Best Chili Ground Beef Cornmeal (Print-Friendly Version)
Ground beef chili with beans, smoky tomatoes, and cornmeal for rich flavor and hearty texture.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
02 -
1 medium onion, finely minced
03 -
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
04 -
2 lb lean ground beef
05 -
2 tablespoons chili powder
06 -
1 tablespoon onion powder
07 -
1 tablespoon garlic powder
08 -
1 tablespoon ground cumin
09 -
2 teaspoons oregano
10 -
2 teaspoons salt
11 -
2 teaspoons pepper
12 -
4 tablespoons tomato paste
13 -
28 ounces diced fire-roasted tomatoes
14 -
2 cups beef broth
15 -
1 tablespoon brown sugar
16 -
4 tablespoons cornmeal
17 -
15 ounces kidney beans, drained
# Steps:
01 -
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
02 -
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until it is no longer pink, about 10 minutes. If there is a lot of fat in the pot, push the meat to one side and spoon some of it out – don't remove it all, as it adds flavor.
03 -
Stir in the chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Push the meat to the side of the pan and add the tomato paste. Cook, stirring a little, until it has darkened and smells sweet, about 2-3 minutes.
04 -
Add the tomatoes, beef broth, and brown sugar and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 hour (or 2 if you have the time). Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
05 -
Stir the cornmeal into the chili then let it simmer, uncovered, until it has thickened, about 15-30 minutes depending on your desired consistency. Stir in the kidney beans and let them warm through.
06 -
Serve the chili hot with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, or tortilla chips.
# Notes:
01 -
Cornmeal adds a subtle roasted flavor and thickens the chili beautifully.
02 -
Kidney beans are classic, but you can replace them with black beans or omit for a bean-free chili.
03 -
Try adding bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables, or some frozen corn along with the kidney beans.