If you like Justin Chiasson’s sizzling stalekracker videos on TikTok, you’ll love his delicious stalekracker chili recipe. The right mix of spices gives this hearty and flavorful dish a real taste of South Louisiana.
Put your seat belts on and get ready for a taste adventure that will take you right to the heart of Cajun country!
Why You Should Try This Recipe?
Beyond the mouthwatering flavor, there are several reasons why you should give Stalekracker’s elk chili recipe a try:
- Unique Protein Source: Elk meat is a lean and sustainable protein option that adds a distinct richness and heartiness to the chili.
- Bold Cajun Flavors: Stalekracker’s Cajun-inspired blend of spices, including chili powder and cumin, infuses the dish with an unforgettable kick.
- Versatility: This chili can be served as a main dish, or as a delicious topping for hot dogs, baked potatoes, or even fries.
How to Make Stalekracker Chili Recipe
Stalekracker chili recipe is a delightful fusion of traditional chili ingredients and bold Cajun flavors. This hearty dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elk ground meat
- ½ lb pork sausage
- 2 elk steaks, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Chopping board
- knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1. Preparation:
Start by slicing the elk steaks thinly. Cross-cut them into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
Open the cans of diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Set aside.
Step 2. Mixing the Meats:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, mix the elk ground meat and pork sausage together. Use your hands to combine them well.
Step 3. Cooking the Meats:
Place the skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the mixed meats and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Once browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Step 4. Adding Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
Sprinkle chili powder and cumin over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
Step 5. Simmering:
Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
Step 6. Final Touches:
Once the chili has thickened and the flavors have developed, remove it from the heat.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Ladle the elk chili into bowls and serve hot.
Tips and Variations
While Stalekracker’s elk chili recipe is a masterpiece on its own, feel free to put your own spin on it and make it your own:
- Protein Swap: If elk meat is hard to come by, substitute with ground beef or turkey for a more accessible option.
- Bean It Up: Add kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for a nutritious and colorful twist.
- Heat Level Adjustment: Increase or decrease the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to suit your desired level of spiciness.
- Toppings Galore: Experiment with different garnishes like crispy bacon bits, diced avocado, or a dollop of cooling sour cream.
What Do You Put on Top of Chili?
Part of the joy of savoring a hearty bowl of chili is the toppings! Here are some delicious options to elevate your Stalekracker chili experience:
- Shredded Cheese: A classic choice, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend, adds creaminess and a slight tang.
- Diced Onions: Raw or sautéed, diced onions provide a crisp, tangy crunch.
- Jalapeños: For those who love a kick of heat, fresh or pickled jalapeño slices are a must.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A cool and creamy contrast to the spicy chili.
- Sliced Avocado: Creamy, fresh avocado adds a luxurious touch and a dose of healthy fats.
- Crushed Tortilla Chips or Crackers: For a crunchy texture and a hint of saltiness.
What to Serve with This Stalekracker Chili
While Stalekracker’s elk chili is undoubtedly the star of the show, it’s always nice to have some accompaniments to round out the meal. Here are some delicious side dish ideas:
- Cornbread or Corn Muffins: A classic pairing that soaks up the rich chili flavors.
- Garlic Bread or Biscuits: Buttery and carb-y goodness perfect for mopping up any leftover chili juices.
- Tossed Salad: A fresh green salad provides a crisp and refreshing contrast to the hearty chili.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts add a nutritious and flavorful element to the meal.
- Rice or Quinoa: Fluffy grains like rice or quinoa make a great base for ladling the chili over.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
One of the best things about Stalekracker’s elk chili recipe is that it makes fantastic leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat them properly:
Storing: Once the chili has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Common Stalekracker Chili FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of elk meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef is a great substitute if elk meat is hard to find. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for.
Do I have to use pork sausage, or can I use another type of sausage?
You can certainly experiment with different types of sausage, such as turkey or chicken sausage. However, the pork sausage does add a delicious richness and depth of flavor to the chili.
Can I make this chili vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Substitute the elk and pork sausage with plant-based protein sources like lentils, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or soy crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of the meat juices and omit any dairy-based toppings.
How spicy is this chili?
The level of spiciness can vary depending on the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper used. The recipe as written has a moderate level of heat, but you can adjust the spices to your desired level of spiciness.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! This chili recipe is perfect for the slow cooker or Instant Pot. Simply brown the meats on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to your preferred cooking appliance and follow the cooking instructions for chili.
Stalekracker Chili Recipe
Discover the ultimate Stalekracker Chili Recipe for a hearty meal! Perfect blend of elk and sausage in a flavorful tomato base. Try it now!
Ingredients
- 1 lb elk ground meat
- ½ lb pork sausage
- 2 elk steaks, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preparation: Start by slicing the elk steaks thinly. Cross-cut them into bite-sized pieces. Set aside. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Open the cans of diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Set aside.
- Mixing the Meats: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, mix the elk ground meat and pork sausage together. Use your hands to combine them well.
- Cooking the Meats: Place the skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the mixed meats and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Adding Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well to combine. Sprinkle chili powder and cumin over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Simmering: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
- Final Touches: Once the chili has thickened and the flavors have developed, remove it from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Ladle the elk chili into bowls and serve hot.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 480Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 750mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 5gSugar: 8gProtein: 41g
The nutrition information provided below is estimated using an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered medical advice or guaranteed to be accurate. Please consult a professional for any dietary needs or restrictions.
Final Words
This Stalekracker chili recipe is a true work of art in the kitchen. It combines the rich, savory flavors of elk meat with the bold, Cajun-inspired spices that have made this TikTok cook famous. This chili is sure to become a regular in your kitchen because it has just the right amount of heat, depth, and complexity.
Get all of your ingredients together, put on your cooking apron, and get ready for a tasty adventure that will take your taste buds straight to Louisiana. Enjoy your meal!
