Nothing quite says cold weather like a big bowl of hot, hearty chili. This classic dish is the perfect pick-me-up during Sunday football games, after a day of raking leaves or on crisp, chilly nights.
Ingredients
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
optional: american cheese slices, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, sliced jalapenos, cilantro and corn chips
Directions
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.
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.
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 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper, and chile paste mixture. Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes; reduce heat to low. Stir in masa harina and simmer 30-45 minutes longer. Serve with desired toppings.