This recipe is from Martha Stewart. You’ll need to cook it in a stew pot and transfer it to a crockpot, but it holds well. The proportions are for 4 but it multiplies easily:
Serves 4
Prep time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Bacon adds smoky flavor to this authentic Southwestern beef chili. Masa harina, or fine cornmeal, helps thicken it. Serve the lime wedges on the side.
2 slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces
2 pounds ground beef chuck
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt
3 cups water
2 tablespoons masa harina (fine cornmeal)
1 1/2 tablespoons cider or other vinegar
Toppings: chopped onion, grated cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeno chiles, sour cream, and lime wedges
1. In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until just beginning to brown, about 4 minutes. Add ground beef, onion, garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and 1 1/4 teaspoons salt. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up the meat with the side of the spoon, until the beef is browned throughout, about 10 minutes.
2. Stir in the water, masa harina, and vinegar, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat; simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid thickens, about 20 minutes. If the chili is dry, add a bit of water to make it soupy again. Serve with bowls of toppings, as desired.
The above recipe isn’t REAL chili, but it works in a pinch. You might add a couple of teaspoons of cocoa powder (UNSWEETENED) while you are browning the meat. It helps the flavor a lot.