The Pioneer Woman’s Hearty & Delicious Chili Recipe

Chili has always been a hearty, warming comfort food that reminds me of cozy afternoons.

The pioneer woman chili recipe captures the essence of home-style cooking with its rich, robust flavors.

Deep spices and tender meat create a symphony of taste that feels like a warm embrace.

My grandmother used to say great chili tells a story on your plate.

Slow-simmered ingredients blend together, creating a depth that store-bought versions never achieve.

Regional spices and carefully selected meats make this recipe stand out from typical chili preparations.

Bold and satisfying, this dish promises to become your new go-to meal for chilly evenings.

Jump in and experience a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance with delight.

Why The Pioneer Woman Chili Packs A Bold Punch

• Quick and Hearty Weeknight Meal: This chili recipe comes together effortlessly, taking just over an hour to prepare, making it perfect for busy families craving a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Comfort: The recipe offers incredible flexibility with toppings like shredded cheese, chopped onions, and lime, allowing each person to personalize their bowl and create a unique dining experience.
• Sneaky Thickening Technique: Using masa harina adds an authentic Mexican touch while creating a rich, velvety texture that elevates this classic chili from ordinary to extraordinary, showcasing a professional cooking technique that's surprisingly simple.
• One-Pot Wonder: With minimal dishes and straightforward steps, this chili recipe simplifies cooking, reduces cleanup time, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels.

What You’ll Need For The Pioneer Woman Chili

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty meat that forms the core of the chili, best when using 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for optimal flavor.
• Kidney Beans, Pinto Beans: Classic chili beans that add texture and plant-based protein, choose canned or pre-soaked dried beans.

• Garlic: Provides deep, robust flavor foundation for the chili, fresh cloves are preferred over pre-minced.
• Chili Powder: Essential spice blend that gives authentic chili taste, look for high-quality American or Mexican blends.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that adds warm depth, whole seeds ground fresh are more potent.
• Oregano: Herbal note that complements other spices, Mexican oregano offers more intense flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds heat and complexity, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, kosher or sea salt recommended.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates rich sauce base, choose low-sodium varieties for better control.
• Masa Harina: Traditional corn flour that thickens and adds authentic Mexican corn flavor, found in Latin food sections.
• Water: Helps adjust chili consistency, use as needed during cooking.

Top Questions On The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe

• What makes this chili different from other recipes?

This chili uses masa harina, a traditional Mexican corn flour, which adds a unique depth of flavor and helps thicken the sauce naturally. The combination of two types of beans and specific spice blend gives it a rich, authentic taste.

• Is this chili spicy?

The recipe includes cayenne pepper, which adds a mild heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of cayenne. If you prefer mild chili, start with just a pinch and taste as you go.

• Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can prepare it in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop, which helps intensify the overall taste and texture.

• What are the key spices that give this chili its signature flavor?

The key spices are chili powder, cumin, and oregano. These spices work together to create a deep, complex flavor profile that makes this chili stand out from other traditional recipes.

Simple Steps For Making The Pioneer Woman Chili

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Beef

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Toss in ground beef and break it apart while cooking until it transforms into delicious golden-brown crumbles. Drain away any excess fat to keep things lean and mean.

Step 2: Awaken the Flavors

• Tomato sauce
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper

Stir everything together until the beef is completely coated with these zesty seasonings.

Step 3: Let the Magic Simmer

Lower the heat, pop on a lid, and let the chili bubble gently. Allow it to simmer for one full hour, giving it an occasional loving stir. If the mixture looks too thick, splash in some water to reach your perfect consistency.

Step 4: Thicken with Masa Magic

In a small bowl, blend masa harina with water until it creates a smooth paste. Slowly swirl this mixture into the chili, watching it transform into a rich, thick masterpiece.

Step 5: Bean Bonanza

• Kidney beans
• Pinto beans

Let them mingle and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to become best friends.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Ladle this incredible chili into bowls and go wild with toppings. Sprinkle shredded cheese, scatter chopped onions, and squeeze fresh lime for that final wow factor.

Pro Tip: This chili tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch!

