile.
Steak Chili Recipe
To begin, cook your steak to your desired level of doneness using your preferred method. Regardless of the cooking method, the quality of the steak remains relatively unchanged. You can achieve perfectly cooked steaks by grilling, broiling, or cooking them on the stove, regardless of the method you choose. I prefer to season my steak with a pinch of salt, a few grinds of pepper, and a minced clove of garlic on both sides as it sizzles on the grill or in the skillet.
When I’m short on leftover steak, I opt for a different approach: searing fresh steak in a large stockpot before cooking the sausage, crumbling it as needed.
Upon the completion of cooking both meats, combine them with the pot’s remaining ingredients: the beans, tomatoes, green chile, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and a dash of taco seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, before adjusting the heat to a low setting.
Allow the mixture to maintain a gentle simmer throughout the day, or for a minimum of four to six consecutive hours on low heat. Stir the mixture every 60-90 minutes, ensuring you reach the bottom of the pot as you do so, and make a concerted effort to savor the dish throughout the day rather than devouring it in one sitting. Savor this hearty dish, served with a rich topping of melted cheese and a dollop of tangy sour cream, for the ultimate autumnal delight.
Throughout my culinary endeavors, I’ve found that allowing this particular chili to simmer slowly over gentle heat yields an unparalleled depth of flavor. Although the urge to dive in may be strong after just a few hours, it’s essential to exercise self-control and refrain from doing so. The more time it spends cooking on the stove or in a slow cooker, the richer and more complex its flavors will become.
Reduced to a quarter of the original recipe? Simply brown the meats before combining them with all remaining ingredients in the slow cooker, stirring well to ensure even distribution, then cook on low for a leisurely eight-hour duration.
With a collection of slow cookers and crockpots at my disposal, I’ve found myself relying on these versatile appliances to simplify meal preparation. As a devoted enthusiast of slow cooking, you may well appreciate the value of having multiple units at your disposal. Here’s how it could look in a different style as a professional editor:
Let’s discuss your top picks, shall we?
This 6-quart slow cooker features a secure, locking lid for added convenience and peace of mind while cooking. These versatile slow cookers are incredibly useful for taking meals on-the-go, making mealtime a breeze when you’re in transit. This beloved dish of mine has traveled far and wide, gracing gatherings at church potlucks, casual barbecues, lively game nights, and even the grandeur of Thanksgiving feasts. Warning: be prepared for extremely high temperatures – these slow cookers operate at an alarmingly hot pace. Water at low heat is closer to boiling than simmering; the warm setting on most cooktops and stovetops, however, truly simmers. Trust me when I say that “high” indeed means exceptionally elevated.
I rely daily on my trusty 8-quart Crock-Pot slow cooker. This trusty appliance has earned a special place in my kitchen as the primary tool for slow-cooking hearty meals like massive roasts and abundant batches of chili. Did you know that the volume of liquids plays a surprising role in cooking times? In reality, a full 4-quart cooker actually cooks more slowly than a half-full 8-quart cooker.
Ideal for preparing small quantities of shredded chicken for dishes like enchiladas, this compact 3-quart slow cooker is the perfect choice for your needs.
Since discovering the versatility of medium-sized round slow cookers, preparing Thanksgiving’s diverse array of side dishes has become an effortless endeavour for me.
These innovative CrockPockets revolutionize meal prep by allowing you to cook and keep multiple dishes simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple slow cookers. The insert’s compact design enables seamless placement within a standard 6-quart slow cooker, effortlessly dividing the interior into two distinct compartments ideal for presenting various accompaniments or maintaining warm temperatures for taco fillings at gatherings.
Beef and Sausage Chili
This enormous recipe requires a keen eye to initially discern its magnitude. This dish can easily feed my entire household, leaving us with a generous amount for future meals. This recipe’s versatility makes it an ideal choice for large social events like parties and family get-togethers.
I typically prepare a complete meal, portioning it into both large and small containers to ensure we have sufficient supplies for both family gatherings and personal lunches throughout the week. A stash of chili never goes unappreciated!
This rich and hearty Spicy Five Bean Steak Chili is at its peak flavor when reheated the following day, making it an ideal candidate for advance preparation – simply cook it a day in advance and reheat with gusto whenever you’re ready to serve. This versatile recipe heats up magnificently both on the stovetop and in the microwave, offering unparalleled convenience.
Since I make such large batches, this recipe is perfect for me because it makes about 12 quarts of chili, which I can freeze and use throughout the year. As I prepare the pot for a lengthy cooking session, I’m inclined to extract multiple meals from this endeavour, thereby maximising my culinary yield and minimising waste.
How To Freeze Chili
Prior to freezing, allow the soup to reach room temperature and then transfer it to airtight containers designed specifically for freezer storage. Soups can be efficiently reheated by microwaving them or, alternatively, thawing them out first before warming them up on the stovetop.
Here are a few more delicious chili recipes: Try a Hearty Pepper Chili that bursts with flavor from the perfect blend of sweet bell peppers and spicy jalapeños. A dash of bell peppers, the sweetness of tomatoes, the pungency of cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice combine to infuse this chili with vibrant, refreshing flavors. The hearty chili is stuffed with juicy sausage, creamy beans, and a medley of vibrant vegetables.
Rich and creamy White Chicken Chili bursts with flavor, featuring tender shreds of chicken, velvety soft white beans, and a subtle kick from green chile peppers, all balanced by a harmonious blend of aromatic spices. A hearty and comforting staple that’s perfect for cozying up on a drizzly afternoon – we’ve been indulging in this delightful blend of soup and chili for numerous rainy days over the years.
Inspired by a spontaneous getaway to our secluded cabin, where the call of a warm and comforting bowl of chili unexpectedly seized my appetite. With pantry staples at hand, I whipped up a surprisingly tasty dish. Its success was undeniable, prompting me to jot down the recipe for future sharing.
Crockpot Instructions
