Spicy Cowboy Chili

Can you use ground beef in this cowboy chili recipe?

Beef stew meat gives this cowboy chili a heaty, chunky texture. But in a pinch, you can use 3 pounds of ground beef instead. Cook the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, drain and add to the slow cooker (like in this slow-cooker chili recipe that starts with ground beef). Feel free to experiment with other ingredients as well. Substitute pinto beans for the kidney beans or use beef broth instead of beer. Plus, you can add more seasonings to suit your tastes, like cayenne pepper, ground cumin and even cocoa powder.

What can you use instead of dried chipotle chiles?

You can replace dried chipotle chiles with 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper. Add the ground chipotle to the slow cooker with the mashed garlic and beer mixture.

What do you serve with cowboy chili?

In addition to cheese and jalapenos, top cowboy chili with sour cream, tortilla chips and chopped onions. As for side dishes to serve with chili, give buttery cornbread, crunchy coleslaw and smoky bacon-wrapped jalapenos a try.

Can you freeze cowboy chili?

Yes, freeze cowboy chili in freezer containers. When you're ready to eat the chili, partially thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. Add a little water or broth if necessary.