Hearty, flavorful, and packed with rich spices, The Pioneer Woman chili is a classic recipe that’s perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings. This chili is a comforting blend of ground beef, beans, and a medley of bold seasonings, simmered to perfection for a dish that warms you from the inside out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic comfort food: A warm, hearty dish perfect for chilly days.
- Bursting with flavor: A rich combination of spices and ingredients creates a bold, satisfying taste.
- Easy to customize: Adapt the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for game days, potlucks, or family dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes (with juice)
- Chili beans (or your choice of pinto or kidney beans)
- Beef broth (or water)
- Tomato paste
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips
Directions
- Cook the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the liquids and tomatoes: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Mix well.
- Season the chili: Add the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine.
- Add the beans: Gently stir in the chili beans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. For a deeper flavor, simmer for up to 1 hour.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Serve with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 6-8 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Spicy chili: Add extra cayenne, diced jalapeños, or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
- Turkey chili: Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Thicker chili: Reduce the beef broth for a thicker consistency, or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Chili freezes beautifully! Place it in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative.
3. Do I have to use beans?
No, you can skip the beans for a beanless chili if you prefer.
4. What type of beans work best in chili?
Chili beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, or black beans are all great choices. Use what you have on hand or mix them for variety.
5. Can I make this chili spicier?
Yes, add more cayenne, diced fresh chilies, or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
6. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute with 2-3 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
7. How can I thicken my chili?
Simmer the chili uncovered to reduce liquid, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
8. What toppings go well with chili?
Classic toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, diced avocado, and tortilla chips.
9. Can I serve chili over something?
Yes! Serve chili over rice, baked potatoes, or even pasta for a hearty meal.
10. How can I make chili more flavorful?
Let the chili simmer longer, use high-quality spices, and add a splash of vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
Conclusion
The Pioneer Woman chili is a timeless recipe that combines bold flavors with comforting textures. Whether you’re serving it at a party, enjoying it on a chilly evening, or preparing it for meal prep, this chili never disappoints. Pair it with cornbread or your favorite toppings for a meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Try it today and savor every warm, hearty bite!
Print
The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty and flavorful chili from The Pioneer Woman is perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with ground beef, beans, and a rich tomato-based sauce, it’s a simple and satisfying dish for family dinners or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup masa harina (corn flour)
- 1/2 cup water (for masa harina)
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped onions
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings:
- Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to coat the beef.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer the chili for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If the chili becomes too thick, add up to ½ cup water to reach your desired consistency.
- Thicken with Masa Harina:
- In a small bowl, mix the masa harina with ½ cup water until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the chili to thicken it.
- Add Beans:
- Stir in the kidney beans and pinto beans. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, chopped onions, and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or adding a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.