Best Chili Recipe
This rich, hearty chili features fall-apart tender shredded beef, bold spices, and a secret ingredient — masa harina — for a thick, unforgettable bowl. Perfect for game day, meal prep, or cozy nights!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker / One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chili:
3–4 lbs stew beef (chuck roast), roughly chopped
Salt and pepper, generous amounts
Oil, for browning
2 large onions (or 3 medium), chopped
2 cups chopped celery (about 4 stalks)
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup chili powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
2 tbsp cumin seeds (or ground cumin)
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp brown sugar
4 cups beef broth (or 4 cups water + 4 tsp beef bouillon)
1/4 cup masa harina (optional but recommended)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained
3 bay leaves
For Garnish (Optional):
Sour cream
Shredded cheddar cheese
Finely chopped onions
Chopped fresh cilantro
Tortilla chips
Instructions
Brown the beef: Pat meat dry and season generously with salt and pepper. In batches, sear the beef in a hot skillet with oil until browned on both sides. Transfer to a slow cooker.
Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté onions and celery in oil until soft and golden (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and jalapeños, then all dry spices and brown sugar. Stir to toast the spices for 1–2 minutes.
Deglaze and thicken: Add beef broth to the pan, scraping up browned bits. Slowly whisk in masa harina until smooth.
Combine in slow cooker: Pour skillet contents into the slow cooker. Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and bay leaves. Stir well.
Slow cook: Cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 6 hours.
Shred the beef: Once tender, shred beef with a fork (in pot or removed) and stir back into the chili.
Serve: Top each bowl with sour cream, cheese, onions, cilantro, and chips if desired.
Notes
Masa Harina: Adds a subtle corn flavor and thickens the chili. Optional but highly recommended.
No cumin seed? Use ground cumin in the same amount.
Beef broth shortcut: Use water and Better Than Bouillon beef base.
More spice? Add an extra jalapeño or more cayenne to taste.
Find it online: https://allrecipesmade.com/best-chili-recipe/
