I started making Chili using steak and italian sausage years ago to change up the recipe I had always used before, which called for using ground beef. My husband loved the new steak and italian sausage method so much, that it is the only way he has wanted me to make it since. It is hearty and meaty, and it's always a delicious crowd pleaser. And might I add, a real man pleaser too!*wink*
We love spicy foods around here at our place, so I usually make my chili hot and spicy. We must have all the fixin's to go with our chili too, a bit of macaroni or pasta, shredded cheese, diced onion and a nice handful of Fritos corn chips to top it off. I've also added a dollop of sour cream on occasion as well. I often enjoy some saltine crackers on the side, they work well to scoop up a big ole bite of yummy-ness! Sometimes adding a little butter on the crackers, to eat along with the chili is good too.
This is one of those guess-timation recipes, a bit of this and a some of that, so I have as best put this to a follow-able recipe. This recipe makes a big pot of chili! ...plenty for a group of maybe eight people, or plenty for second helpings for just a few, and/or plenty to freeze for later. Enjoy!
Steak & Italian Sausage Chili
Ingredients:
1 -lb lean thin steak - cut into small cubes
1/2 -lb sweet italian sausage or 3 italian sausages with casing removed
5 -14oz cans of diced tomatoes (and their juice)
3 -16oz cans of chili beans (I prefer the Bush's brand)
1 packet mild chili seasoning
1 packet hot chili seasoning
3 tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
olive oil -a drizzle to satue meat
ground red pepper or red pepper flakes to taste (optional-if you like more heat!)
Additional Ingredients and Toppings:
cooked macaroni or pasta
shredded cheese ie. cheddar or mexican blend or four cheese
diced onions
Fritos corn chips
saltine crackers
sour cream (optional)
Directions:
In large soup pot on med high heat, add olive oil and saute steak until no longer pink, push to outer edges and then add sausage to center of the pan and break up finely as it cooks, combine and continue to cook meats till browned. Any liquid from the meats can be drained off at this time. Add tomatoes and seasonings and stir together. Add the beans and carefully stir in. Add red pepper to your heat preference-(optional). Simmer on low to medium heat, then increase temperature before serving. (Tastes even better the next day, or if you have any left-overs)
I love me some spicy chili!...
