Frito Pie Chili

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cups onions
• to taste salt
• to taste cayenne pepper
• 2 pounds beef bottom round, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• to taste red chile peppers
• 2 tsp oregano
• 2 tbsp garlic
• 3 cups tomatoes
• ½ cup tomato paste
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1½ tbsp masa
• 1½ tbsp flour

Steps

1. In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil.
2. When the oil is hot, add the onions.
3. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to wilt.
4. Season with salt and cayenne.
5. Stir in the beef, chili powder, cumin, crushed red pepper, and oregano.
6. Brown the meat for 5 to 6 minutes.
7. Stir in the garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef stock.
8. Bring the liquid up to a boil.
9. Reduce to a simmer.
10. Simmer the liquid, uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, or until the beef is tender.
11. Skim off the fat occasionally.
12. Mix the masa and flour together with a little liquid from the stock pot.
13. Slowly stir in the masa slurry.
14. Continue to cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
15. Adjust salt, cayenne and other spices as needed.
16. Keep warm until ready to use or serve.