Tips For That Signature Pioneer Woman Chili Flavor

• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove all excess grease to prevent a greasy texture and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated chili flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Control the heat by modifying cayenne pepper amounts – start with less and gradually add more for personalized spiciness.
• Master Masa Harina Technique: Mix masa harina with water separately to create a smooth slurry, preventing lumps and ensuring even thickening throughout the chili.
• Bean Substitution Hack: Swap kidney and pinto beans with black beans or white beans for variety, keeping the overall protein and texture consistent.
• Flavor Boost Trick: Let chili rest for 30 minutes after cooking to allow spices and ingredients to meld, intensifying the overall taste profile.

How To Store The Pioneer Woman Chili After Cooking

• Refrigerate leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cool the chili completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chili to shallow containers to help it cool faster and maintain food safety.
• Freeze extra portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for maximum 3 months.
• When freezing, leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion.
• Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
• Reheat chili on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
• Add a splash of water or broth if the chili seems too thick during reheating.
• Never reheat chili more than once, as this can increase risk of foodborne illness.
• Label containers with the date of preparation to track freshness and ensure optimal taste.

Best Matches For The Pioneer Woman Chili Dinner

• Craft a Hearty Beer Companion: Pair this robust chili with a bold amber ale or a rich, malty stout to complement its deep, spicy flavors. The beer's maltiness will balance the chili's heat and enhance the meaty richness.
• Elevate with Cornbread Sidekick: Serve warm, slightly sweet cornbread alongside the chili to soak up the delicious sauce. The bread's crumbly texture and subtle sweetness create a perfect contrast to the savory, spicy dish.
• Design a Fresh Salad Contrast: Prepare a crisp, tangy coleslaw with a light vinegar dressing to cut through the chili's heaviness. The cool, crunchy salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, intense chili flavors.
• Boost with Citrus Margarita: Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice to brighten the meal. The cocktail's zesty, tequila-based profile will cleanse the palate and add a festive touch to the hearty chili experience.

Fun Variations Of The Pioneer Woman Chili To Try

• Smoky Southwest Chili: Replace ground beef with chorizo sausage and add smoked paprika for deeper flavor. Incorporate roasted poblano peppers and black beans for an authentic southwestern kick.
• Vegetarian Mountain Chili: Swap beef with plant-based ground meat or hearty lentils. Add extra vegetables like diced zucchini and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of water for richer taste.
• Turkey Ranch Chili: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey. Mix in ranch seasoning blend and include white beans for lighter protein option. Top with fresh cilantro and ranch drizzle.
• Beer-Infused Cowboy Chili: Replace water with dark craft beer like stout or porter. Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smoky heat. Include bacon bits for extra richness and depth of flavor.

The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Pioneer Woman’s hearty chili combines robust beef, rich spices, and deep flavors for a soul-warming meal. Comfort meets culinary excellence in this legendary dish that will have you craving seconds with its perfect balance of warmth and zest.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chili powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) ground oregano
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
• 0.25 teaspoon (1.25 grams) cayenne pepper

Canned Ingredients and Thickener:

• 1 (8-ounce/227 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 0.25 cup (30 grams) masa harina (corn flour)
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) water (for masa harina)

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped onions
• Sour cream
• Lime wedges
• Tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare the meat foundation by searing ground beef in a spacious cooking vessel over medium flame, methodically fragmenting the protein while it caramelizes.
2. Eliminate excess lipids from the browned protein, then introduce minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for a brief moment.
3. Incorporate tomato sauce and robust spice ensemble – chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne – thoroughly coating the meat with a vibrant seasoning landscape.
4. Transition heat to minimal setting, covering the pot to create a gentle infusion environment, allowing flavors to harmonize for approximately one hour.
5. Monitor liquid consistency, potentially introducing modest water quantities if the mixture appears excessively condensed.
6. Create a velvety thickening agent by blending masa harina with water until achieving a silky, lump-free texture.
7. Gradually integrate the masa solution into the chili, watching the mixture transform into a more luxurious, robust consistency.
8. Introduce kidney and pinto beans, permitting them to nestle into the spiced protein mixture, enabling final flavor melding through an additional 10-15 minute gentle simmer.
9. Artfully distribute the chili into serving vessels, embellishing with complementary garnishes like crisp cheese shreds, fresh onion fragments, and a citrusy lime accent.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper and chili powder for spice-sensitive palates.
• Drain beef thoroughly to reduce excess fat and create a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Enhance depth by toasting spices briefly before adding tomato sauce to release their essential oils and intensify aromatics.
• Consider using masa harina as a gluten-free thickening agent that adds authentic Mexican corn undertones to the chili.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 760 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg