Texas (close to the border) Chili

If you are looking for a killer chili recipe, take a look at the Three Chili Chili. But... that recipe does cost a bit to make and sometimes you want something a little cheaper but still with a ton of flavor. That is what you will find with this.

Why is it called the "close to the border" chili? There are a couple of secrets that make this chili so good. What are the secrets you ask? Chocolate and Masa. I brought the mole secret from the Three Chili Chili, to this recipe. It makes all the difference.

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of bacon
• 1 3-4 lb chuck roast cut into 1/2in cubes
• kosher salt
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 jalepeno, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, diced
• 2 tbs tomato paste
• 1 tbs ancho chili powder
• 1 tbs chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 tbs oregano
• 1/2 tbs ground cumin
• 1 - 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup light beer
• 32 oz beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 oz bittersweet chocolate
• 1/3 cup masa

Toppings:

• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Sour cream or crema
• Green onions, chopped
• Cilantro
• Fritos

Directions:

• In a large pot, cook the bacon. Remove the bacon and set aside.
• Using the bacon fat, turn it up to medium-high, add the beef and brown on 2 sides until browned. Set aside. This will take 2-3 batches to do.
• Lower the heat to medium. Add the onion, jalapeno & garlic and saute for about 5 min.
• Add the tomato paste and dry spices. Stir until well combined.
• Add the beef & bacon. Stir until the beef is well coated.
• Add the tomatoes, beer, beef broth and water.
• Bring to a boil then reduce and simmer for about 2 hours.
• Break up the chocolate into smaller pieces and add to the chili. Add the masa and stir well. Let simmer for 15 minutes.
• Eat!