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
Scale
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