Indulge in the award-winning flavors of the Wild West with this Chuck Wagon Chili recipe! Inspired by pioneer times and crafted by Eugene Jarzab Jr. from Phoenix, Arizona, this chili is sure to transport you to a culinary adventure filled with spicy goodness. Be prepared for an extra-spicy kick by using more chili powder, and keep a refreshing drink close at hand!
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 boneless beef chuck roast (3 pounds), cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 pound pork stew meat, cut into ½-inch cubes
- ⅓ cup chili powder, divided
- 4 tablespoons canola oil, divided
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery rib, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped canned green chilies
- 1 carton (32 ounces) beef broth
- ¾ cup beer
- ¾ cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons grated dark chocolate
- 3 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
PREPARATIONS:
- Sprinkle the beef and pork with half of the chili powder.
- In a Dutch oven, brown the meat in batches in 2 tablespoons of oil. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onion and celery in the remaining oil until crisp-tender.
- Add the garlic, chilies, and the remaining chili powder; cook for 1 minute longer.
- Stir in the beef broth, beer, tomato sauce, grated dark chocolate, cumin, oregano, salt, ground mustard, cayenne, and the browned meat.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1 to 1½ hours or until the meat is tender.
YIELD: 6 servings
COOKING TIME: 80 minutes
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- For an extra-spicy version, you can increase the amount of chili powder used in the recipe. However, be prepared with a cooling drink nearby to offset the heat.
TIPS:
- For a deeper flavor, you can use a combination of different chili powders, such as ancho chili powder, chipotle chili powder, or even smoked paprika.
- This chili tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. Consider making it ahead of time for a delicious and convenient meal.
Stepping into the world of Chuck Wagon Chili is like taking a flavorful journey back to the Wild West, where hearty meals warmed the spirits of pioneers and cowboys alike. Crafted by Eugene Jarzab Jr. from Phoenix, Arizona, this award-winning chili recipe is the perfect balance of spices and ingredients to create a taste sensation that will leave you craving for more.
Feel free to experiment with the chili’s spiciness by adding more chili powder if you dare. Just make sure you have a refreshing drink nearby to cool down the fiery goodness. The combination of beef chuck roast and pork stew meat provides a succulent and tender texture that will have your taste buds rejoicing.
A Dutch oven, a culinary necessity during pioneer times, is the ideal vessel for preparing this Chuck Wagon Chili. As you sauté the onions, celery, garlic, and green chilies in the Dutch oven, the aromas will begin to fill the air, setting the stage for a mouthwatering meal.
With the addition of beef broth, beer, tomato sauce, grated dark chocolate, cumin, oregano, salt, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper, this chili becomes a symphony of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
One tip to consider is to use a variety of chili powders to deepen the flavor profile. Ancho chili powder, chipotle chili powder, or even smoked paprika can add an intriguing smokiness and complexity to the dish.
For a delectable meal, serve this Chuck Wagon Chili with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a side of warm cornbread. The comforting and soul-satisfying combination will make this dish a beloved favorite.
As you savor each spoonful of this flavorful chili, take a moment to appreciate its roots in the Wild West and the pioneers who relied on dishes like this to nourish their bodies and spirits. And remember, this chili tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to prepare a larger batch for a quick and delicious meal in the future.
In conclusion, Eugene Jarzab Jr.’s award-winning Chuck Wagon Chili is a celebration of spice, flavor, and history. By bringing the Old West into your kitchen, you’ll experience the warmth and excitement of a culinary adventure that will leave you with lasting memories and satisfied taste buds.
