If you’re craving a chili that warms your soul and brings everyone around the table with smiles and satisfied sighs, you’ve got to try The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe. This hearty, richly seasoned chili boasts tender ground beef, perfectly spiced tomato sauce, and the perfect blend of beans, thickened with a touch of masa harina for an authentic Tex-Mex flair. It’s a dish that’s as comforting as a cozy blanket and as lively as a backyard cookout, making it a staple you’ll turn to time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe lies in its simple, no-fuss ingredients that each play a crucial role in building depth, texture, and vibrant flavor. From the savory ground beef to the aromatic spices and creamy beans, every component is essential for that perfect bowl of chili that feels both homey and exciting.
- 2 lbs. ground beef (80% lean): The foundation of this chili, offering rich flavor and hearty texture.
- 2 cloves garlic (diced): Adds a fragrant punch that complements the meat splendidly.
- 8 oz. tomato sauce: Brings a smooth, tangy base that binds all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: The signature spice that delivers warmth and color.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Introduces a earthy aroma that deepens the chili’s profile.
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano: Adds a subtle herbaceous note that rounds out the spices.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making everything pop.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just enough heat to make your taste buds tingle.
- 1/4 cup masa harina (white or yellow): This traditional corn flour thickens the chili and adds a slight corn-forward flavor.
- 15 oz. kidney beans (drained and rinsed): Provide creamy texture and protein.
- 15 oz. pinto beans (drained and rinsed): Add a slightly sweet, earthy note that complements the stew.
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (Instant Pot version only): Adds extra juiciness and a fresh tomato texture when using the Instant Pot.
- Shredded Cheddar: Melts perfectly on top, creating cheesy goodness with every bite.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze brightens the chili and balances the richness wonderfully.
- Sour Cream: Adds cool creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the spices.
- Tortilla Chips or Fritos: Provide a crunchy, salty counterpoint to the rich chili.
- Diced Green Onions: Sprinkle for freshness and a bit of crunch on top.
How to Make The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned and nicely crumbled. This step is key because browning the meat adds layers of flavor through caramelization, giving your chili that irresistible depth you’re looking for.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Add Tomato Sauce
Drain any excess grease so your chili isn’t too oily, then toss in the diced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir everything together. This combination creates a rich, flavorful base that will marry beautifully with the spices.
Step 3: Season Generously
Now for the magic: add chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. These spices not only bring heat and earthiness but also color and aroma, making your kitchen smell heavenly as you stir them in carefully, ensuring every bite will be bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Simmer Low and Slow
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, letting your chili simmer for an hour. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow cooking lets all the ingredients meld into one harmonious, hearty dish. If it ever looks too thick or dry, simply add half a cup of water to keep the consistency just right.
Step 5: Thicken with Masa Harina
Mix the masa harina with half a cup of water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir this into your chili. The masa acts as a gentle thickener and adds a subtle corn flavor you won’t find in ordinary chili recipes. Add more masa or water as needed until your chili hits your preferred consistency.
Step 6: Add Beans
Finally, stir in the drained kidney and pinto beans, letting them warm through for about 10 minutes. The beans bring a comforting creaminess and hearty texture that balance out the zesty spices, making this chili a complete meal.
Step 7: Alternative Cooking Methods
You can also use the Crock Pot or Instant Pot methods for The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe. For Crock Pot, brown your beef and seasonings on the stove, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and let it cook low for 4 hours. For the Instant Pot, brown and season the meat, then add diced tomatoes with juice, beans, and masa harina before pressure cooking on the chili/beans setting for 20 minutes. Both methods yield equally delicious results with less hands-on time!
