Simple Perfect Chili

By CathyRice

I saw this recipe on the Pioneer Woman Show. It is great made in large batches and frozen into gallon freezer bags. It can be made with or without beans.

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground beef
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 2 T chili powder
• 1 t ground cumin
• 1 t ground oregano
• 1 t salt
• 1/4 t cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup masa harina
• 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• Shredded Cheddar - for serving
• Chopped onions - for serving
• Tortilla chips - for serving
• Lime wedges - for serving

Details

Preparation time 15mins
Cooking time 80mins
Adapted from foodnetwork.com

Preparation

Step 1

Place the ground beef in a large pot and throw in the garlic. Cook over medium heat until browned. Drain off the excess fat and then pour in the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and cayenne. Stir together well, cover, and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes overly dry, add 1/2 c water at a time as needed.
After an hour, place the masa harina in a small bowl. Add 1/2 c water and stir together with a fork. Dump the masa mixture into the chili. Stir together well, and then taste and adjust the seasonings. Add more masa paste an/or water to get the chili to your preferred consistency, or to add more corn flavor.
Add the beans and simmer for 10 minutes.
Serve with shredded cheddar, chopped onions, tortilla chips and lime wedges.