Description
This hearty and flavorful Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe combines ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices to create a classic American comfort food. Thickened with masa harina, this chili is perfect for a satisfying meal served hot with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Beans
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Tomato Base
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Thickener
- 1/4 cup masa harina (corn flour)
- 1/2 cup warm water
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes, releasing their fragrant flavors.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to prevent greasiness.
- Add Tomato and Spices: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Broth and Bring to Simmer: Pour in the beef broth, stir well, and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat to meld flavors.
- Thicken with Masa Harina: In a small bowl, mix masa harina with warm water until smooth to create a slurry. Stir this into the chili to thicken the texture and add a subtle corn flavor.
- Simmer the Chili: Let the chili simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to deepen.
- Add Beans and Finish Cooking: Add the drained kidney and pinto beans to the pot and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the chili is thickened and heated through.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the chili hot with desired toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
- For a milder chili, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Masa harina thickens the chili and imparts a subtle corn flavor; you can substitute it with cornmeal if necessary.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
