Real-Deal Texas Chili

Add beans if you want. Be a rebel!

Ingredients:

3 packs (1 lb each) Bar W chili ground or traditonal Bar W ground beef

3 dried guajillo chiles, toasted

3 dried pasilla chiles, toasted

2 dried ancho chiles, toasted

6 cloves garlic

2 chipotle peppers + some adobo sauce (the ones in the can)

4 cups beef or chicken broth or water, divided

1 large white or yellow onion, chopped

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more as needed

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1-2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons ancho chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

salt & black pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 (12-ounce) bottle dark beer (Shiner Bock or Negro Modelo work great)

3 tablespoons masa harina

Directions:

1. Make the chili base:
In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, toast the guajillo, pasilla, and ancho chiles for about 30 seconds per side until fragrant. Remove stems, coarsely chop, and add back to the pot with garlic, chipotle peppers (plus adobo), and 2 cups broth. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Let sit 20 minutes, then blend until smooth. Pour into a small bowl and set aside.

2. Cook the beef and onions:
In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons beef tallow or oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5–7 minutes until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove beef mixture to a bowl.

3. Build flavor:
Add tomato paste, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the beer, scraping up browned bits, and simmer 2–3 minutes.

4. Combine:
Return beef mixture to the pot. Stir in blended chili base and remaining 2 cups broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1–1½ hours, stirring occasionally.

5. Thicken:
In a small bowl, stir masa harina with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry. Stir into chili and cook uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken.

6. Taste and serve:
Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with toppings like cheese, sour cream, onions, cilantro, or cornbread.