Hearty Cowboy Crockpot Chili with Smoky Sausage Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add extra depth to the flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce when combining the ingredients in the Crockpot. These additions can enhance the natural smokiness of the sausage and provide a more complex savory profile that complements the fire-roasted tomatoes and chili powder beautifully.

If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash a small portion of the pinto beans against the side of the Crockpot once the cooking time is complete. The starches released from the beans will naturally thicken the broth further, providing a hearty, home-style consistency that is perfect for scooping up with crunchy corn chips or crusty bread.

Variations

• Spicy Cowboy Chili: Increase the heat by adding two diced habanero peppers or an extra tablespoon of chili powder. You can also mix in a splash of hot sauce during the final assembly phase for an extra kick.
• Vegetable-Packed Chili: Boost the volume and texture by adding diced bell peppers, celery, or corn kernels when dumping the ingredients into the Crockpot. These vegetables add color and freshness to the hearty meat base.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Allow any leftover chili to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months.

When storing, ensure the containers are tightly sealed to prevent the smoky aroma from affecting other items in your fridge or freezer.

This chili is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. Simply prepare the recipe as directed, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a small splash of beef stock if the chili has thickened too much while sitting in the fridge.

Serving ideas

Serve the chili piping hot in deep enamelware bowls to retain its heat. Provide a variety of toppings in small bowls, such as diced red onion, pickled jalapenos, sour cream, and plenty of crunchy Fritos corn chips.

This allows everyone to customize their bowl to their liking, adding texture and brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, smoky chili.

For a larger crowd, consider setting up a chili bar where guests can assemble their own bowls. This not only makes serving easier but also adds a fun, interactive element to the meal.

Ensure the chili stays warm throughout the service by leaving it on the lowest setting of the slow cooker, and replenish toppings as needed to keep the display looking fresh.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Hearty Cowboy Crockpot Chili with Smoky Sausage

Prep 15 minCook 6 hTotal 6 h 15 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb ground chuck, browned
• 1 lb smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into coins
• 2 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans
• 28 oz fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 jalapeno, diced
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 2.5 cups beef stock
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Fritos corn chips, for serving
• diced red onion, for serving
• pickled jalapenos, for serving
• sour cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Brown the ground chuck in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
2. Place the browned ground chuck, sliced smoked kielbasa, pinto beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, diced jalapeno, chili powder, and beef stock into the Crockpot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
3. Set the Crockpot to low and cook for 6 hours. The smoky broth will thicken as the ingredients simmer together, creating a rich and hearty texture.
4. Stir the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the hot chili until melted. Serve immediately in enamelware bowls, topped with Fritos, diced red onion, pickled jalapenos, and a dollop of sour cream.

Contains: milk, gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

28.5 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

6 g

Sugar

4.5 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.