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4.9 from 102 votes

Original Tommy's Chili (Copycat recipe)

Thick, almost spreadable, my Original Tommy's Chili (Copycat recipe) is made using no tomatoes, no beans, uses several chili powders and masa harina to hit the spot.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 257 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Main Course , Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 2 jalapeños
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 medium onion
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 lb ground beef (See Note 1)
  • 3 tbsp chili powder (mine in link or your favorite)
  • 2 tbsp chimayo chili powder (See Note 2)
  • 1 tbsp ancho chili powder
  • 4 tsp ground cumin
  • 4 tsp paprika
  • 3 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp Mexican oregano
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup masa harina
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tbsp cider apple vinegar (or white vinegar)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Peel and cut the carrot into 2 inch pieces. Peel and quarter the onion. Cut the stem off the jalapeños and cut lengthwise. In a food processor add the carrot, onion, garlic and pepper. Pulse until almost a paste.
  2. To the Instant Pot add the vegetable paste, 3 cups of water, ground beef, chili powders, cumin, paprika, salt, sugar, Mexican oregano and black pepper. Stir to mix and break up the ground beef (See Note 3).
  3. Close lid and make sure vent is closed as well. Select Manual Pressure (High) and set timer for 18 minutes. Allow natural pressure release (10 minutes) not a Quick Release.
  4. In a small bowl whisk together the flour, masa harina and 2 cups of water. Pour this in the chili mixture, stir to mix in and press the Saute option. This will sputter,so if your IP has the option, choose Saute Low, if not cover. Set for 10 minutes, stirring often. This will thicken considerably. Stir in the vinegar and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
  5. Spoon over hamburgers, hotdogs, French fries, tator tots, or baked potatoes. I also like to have diced onions, mustard and dill pickles alongside.
Slow Cooker Method
  1. Follow Steps 1 and 2 above. Add ingredients to a slow cooker EXCEPT the flour, masa harina, 2 cups of water and vinegar. Cook 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high in the slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl whisk together the flour, masa harina and remaining 2 cups of water. Pour this in the chili mixture in last 30 minutes of cooking, stir to mix thoroughly and cover. This will thicken and sputter. Stir in the vinegar and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • I get a 80/20 ground beef, If you can find it at your market, or ask the butcher, use a "chili grind" ground beef, it's finer consistency than regular ground beef and perfect for this.
  • Feel free to substitute Chimayo chile powder with any New Mexico red chile powder if you can't find it. I order online. 
  • By adding the ground beef to the liquid and NOT browning it allows it to break down easier and the result is a smooth chili.

Nutrition Information

Calories 257kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 23g (8%) Protein 13g (26%) Fat 12g (18%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Cholesterol 40mg (13%) Sodium 1025mg (43%) Potassium 393mg (11%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 3660IU (73%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 66mg (7%) Iron 4.3mg (24%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 257

% Daily Value*

Calories 257kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 23g 8%
Protein 13g 26%
Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 40mg 13%
Sodium 1025mg 43%
Potassium 393mg 8%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 3660IU 73%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 66mg 7%
Iron 4.3mg 24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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