The Best Ever Chili

Lunch

My dad and my father-in-law are the gurus in our chili-loving clan. But after my honeymoon to New Mexico, inspired by the fresh and fragrant chile peppers at the Santa Fe farmers market, I felt it was time to introduce them to my spicy, meaty version with a touch of masa harina.

Average Rating: 4

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 min. Cook: 1 hour 20 min.
YIELD: 8 servings.

3 dried ancho or guajillo chiles
1 to 2 cups boiling water
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 garlic cloves
1/4 cup chili powder
1-1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 pound ground beef
1-1/2 teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning
2 pounds beef tri-tip roast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 teaspoons salt, divided
2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper, divided
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1-1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
3 cups beef stock
1 bottle (12 ounces) beer
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each ) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, drained
3 tablespoons masa harina
American cheese slices, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion and corn chips, optional

1. Combine chiles and enough boiling water to cover; let stand until softened, about 15 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/3 cup of the soaking liquid. Discard stems and seeds. Process chiles, tomato paste, garlic and reserved liquid until smooth.
2. In a small skillet, toast chili powder, paprika and cumin over medium heat until aromatic, 3-4 minutes; remove and set aside. In a Dutch oven, cook and stir ground beef and steak seasoning over medium-high heat until beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes; remove and drain.
3. Sprinkle steak cubes with 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper. In same Dutch oven, brown beef in batches in 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat; remove and set aside. Saute onion and poblano pepper in the remaining 1 tablespoon oil until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in toasted spices, oregano and pepper flakes. Add the cooked meats along with stock, beer, tomatoes, beans, remaining salt and pepper, and chile paste mixture. Cook over medium heat 20 minutes; reduce heat to low. Stir in masa and simmer 30-45 minutes longer. Serve with desired toppings.
Freeze option:
Freeze cooled chili in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add a little broth or water if necessary.