This chili combines the rich, savory flavors of slow-cooked, tender shredded beef with the distinct corny taste of Masa Harina, making it the ultimate comfort food. As the beef cooks down over hours, it absorbs the blend of spices, creating a deep, flavorful chili that’s impossible to resist. Serve it with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and tortilla chips for the perfect finish.
The unique addition of Masa Harina sets this chili apart from the rest, thickening the broth and giving it a subtle hint of corn that pairs perfectly with the robust beef flavor. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a game day party, this chili is sure to become a family favorite.
Full Recipe:
- 3-4 pounds stew beef, roughly chopped chuck roast
- Salt and pepper
- Oil (for browning meat)
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 2 cups celery (about 4 stalks), chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cumin seed
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup masa harina
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (15-oz) cans kidney beans, drained
- 3 bay leaves
- Sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped onions, cilantro, tortilla chips (for garnish)
Directions:
- Season the beef generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet and brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes until nicely browned. Transfer the beef to a slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions and celery for about 5 minutes until softened, picking up all the delicious beef flavor. Add garlic and jalapeños, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin seed, oregano, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Let the spices toast into the vegetables for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and scrape up any brown bits from the pan. Slowly whisk in the masa harina to prevent lumps.
- Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours (or high for 6 hours) until the beef is tender and shreddable. Use a spoon or fork to break up the beef.
- Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese, onions, cilantro, and tortilla chips.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 8-10 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Kcal: 535 kcal per serving | Servings: 6-8
Key Features of the Recipe:
- Shredded Beef for Maximum Flavor:
- Unlike traditional chili recipes that use ground beef, this chili opts for tender, fall-apart chuck roast, giving the chili a richer, more robust texture and flavor. The beef is browned to perfection before slow cooking, locking in that deep beefy flavor.
- Masa Harina – A Unique Twist:
- Masa Harina, a finely ground corn flour, is typically used in making corn tortillas, but here it’s used as a thickening agent for the chili. It adds a subtle corn flavor that complements the spices and beef, making the dish stand out from regular chili recipes. It also thickens the broth, giving the chili a heartier consistency.
- Slow Cooker Method for Convenience:
- This recipe is ideal for busy cooks or those who want a low-effort, high-reward meal. The slow cooker does all the hard work, melding the flavors over a long simmer, which results in incredibly tender beef and a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Perfect for Large Gatherings:
- The recipe yields 6-8 servings, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings. The long cooking time makes it an excellent option for meal prep or parties where you want to serve something filling and flavorful.
- Customizable Garnishes:
- The toppings allow for customization to suit different tastes. Sour cream, cheddar cheese, cilantro, and tortilla chips are classic choices, but you can also add diced avocado, jalapeños, or lime wedges for an extra kick.
Cooking Tips:
- Browning the Beef:
- Browning the beef before slow cooking is essential to build flavor. Ensure the pan is hot, and don’t crowd the meat in the skillet. This helps to develop a deep caramelized crust that adds to the overall flavor of the chili.
- Adjusting Spice Level:
- The jalapeños and cayenne pepper provide a medium heat level, but you can adjust the spiciness by adding more chili powder or including fresh hot peppers like serranos. For a milder version, simply omit the cayenne or use mild chili powder.
- Thicker or Thinner Chili:
- If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the amount of broth, or add a little more masa harina towards the end of cooking. For a thinner consistency, you can add extra broth or water.
Variations & Substitutions:
- Vegetarian Option:
- To make this chili vegetarian, skip the beef and replace it with additional beans like black beans or pinto beans. Vegetable broth can be substituted for beef broth, and extra veggies such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini can be added for more texture and flavor.
- Creamy Chili:
- For a creamier version of this chili, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving. You can also melt some cheddar cheese into the pot for a thicker, creamier base.
- Other Meat Options:
- Though shredded beef is the highlight of this recipe, you can substitute with ground beef, turkey, or chicken if preferred. Just keep in mind that using ground meat may result in a different texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This chili pairs beautifully with traditional sides like cornbread, biscuits, or even a green salad. It also works great as a topping for baked potatoes or even nachos. For a fresh, contrasting side dish, try serving it with a tangy coleslaw or broccoli bacon salad.
Storage & Leftovers:
- Make-Ahead Tip:
- This chili only gets better with time as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up.
- Freezing:
- This chili freezes well for up to 3-4 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, transfer it to airtight containers, and store. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the slow cooker.
Fun Fact:
Chili has a long history in American cuisine, particularly in Texas, where traditional chili is made without beans. The addition of beans and masa harina in this recipe gives it a more hearty, southwestern twist, making it a unique version that marries the best of both worlds.
Origins of Chili and its Evolution:
Chili is a dish deeply rooted in American and Mexican cuisine, with influences from both sides of the border. Traditionally, Texan chili, or “chili con carne,” was made with beef, dried chilies, and a few spices but without beans. However, over time, variations have emerged, incorporating beans, tomatoes, and even sweeteners like brown sugar to balance the spice.
