Simple Chili

This chili was so flavorful just by cooking the meat with the spices for an hour... I've always added everything to most chili recipes all at once. With this meal, you do it in stages. And the masa helps to thicken the chili but also adds some corn flavor - yes please! If the store has coarsely ground beef, pick that up - the meat is so much softer after you cook it.

Oh and Chili Cheese Fritos are so addictive in this household - which is why I pretty much never buy them except when we have chili... it's a perfect match. Neither one of us can stop eating those bad for you chips when they are in this house. :-)

Simple Chili

Serves 6

ingredients

• 3 large garlic cloves, chopped

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 Tbsp ground cumin

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

• 2 Tbsp chili powder

• 2 lbs ground beef chuck, coarsely ground

• 8 oz can tomato sauce

• 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste

• 1/2 cup masa (corn flour)
• 1 can pinto beans, drained
• 1 can kidney beans, drained

• 1 jalapeno, diced
• 1 can Hot rotel
• beef stock
• Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeno/fresno peppers, cilantro, onion, chili cheese fritos, diced avocado

directions

1. Combine the spices in a small bowl, set aside. Brown the beef with garlic in a dutch oven, then drain the fat. Return to the pot and add tomato sauce & the spices. Stir, bring to a simmer, cover and cook on low for 1 hour. Check on it after 30 minutes and add a little bit of beef stock.

2. Combine the masa and 1 cup water in a small bowl with a fork. Add to the chili, stir together and add more seasoning if needed. Add some more beef stock to bring the chili to the consistency you enjoy. Now add the beans, rotel and jalapeno and cook until warmed through.

3. Serve with your favorite toppings - chili cheese fritos are amazing with this or any chili for that matter.

Enjoy!

This recipe was adapted from Pioneer Woman.