Ingredients

2 lbs. ground beef, 80% lean

2 cloves garlic, diced

8 oz. tomato sauce

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 cup masa harina, white or yellow

15 oz. kidney beans, drained and rinsed

15 oz. pinto beans, drained and rinsed

14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (Instant Pot version only)

Garnish Options:

Shredded Cheddar

Lime wedges

Sour cream

Tortilla chips or Fritos

Diced green onions

Instructions

Step 1: Cook and crumble the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.

Step 2: Add the diced garlic and tomato sauce to the beef and cook for 1 minute.

Step 3: Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If the chili seems too dry, add 1/2 cup water.

Step 4: In a small bowl, combine masa harina with 1/2 cup water. Stir until smooth, then add to the chili. Adjust with more masa or water for your preferred thickness.

Step 5: Add the drained kidney and pinto beans to the chili. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes before serving.

Alternative Crock Pot Method: After browning beef and combining with garlic, tomato sauce, and seasonings, transfer mixture to crock pot. Stir in masa harina mixture and beans. Cook on low for 4 hours, stirring as needed and adjusting consistency with water or masa.

Alternative Instant Pot Method: Use 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes with juice instead of tomato sauce. Sauté beef and garlic in the Instant Pot, then add spices. Stir in masa harina mixture, diced tomatoes, and beans. Close lid and cook on Chili/Beans setting for 20 minutes. Use quick or natural release before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use either white or yellow masa harina depending on your preference for subtle flavor differences.

Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level. Start with less if you prefer mild chili.

For a vegetarian version, omit beef and use extra beans with vegetable broth instead of water.

Add a splash of beer or a tablespoon of cocoa powder for an extra depth of flavor.

Serve with cornbread or your favorite tortilla chips for a complete meal.

FAQs

Can I make this chili without the masa harina?

Yes, you can skip the masa harina if you don’t have it, but it adds a nice thickness and subtle corn flavor that enhances the chili’s texture and taste.

What kind of beans work best in this chili?

Kidney beans and pinto beans are traditional and provide a hearty texture and flavor. You can also experiment with black beans or other beans you like, though it may slightly change the flavor profile.