The use of Masa Harina in this particular recipe reflects a Mexican culinary influence, where this finely ground corn flour is a staple in dishes like tortillas, tamales, and certain stews. The addition of masa gives this chili a distinctive, earthy flavor and helps thicken the broth, setting it apart from more common chili recipes.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients:
- Beef (Chuck Roast):
- This cut of beef is particularly flavorful and tender when slow-cooked, making it ideal for stews and chilis. It is a good source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins like B12, and minerals such as iron and zinc. Using leaner cuts of beef or trimming visible fat can help reduce the calorie count if needed.
- Beans:
- Kidney beans add fiber, plant-based protein, and essential nutrients like folate and magnesium. Beans also help to bulk up the chili, making it more filling and nutritious, while balancing the rich flavor of the beef.
- Masa Harina:
- This ingredient adds not only flavor but also a source of carbohydrates and fiber. Being gluten-free, it is also an excellent thickening agent for those with gluten sensitivities. Masa Harina is enriched with calcium due to the lime water used in the process of making the flour.
- Garlic, Onions, and Jalapeños:
- These vegetables are powerhouses of flavor, but they also have notable health benefits. Garlic is known for its heart-healthy properties and immune-boosting abilities, while onions are rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory effects. Jalapeños add a nice kick and contain capsaicin, a compound that may help with pain relief and boosting metabolism.
- Spices (Chili Powder, Cumin, Oregano):
- Chili powder and cumin are essential for the rich, smoky flavor of chili, while oregano adds a fresh, herbal note. Together, these spices also offer numerous health benefits. For instance, cumin is known for aiding digestion and improving blood sugar control, while oregano has strong antimicrobial properties.
The Art of Slow Cooking:
The slow cooker is ideal for making chili because it allows time for all the flavors to meld and the beef to become incredibly tender. Cooking the chili over low heat for 8-10 hours ensures that the beef absorbs the spices and liquids, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Slow cooking also enhances the chili’s depth of flavor. As the ingredients simmer, the acidity of the tomatoes is balanced by the sweetness of brown sugar, while the masa harina thickens the liquid into a velvety sauce. The result is a chili that tastes like it’s been cooking for days, with minimal effort on your part.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Entertaining:
This shredded beef chili is not only comforting but versatile, making it perfect for serving at events such as:
- Game day parties: A warm bowl of chili is a crowd-pleaser for casual get-togethers. You can set up a chili bar with various toppings like cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, tortilla chips, and cilantro, allowing guests to customize their bowls.
- Family gatherings: The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for large groups, making it a great option for family dinners, potlucks, or casual backyard parties. Serve it with fresh cornbread or biscuits to complete the meal.
- Holiday meals: Around Halloween and fall gatherings, chili is a go-to meal, often served with sweet treats like cinnamon rolls or cornbread. This version, with its deep beefy flavor and rich, warming spices, is ideal for such occasions.
Make-It-Your-Own Variations:
- Smoky Twist: For an added depth of flavor, try using smoked paprika or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These smoky ingredients will complement the beef and give the chili a more intense, southwestern flavor.
- Sweet and Spicy: If you enjoy a sweet-spicy balance, you could add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the chili to enhance the sweetness from the brown sugar and contrast the heat from the jalapeños and cayenne pepper.
- Add Some Heat: For those who love heat, you can spice things up further by adding extra cayenne pepper, habaneros, or even a splash of hot sauce. Serve with cooling toppings like sour cream and avocado to balance the spice.
Nutritional Information & Dietary Considerations:
- High-Protein, Low-Carb: This chili is naturally high in protein thanks to the beef and beans, making it an excellent choice for those looking to stay full and satisfied. For those on low-carb diets, you can skip the beans and opt for additional vegetables to keep the carb count down.
- Gluten-Free: Since Masa Harina is gluten-free, this chili can be enjoyed by those with gluten sensitivities. Just ensure the broth and any toppings used are gluten-free as well.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan-Friendly Options: For a dairy-free version, simply omit the cheese and sour cream. To make it vegan, skip the beef and beef broth, using vegetable broth and extra beans or vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers to bulk it up.
Serving Presentation Ideas:
- Chili Bar: For parties, set up a chili bar with different toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, chopped cilantro, diced onions, jalapeños, and tortilla chips. Allow guests to create their own custom chili bowls.
- Chili Baked Potatoes: Serve the chili over baked potatoes for a hearty meal. Top with melted cheese, sour cream, and green onions for extra flavor.
- Cornbread Pairing: Chili and cornbread are a match made in heaven! Serve this chili with a side of moist honey cornbread or cheddar jalapeño cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Conclusion:
This Best Beef Chili with Masa Harina offers a delicious twist on a classic dish. The tender shredded beef, rich spices, and unique use of masa harina create a deeply flavorful and hearty chili that’s perfect for family dinners, game days, or gatherings. Easy to customize, gluten-free, and perfect for slow cooking, this chili is sure to become a go-to favorite. Serve it with a variety of toppings, cornbread, or over baked potatoes for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.