How to Serve The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this chili is how wonderfully it welcomes a variety of toppings. I love to pile on shredded cheddar cheese because it melts into gooey, savory pockets throughout each spoonful. A dollop of sour cream cools down the heat, while diced green onions add a fresh, crisp bite. A squirt of lime juice just before eating brightens every mouthful, making the experience truly memorable.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs beautifully with classic cornbread, whose buttery sweetness balances the spice perfectly. For something crunchy, tortilla chips or Fritos are my favorite—they scoop up every last drop and add a fabulous salty crunch. You can also serve The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe alongside a simple green salad for a lighter contrast or rice for extra heartiness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to elevate your chili game? Serve it in rustic bread bowls to soak up every bit of the rich sauce. Or, turn leftovers into a loaded chili cheese dip by layering chili, cheese, and green onions in a casserole dish and baking until bubbly. The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe is so versatile that even taco toppings or stuffed baked potatoes become exciting with this hearty chili as the star.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover chili into airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. It will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, making it an easy grab-and-go meal on busy days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even better!
Freezing
This chili freezes wonderfully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Defrost it overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep that fresh-from-the-pot taste.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even heating. Top with your favorite garnishes and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works well in this recipe. Just be mindful that turkey can dry out easier, so be sure to watch your cooking time and consider adding a little extra tomato sauce or water to keep it moist.
Is masa harina necessary in this chili recipe?
Masa harina is a key ingredient that thickens the chili while adding a subtle corn flavor unique to this dish. While you can omit it, the texture won’t be quite the same, and your chili might be thinner than the classic version that The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe is known for.
What can I substitute for kidney and pinto beans if I’m allergic?
If you need to avoid kidney and pinto beans, black beans or chickpeas are excellent alternatives that offer similar texture and flavor. Just rinse and drain them well before adding to the chili to keep that hearty bean bite.
Can I make The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe spicier?
Definitely! To kick up the heat, add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños when you sauté the garlic. A few dashes of hot sauce or chipotle powder can also bring smoky heat without overpowering the balanced flavors.
How long can I let the chili simmer to develop flavor?
The recipe calls for an hour of simmering, which is perfect for melding flavors. However, if you have extra time, letting it cook for 2 hours or even longer on low heat can intensify the taste and tenderize the ingredients further, making your chili even more scrumptious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about gathering friends or family around a steaming pot of homemade chili, and The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe delivers that satisfaction beautifully. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and just feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to comfort food that you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
The Pioneer Woman Chili is a hearty, flavorful chili recipe featuring ground beef, beans, and a blend of classic spices simmered to perfection. This versatile chili can be made on the stovetop, in a crock pot, or in an Instant Pot, making it perfect for any kitchen and schedule. Garnish with shredded cheddar, lime wedges, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips or Fritos for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs. ground beef (80% lean)
- 2 cloves garlic (diced)
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 15 oz. kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 15 oz. pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes with juice (Instant Pot version only)
- 1/4 cup masa harina (white or yellow)
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Garnishes
- Shredded Cheddar cheese
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream
- Tortilla chips or Fritos
- Diced green onions
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until it is fully browned. This step forms the flavor base of the chili.
- Drain Excess Grease: Remove excess grease from the pot to prevent the chili from becoming too oily.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Sauce: Stir in the diced garlic and tomato sauce, cooking for about 1 minute to combine the flavors.
- Add Spices: Mix in 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Stir to combine evenly.
- Simmer the Chili: Lower the heat to low, cover, and let the chili simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage flavor melding. If the mixture seems too dry, add 1/2 cup water as needed.
- Prepare Masa Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup masa harina with 1/2 cup water and stir until smooth.
- Add Masa to Chili: Stir the masa mixture into the chili. Adjust by adding more masa or water to reach your preferred consistency.
- Add Beans: Incorporate the drained and rinsed kidney and pinto beans, then continue simmering for another 10 minutes until the beans are heated through.
- Serve with Garnishes: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar, lime wedges, sour cream, tortilla chips or Fritos, and diced green onions as desired. Enjoy with cornbread for a complete meal.
Notes
- If the meat dries out during simmering, add additional water in 1/2 cup increments to maintain a juicy texture.
- For crock pot method, brown beef on stove first, then transfer all ingredients to crock pot and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Instant Pot method includes adding 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with juices and cooking under pressure for 20 minutes.
- Adjust chili thickness with masa harina and water to suit your preference.
- This chili pairs beautifully with classic cornbread or tortilla chips.
