Description
Mom's Award-Winning Chili Recipe is a hearty and flavorful chili made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with a robust mix of spices, simmered with tomatoes, pinto beans, and finished with masa harina and semi-sweet baking chocolate for a rich depth of flavor. This comforting dish serves 12 and is perfect for gatherings or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons neutral-flavored oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 6 tablespoons chili powder
- 4 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 4 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons masa harina
- 2 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté onion: In a large dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot, heat 2 tablespoons of neutral-flavored oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Add spices and cook: Stir in the salt, chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, oregano, onion powder, and black pepper. Cook while stirring constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aroma.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Increase heat to medium-high and break the meat into small pieces with a spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains.
- Add tomatoes, beans, and bay leaves: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, the pinto beans, and add the bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer chili: Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 90 to 120 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes to prevent sticking and to help flavors meld.
- Finish chili with masa harina and chocolate: Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Stir in the masa harina and semi-sweet baking chocolate. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently until the chocolate is melted and blended into the chili, thickening it slightly and enriching the flavor.
Notes
- Use neutral oil such as canola or vegetable oil to avoid overpowering flavors.
- Stirring the chili regularly during the long simmer helps prevent burning on the bottom of the pot.
- Masa harina not only thickens the chili but adds a subtle corn flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- The semi-sweet baking chocolate enriches the chili with a subtle depth and smooth finish—do not skip this ingredient.
- For a spicier chili, consider adding chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper along with the spices.
- This chili contains corn allergens because of the masa harina.
- Leftover chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
