Savory Homemade Lone Star Chili for Ultimate Comfort Food
Enjoy a warm bowl of Homemade Lone Star Chili, a comforting dish perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Equipment
- - Large pot
Ingredients
For the Meat Base
- 1 lb Ground Beef Recommended blend is 80/20 or 85/15.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can replace with vegetable oil.
For the Sauce
- 15 oz Tomato Sauce Can substitute with crushed tomatoes.
- 10 oz Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (Rotel) Any brand works.
For the Spice Mix
- 2 tbsp Chili Powder Freshly ground is preferred.
- 1 tbsp Ground Cumin Can substitute with ground coriander.
- 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper Adjust to taste or omit.
For Thickening
- 2 tbsp Cornmeal Can replace with masa harina.
For Aromatics
- 1 medium Onion Diced; yellow or white works best.
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced) Fresh garlic is recommended.
For Final Touches
- 12 oz Beer (Mexican Lager) Can substitute with beef broth.
- to taste Salt Add to taste.
Instructions
How to Make Homemade Lone Star Chili
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté diced onion in the rendered fat for 4-5 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Stir for 1 minute.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the beer, scraping up flavorful bits.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and salt, covering all the solids.
- Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
- After an hour, add cornmeal, stirring for 2-3 minutes until chili thickens. Adjust consistency as needed.
Notes
Optional: Top with fresh cilantro for added flavor.