Lawman Chili
Lawman Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender beef and pork with bold spices, fresh vegetables, and cheesy garnishes, perfect for comforting gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 brown onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 red onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 lb beef sirloin, in 1/4-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, in 1/4-inch cubes ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin ⓘ
- 3 c water ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 green chile, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute the garlic, onions, and bell pepper in vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until translucent.
- Remove the onion and pepper mixture from the pan, leaving the liquid.
- Add beef and pork cubes to the pan and brown over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and adding salt to taste.
- Cook the meat for at least 15 to 20 minutes or until tender.
- Add the onion and pepper mixture back into the pan. Stir and cook together for another 5 minutes.
- Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, and ground cumin. Stir the mixture well.
- Pour in water, then add tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, green chile, and jalapeno pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, garnished with Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using a mix of fresh and dried chilies. If you want to reduce the heat, omit the cayenne pepper or adjust to your taste. You can substitute the beef sirloin with ground beef for a different texture. Also, adding a splash of beer or a tablespoon of brown sugar can enhance the overall taste of the chili.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, topped with Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a simple side salad or over a bed of rice, making it a hearty dish that satisfies any appetite.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lawman Chili contains roughly 506 calories, with 41g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (135% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), and protein (81% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2793mg per serving (121% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Lawman Chili ahead of time?
Yes, making Lawman Chili ahead of time is a great idea! The flavors meld beautifully as it sits. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving for the best taste.
What can I use as a vegetarian substitute for the meat?
For a vegetarian version, you can use a combination of beans such as black beans and kidney beans instead of meat. Alternatively, try using lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP) to mimic the texture of meat while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
How can I adjust the spice level of the chili?
To adjust the spice level, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely for a milder flavor. For added heat, consider increasing the amount of jalapeno or adding a few dashes of hot sauce. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your palate.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).