If you are searching for a chili that truly warms your soul and brings everyone to the table with a smile, look no further than The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe. This hearty, flavorful chili combines tender ground beef with a symphony of spices, beans, and a touch of masa harina, creating a wonderfully rich texture and unbeatable taste. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a weekend gathering, this recipe promises homestyle comfort in every spoonful that feels like a warm hug from an old friend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a vital role in creating deep layers of flavor and satisfying texture. From the perfectly spiced ground beef to the creamy beans and the masa harina that adds a subtle thickening touch, every component is essential.
- 2 lbs. ground beef (80% lean): Provides a juicy and flavorful meaty base that makes the chili hearty.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory note that enhances the overall flavor.
- 8 oz. tomato sauce: Brings a rich, tangy foundation that blends perfectly with the spices.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: Delivers that classic chili warmth and depth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Introduces an earthy, slightly smoky undertone essential to chili.
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano: Offers a subtle herbal brightness that balances the meatiness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Boosts all the flavors and ties everything together.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Gives a gentle heat kick if you like your chili a bit spicy.
- 1/4 cup masa harina: Thickens the chili while adding a mild corn flavor that enhances texture.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess and substance, making the chili satisfying.
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed: Complements the kidney beans with a softer texture and mellow flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top, bringing a luscious, cheesy finish.
- Lime wedges: Cut through the richness with a spritz of bright acidity.
- Sour cream: Offers a cool, creamy contrast that smooths the spices.
- Tortilla chips or Fritos: Provide a delightful crunch as a topping or side.
- Diced green onions: Add freshness and a pop of color for garnish.
How to Make The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon until it is nicely browned and no longer pink. Don’t forget to drain the excess grease. This step develops the rich, meaty base that is fundamental for this chili.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Next, stir in the minced garlic and pour in the tomato sauce. Cook these together for about a minute to awaken the garlic’s aroma and blend it well with the tomato sauce. This fragrant base sets the stage for the glorious spices that follow.
Step 3: Spice It Up and Simmer
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix everything thoroughly, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot, allowing the chili to simmer gently for one hour. Stir the pot occasionally to keep flavors mingling and prevent sticking. If the chili thickens too much, simply add a little water to keep it at the perfect consistency.
Step 4: Add Masa Harina
While the chili simmers, combine masa harina with half a cup of water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the pot. Masa harina is a game-changer here—it not only thickens the chili but adds a subtle corn nuance that gives your chili a unique texture that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5: Beans Join the Party
Finally, gently fold in your kidney and pinto beans. Let the chili continue to simmer for another 10 minutes to allow all the flavors and textures to come together perfectly. The beans create wonderful creamy pockets within the savory chili that everyone will love.
Step 6: Time to Serve
Now the best part—serving! Ladle the steaming chili into bowls and pile on your favorite garnishes for an epic finish to this already amazing dish. Get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!
How to Serve The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe like fresh toppings. Pile on shredded Cheddar cheese that melts into the hot chili, add dollops of sour cream to cool the palate, scatter diced green onions for brightness, and finish with crispy tortilla chips or salty Fritos for that satisfying crunch. A squeeze of lime juice at the end perfectly balances the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its bold flavors. Consider serving alongside warm cornbread to soak up every last drop, a crisp green salad for refreshing contrast, or even a batch of buttery rice if you want an ultra-filling meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe into a chili bar. Set out the chili in a big pot with bowls of your garnishes and sides so everyone can customize their own bowl. Or try serving it over baked potatoes or inside crispy taco shells for a new spin on classic comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the chili cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal or a delicious leftover that tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Freezing
The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months and defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of water or broth if the chili seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I make The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat alternative or extra beans and vegetables. The blend of spices and masa harina will still give you that authentic chili experience.
What can I use if I don’t have masa harina?
If masa harina isn’t available, you can substitute with cornmeal, all-purpose flour, or cornstarch. These options will help thicken the chili and provide a similar texture, though massa harina does add a unique corn flavor.
How spicy is this chili?
This chili has a moderate level of heat thanks to the chili powder and optional cayenne pepper. You can adjust the cayenne amount or omit it entirely to suit your heat preference.
Can I make this chili in an Instant Pot?
Yes! When using an Instant Pot, include the can of diced tomatoes with juice for extra moisture and flavor. Follow the sauté steps, then pressure cook for about 15 minutes with natural release before adding beans and masa harina for the last simmer.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover chili?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If microwaving, cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between for even warming.
Final Thoughts
The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe is a true champion when it comes to comfort food that feels homemade with love. Its perfect balance of spices, meaty richness, and creamy beans makes it irresistible every time. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or a crowd-pleasing feast, this chili is sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen. Go ahead, dig in and savor every spoonful!
Print
The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful chili recipe by The Pioneer Woman that combines ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices, simmered to perfection and thickened with masa harina for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Base
- 2 lbs. ground beef (80% lean)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Thickening Agent
- 1/4 cup masa harina (or substitute with cornmeal, flour, or cornstarch for texture)
Beans
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Optional (Instant Pot Only)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
Garnishes
- Shredded Cheddar cheese
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream
- Tortilla chips or Fritos
- Diced green onions
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease from the pot to keep the chili from being too oily.
- Add garlic and tomato sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato sauce, cooking for about 1 minute to blend the flavors together.
- Add spices and simmer: Mix in chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, salt, and optionally cayenne pepper. Stir everything well, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If the chili thickens too much, add 1/2 cup of water to adjust the consistency.
- Incorporate masa harina: In a small bowl, combine the masa harina with 1/2 cup water, mixing well to make a slurry. Stir this into the chili to thicken it. Add more masa or water as needed to reach your desired chili texture.
- Add beans and finish simmering: Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and pinto beans to the pot. Let the chili simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve with garnishes: Spoon the chili into bowls and serve topped with shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced green onions, and a side of tortilla chips or Fritos. Garnish with lime wedges for an added zest.
Notes
- To make this chili spicier, increase or add cayenne pepper to taste.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, add a little more masa harina or cornmeal slurry.
- Simmering for a full hour allows the flavors to deepen and blend perfectly.
- This recipe can be adapted to an Instant Pot by including canned diced tomatoes and adjusting liquid as needed.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and calories.
- Leftovers taste great and can be refrigerated up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage.
