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Chili's Chili Recipe

Recreate Chili's Chili Recipe At Home With These Easy Steps

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

Spice Blend:

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground chuck 80/20 beef
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp masa harina corn flour, for thickening

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare The Spice Blend

  • In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This blend gives the chili its signature bold flavor.

Step 2: Cook The Beef

  • Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the ground chuck, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.

Step 3: Sauté The Onions

  • Push the beef to one side of the pot and add the chopped onions to the empty space.
  • Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, then mix them into the beef.

Step 4: Add The Liquid Ingredients

  • Stir in the tomato sauce and water, ensuring everything is well combined.

Step 5: Spice It Up

  • Sprinkle the spice blend evenly over the mixture and stir thoroughly.
  • Let the chili simmer on low heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Thicken With Masa Harina

  • In a small bowl, mix masa harina with 2 tablespoons of water to form a paste.
  • Stir the paste into the chili and cook for an additional 5–10 minutes until the chili thickens to your liking.
Keyword Chili’s Chili Recipe