Description
This hearty chili combines ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices to create a comforting and flavorful dish. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a satisfying meal that’s both simple to prepare and rich in taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- Meat:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- Liquids:
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- Water, as needed
- Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Thickening Agent:
- 1/4 cup masa harina (corn flour)
- Beans:
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- Optional Toppings:
- Shredded Cheddar cheese
- Chopped onions
- Tortilla chips
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped garlic. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Base Ingredients:
- Stir in the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too dry, add 1/2 cup of water at a time as needed.
- Thicken the Chili:
- In a small bowl, combine the masa harina with 1/2 cup of water, stirring to create a smooth paste. Add this mixture to the chili, stirring well to incorporate. Adjust the consistency by adding more water or masa paste as desired.
- Add Beans:
- Stir in the drained kidney and pinto beans. Allow the chili to simmer for an additional 10 minutes to heat the beans through.
- Serve:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your choice of shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped onions, tortilla chips, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Notes
- For a thicker chili, adjust the amount of masa harina or let the chili simmer longer uncovered.
- Feel free to customize the spice level by adjusting the cayenne pepper or adding hot sauce to taste.