Description
Pioneering chili from Ree Drummond combines hearty beef, robust spices, and rich tomato base for a comforting meal. Home cooks can easily craft this classic southwestern-style dish that delivers deep, satisfying flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs/907 g ground beef
- 2 tbsps chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 (8 oz/226 g) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz/425 g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz/425 g) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup/30 g masa harina (corn flour)
- ½ cup/120 ml water
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped onions
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Ignite a large pot over medium heat, introducing ground beef and methodically fragmenting it until achieving a rich, caramelized brown hue. Drain accumulated grease meticulously.
- Seasoning Integration: Infuse aromatic garlic into the meat, then introduce tomato sauce and a robust spice ensemble including chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Thoroughly coat beef with these vibrant seasonings.
- Flavor Development: Reduce heat to low, covering the pot and allowing flavors to meld. Simmer patiently for one hour, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Adjust consistency by introducing water if the mixture becomes too dense.
- Thickening Process: Craft a smooth masa harina binding agent by whisking with water until perfectly smooth. Gradually incorporate this thickening mixture into the chili, stirring continuously to ensure seamless integration.
- Bean Incorporation and Final Simmering: Gently fold kidney and pinto beans into the mixture, allowing them to absorb the rich, developed flavors. Continue simmering for an additional 10-15 minutes to harmonize ingredients completely.
- Serving Presentation: Transfer chili into individual bowls, inviting diners to personalize with complementary garnishes like shredded cheese, freshly chopped onions, and a zesty lime squeeze to elevate the culinary experience.
Notes
- Manage Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef caramelizes evenly by breaking it into small, uniform pieces during cooking for maximum flavor development and texture.
- Control Spice Intensity: Adjust cayenne and chili powder quantities based on personal heat tolerance, starting conservatively and incrementally increasing for desired spiciness.
- Prevent Bean Mushiness: Add kidney and pinto beans later in the cooking process to maintain their structural integrity and prevent overcooking or disintegration.
- Master Masa Thickening: Whisk masa harina thoroughly with water to eliminate lumps, creating a smooth thickening agent that seamlessly integrates into the chili without clumping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg