Hearty Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe for 10 People

Instructions:

1. Place your 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 ratio) into a large pot over medium high heat. Break it up with your spoon, but let it sit for a few minutes between stirs until a deep brown crust develops. This adds the foundational flavor that carries the entire dish.
2. Add 1 large yellow onion (finely diced) to the beef. Note: The fat from the beef will soften the onions and pull out their natural sweetness. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
3. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. Stir the spices directly into the meat and fat for 1 minute. This toasts the spices, waking up the volatile oils and deepening the aroma of your Hearty Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe.
4. Pour in 15 oz tomato sauce and 2 cups water. Use your spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. These bits are flavor gold. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Stir in 15 oz kidney beans and 15 oz pinto beans (both drained and rinsed). Note: Adding them now allows them to absorb the spice mixture without falling apart.
6. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1 hours. Check it occasionally to make sure the bottom isn't sticking. You want a very low bubble, just enough to keep the flavors moving.
7. In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup masa harina with 1/2 cup warm water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the pot and stir well. The chili will begin to thicken immediately as the starches react with the heat.
8. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes uncovered. This allows the masa to fully cook out and the sauce to reach its maximum velvety potential. Taste and add a pinch more salt if needed before serving.