This is a super-simple chili and a favorite of my husband. It's free from all "big eight" allergens and can be adapted to be free from several others (potentially even corn, if you leave out the optional masa thickener and have a reliable source of corn-free beef and tomatoes). Since it's so basic, this chili works especially well with chips or your favorite toppings.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours, 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, peeled and diced (about 3/4 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lb. beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper
- 3 Tbsp chili powder (see ingredient notes)
- pinch of cayenne pepper or to taste
- 3 8-ounce cans tomato sauce or 1 1/2 cups homemade sauce
- 1/4 cup masa harina (optional)
Preparation:
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-low heat. Sweat onions and garlic gently for about 10 minutes -- cook them until they're nearly translucent, but not brown.
- Move garlic and onions to the edges of the skillet, add a bit more oil, and brown the meat over medium heat. When meat is nearly browned, season generously with salt and pepper and add chili powder and cayenne (if using). Stir to coat thoroughly.
- Move contents of skillet to crockpot and add tomato sauce. Cook on HIGH for 2 hours, then switch to LOW heat and cook for two hours, or longer if desired.
- If using masa harina, stir it in very thoroughly at least 15 minutes before serving and continue to cook on LOW. The masa will thicken the chili nicely. Season with salt, pepper, and (if desired) additional cayenne pepper just before serving.
Serves 4 to 6
Ingredient notes: Masa harina is a mixture of corn flour and lime used to make tortillas. It's available in many large supermarkets in the Mexican food aisle and can also be found at Hispanic markets.
Can't find chili powder that's free from your allergens? Consider making your own. Paprika, ground red pepper, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and coriander are all potential chili powder ingredients. Try this chili powder recipe, leaving out or substituting any ingredients that don't work with your diet.
