Simple Perfect Chili

Ree Drummond, Food Network

(Mexican, beef, dried beans)

Yield: 6 - 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 min
Inactive:
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 min

Ingredients

2 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 8-oz can tomato sauce
2 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground oregano
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ C masa harina (corn flour found in the Mexican section)
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

Instructions

1. Crumble the 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 cup water at a time as needed.
2. After an hour, place the masa harina in a small bowl. Add 1/2 cup 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 and /or water to get the chili to your preferred consistency, or to add more corn flavor.
3. Add the beans and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Serve with shredded Cheddar, chopped onions, tortilla chips and lime wedges.