Beef Chili with Ancho, Mole, and Cumin
Beef Chili with Ancho, Mole, and Cumin is a flavorful Mexican Mexican Recipes dish prepared with quality ingredients. Toast cumin seeds in heavy small skillet over medium heat until fragrant, stirring often, 4 to 5 minutes.
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Easy Prep ≤ 4 steps · Fast & beginner friendly
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Moderate 5–8 steps · Everyday home cooking
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Expert ≥ 9 steps · Multi-step advanced prep
Ingredients Required
Tap or click any ingredient to check off during cookingStep-by-Step Cooking Method
Follow numbered steps for authentic taste and perfectionToast cumin seeds in heavy small skillet over medium heat until fragrant, stirring often, 4 to 5 minutes.
Cool; grind finely in spice mill or in mortar with pestle.
Sauté bacon in large pot over medium-high heat until brown and crisp.
Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to large bowl.
Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper.
Working in 4 batches, sauté beef in drippings in pot until browned, about 5 minutes per batch.
Transfer beef and most drippings to bowl with bacon.
Add onion and garlic to pot.
Sauté until onion begins to brown, about 5 minutes.
Add 1/2 cup broth to pot.
Bring to boil, scraping up browned bits.
Return beef, bacon, and any accumulated juices to pot.
Mix in ancho chile powder, Texas-style chili powder, mole paste, 2 teaspoons salt, vinegar, oregano, and cumin seeds.
Add 3 cups broth; bring to boil.
Reduce heat to very low and simmer gently uncovered until beef is very tender, stirring occasionally and adding more broth by 1/2 cupfuls if chili is dry, about 2 1/2 hours.
Mix in masa by teaspoonfuls to thicken chili or add more broth by 1/4 cupfuls to thin.
Season chili with salt, pepper, and cayenne, if desired.
DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead.
Cool 1 hour.
Chill uncovered until cold, then cover and keep chilled.
Rewarm over low heat.
Set out garnishes as desired.
Ladle chili into bowls and serve.
*Available in the spice section of many supermarkets and at Latin markets.
**Available in the Latin foods section of most supermarkets and at Latin markets.
***Also known as masa harina; available at many supermarkets and at Latin markets.
Chef's Secret Tips & Serving Pairings
- Serve hot and fresh as a wholesome non-vegetarian meal.
- Pairs excellently with steamed rice, flatbreads, or fresh salad garnish.