The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe
If you’re searching for a warm, hearty meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, The Pioneer Woman Chili is pure comfort food bliss. This classic recipe brings together tender ground beef, savory beans, and a robust blend of spices in a rich, tomato-forward sauce. It’s the perfect dish to whip up for family game nights, potlucks, or any time you crave something undeniably satisfying. The magic of The Pioneer Woman Chili is in its simplicity—each ingredient shines, coming together in a way that’s both homey and deeply flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to The Pioneer Woman Chili, every ingredient plays a vital role in building its signature depth and character. From the juicy ground beef to the aromatic spices, each element brings something special to the pot. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is essential:
- Ground Beef (2 pounds): The heart of the chili, providing rich flavor and a satisfyingly meaty texture.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base that enhances every bite.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings a fragrant punch that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Bursts of tangy tomato goodness that give the chili its classic depth.
- Tomato Sauce (1 can, 14.5 oz): Helps create a velvety, cohesive sauce that ties everything together.
- Tomato Paste (1/4 cup): Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds body to the chili.
- Water (1/2 cup): Keeps the chili from getting too thick, allowing all the flavors to meld as it simmers.
- Kidney Beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): Their creamy texture makes the chili extra hearty.
- Pinto Beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): Adds an earthy note and a lovely contrast to the kidney beans.
- Chili Powder (2 tablespoons): The star spice—warm, bold, and unmistakably “chili.”
- Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon): Lends a smoky, nutty undertone that deepens the flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a touch of heat; adjust to taste.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and enhances the savory notes.
- Oregano (1 teaspoon): Offers a subtle herbal quality that rounds out the spice blend.
- Masa Harina (1 tablespoon, optional): A Mexican corn flour that thickens the chili and adds a hint of earthy sweetness if you like it extra hearty.
How to Make The Pioneer Woman Chili
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. You want the beef to get nicely browned and the onions to turn soft and translucent. Don’t rush this step—the flavor foundation for The Pioneer Woman Chili begins right here. If there’s a lot of grease, go ahead and drain it to keep your chili from getting too heavy.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Toss in the minced garlic and give everything a good stir. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This short burst of garlic aroma is where the magic starts to happen, so don’t skip it!
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Now it’s time to pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Stir everything together so the beef mixture becomes bathed in tangy, luscious tomato goodness. This is the hallmark of The Pioneer Woman Chili, giving it that rich, savory base you’ll crave again and again.
Step 4: Add Beans and Spices
Next, stir in the drained kidney and pinto beans, followed by chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, and oregano. Mix thoroughly so all those wonderful spices are evenly distributed. This is where the chili’s personality really comes alive!
Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow
Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer is what melds all the flavors together, making The Pioneer Woman Chili deeply savory and comforting. If you prefer a thicker chili, mix masa harina with a few tablespoons of water and stir it in during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Step 6: Taste and Serve
Before serving, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. Maybe a little more salt, a dash of cayenne, or an extra sprinkle of oregano—make it your own! Ladle the hot chili into bowls and get ready to top with your favorite garnishes.
How to Serve The Pioneer Woman Chili
Garnishes
The beauty of The Pioneer Woman Chili is how customizable it is at the table. Go classic with shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Want extra heat? Add a few pickled jalapeños or hot sauce. Fresh cilantro or avocado slices make it feel extra special. Don’t be shy—pile on your favorites!
Side Dishes
A big bowl of chili practically begs for something to scoop, dunk, or nibble on the side. Try serving it with warm cornbread, fluffy biscuits, or crunchy tortilla chips. A simple green salad or some sweet corn on the cob are fresh, light options that balance the richness of The Pioneer Woman Chili beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to make your chili night extra fun? Serve The Pioneer Woman Chili in bread bowls or over baked potatoes for a cozy twist. For game day, try setting up a chili bar with a variety of toppings and let everyone build their dream bowl. You can even spoon it over hot dogs or nachos for a playful, crowd-pleasing meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chili only gets better with time! Store any leftover The Pioneer Woman Chili in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and meld overnight, so you might find it tastes even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This chili is a meal-prep dream! Portion cooled The Pioneer Woman Chili into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You can also microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If the chili has thickened too much, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I make The Pioneer Woman Chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based meat substitute or add extra beans, lentils, or even diced mushrooms for a hearty, meatless version. The seasonings and tomatoes still create that signature flavor.
What can I use instead of masa harina to thicken the chili?
If you don’t have masa harina, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornmeal or let the chili simmer a bit longer uncovered to naturally reduce and thicken. Some folks also use a slurry of cornstarch and water in a pinch.
Is The Pioneer Woman Chili spicy?
The chili has a gentle warmth, but the cayenne pepper is optional, so you can easily adjust the heat to your liking. For milder chili, simply omit the cayenne, or add extra if you like things fiery!
Can I make The Pioneer Woman Chili in advance?
Yes! In fact, this chili gets even better after a day in the fridge. Make it a day or two ahead of time, then reheat when you’re ready to serve—the flavors will have a chance to meld beautifully.
What toppings go best with The Pioneer Woman Chili?
Classic toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, diced onions, and sliced jalapeños are always winners. Fresh cilantro, avocado, or even a squeeze of lime add a bright, fresh twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a recipe that’s both easy and absolutely unforgettable, give The Pioneer Woman Chili a try. It’s a bowlful of comfort that’s sure to warm hearts and bellies, whether you’re serving a crowd or just treating yourself. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to chili!
Print
The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
The Pioneer Woman Chili is a hearty and flavorful classic beef chili recipe, perfect for a cozy meal. This stovetop dish combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices to create a rich, savory chili that tastes even better the next day. Serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
Beans
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
Thickener (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon masa harina (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until fully cooked, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Ingredients and Water: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water until well combined.
- Add Beans and Spices: Add the drained kidney and pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, and oregano. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend flavors.
- Thicken with Masa Harina (Optional): If using masa harina, mix it with a few tablespoons of water until smooth and stir it into the chili during the last 15 minutes of cooking to thicken the chili.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve hot topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or your favorite chili toppings.
Notes
- The chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.
- To increase spiciness, add chopped jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce.
- This chili freezes well, making it great for meal prep or leftover meals.
- If using masa harina and canned goods, ensure they are certified gluten-free to maintain gluten-free status.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
