If you are searching for a hearty, comforting meal that brings a little bit of home-cooked magic to your table, look no further than The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe. This chili is every bit as rich and flavorful as you want it to be, combining tender ground beef with a symphony of spices, creamy beans, and just the right touch of texture thanks to masa harina. It’s the kind of dish that warms up your soul and has everyone reaching for seconds, perfect for cozy nights and friendly gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance between robust flavor and irresistible texture. The blend of spices creates a warm, inviting aroma, while the masa harina adds a unique thickness that sets this chili apart from the rest.
- 2 lbs. ground beef (80% lean): Provides the hearty, meaty base that carries all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds depth and subtle pungency for that classic chili kick.
- 8 oz. tomato sauce: Brings a luscious tomato richness that keeps the chili moist and vibrant.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: The star spice that delivers warmth and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Gives an earthy undertone that perfectly complements the chili powder.
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano: Introduces a hint of herbal brightness to balance the rich meatiness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every bite sing.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a kick of spice, it turns every spoonful into a flavorful adventure.
- 1/4 cup masa harina: Adds body and a subtle corn flavor while thickening the chili to the perfect consistency.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Provides creamy texture and additional heartiness.
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed: Adds softness and earthy flavor that melds seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- (For Instant Pot) 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice: Enhances the tomato base, especially handy when using the Instant Pot for cooking.
- Shredded Cheddar cheese: A melty, savory topping that adds richness.
- Lime wedges: A fresh, zesty contrast that brightens up the dish.
- Sour cream: Creamy coolness that balances the spiciness perfectly.
- Tortilla chips or Fritos: Provides a crunchy textural contrast that’s utterly addictive.
- Diced green onions: Offers a crisp, fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor.
How to Make The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. Breaking it up as it cooks ensures every bite has that meaty texture. Once browned, drain off the excess grease; this keeps the chili from becoming greasy while preserving the flavor.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomato Sauce
Next, toss in the minced garlic, stirring it around so it releases its fragrant aroma, then pour in the tomato sauce. This quick sauté melds the flavors early, creating a rich and inviting base for the spices.
Step 3: Spice It Up and Simmer
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and the cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat. Stir these in thoroughly, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let the chili cook for about an hour, stirring from time to time. This slow simmer allows the spices to blossom and the flavors to deepen wonderfully. If it looks too thick at any point, add a splash of water to keep it just right.
Step 4: Mix Masa Harina
In a small bowl, blend the masa harina with half a cup of water until smooth. Stir this mixture into your chili; it will thicken the stew while adding a subtle corn flavor that’s signature to this recipe. Adjust the thickness by adding a little more masa or water until you reach your preferred consistency.
Step 5: Add the Beans and Finish Cooking
Finally, stir in the drained kidney and pinto beans. Let everything simmer together for another ten minutes so the beans absorb all that fantastic flavor. This step ensures every spoonful is packed with taste and texture.
Step 6: Serve with Your Favorite Toppings
Spoon your chili into bowls and top with shredded Cheddar, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips or Fritos. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime and some diced green onions for brightness and a fresh finish that truly completes this beloved dish.
How to Serve The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this chili comes not just from the pot but also from how you dress it up. Classic garnishes like shredded Cheddar cheese and sour cream add luscious creaminess. Pops of diced green onions bring freshness, while a squeeze of lime juice cuts through the richness with a zesty brightness. Crunchy tortilla chips or Fritos sprinkled on top are an absolute game-changer, adding irresistible texture with every bite.
Side Dishes
Pairing The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe with the right sides makes it a full, satisfying meal. Simple corn bread, whether baked or skillet-style, is just the right touch to mop up the chili sauce. A crisp green salad balances the richness, and for extra comfort, creamy mashed potatoes can be an unexpected but delightful accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to get a little playful? Serve this chili over baked potatoes or use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers. You can even turn it into a loaded chili dip with layers of cream cheese and melted cheese, perfect for parties. The versatility of the chili lends itself to so many fun presentations that make mealtime both exciting and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This chili keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days when stored in an airtight container. As the flavors mingle over time, the dish becomes even more delicious. Just give it a good stir before reheating to bring it back to its comforting glory.
Freezing
If you want to save this chili for later, freezing is a fantastic option. Let it cool completely, then transfer into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It will keep well for up to three months, making it a lifesaver for busy days when you need a quick, satisfying meal.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it feels too thick after refrigeration or freezing, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving for longer than needed to keep the flavors bright and texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I make The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and add extra beans or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to keep it rich and filling. You can also use plant-based meat substitutes if you want that meaty texture.
What can I substitute for masa harina?
If you don’t have masa harina on hand, you can use cornmeal, regular flour, or cornstarch as an alternative. Each will help thicken the chili, though masa harina gives that distinct subtle corn flavor that’s signature to this recipe.
How spicy is this chili?
This chili has a moderate level of heat, but the cayenne pepper is optional. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more cayenne or chili powder for heat lovers or leaving it out for a milder version that still packs plenty of flavor.
Can I use canned beans without rinsing?
It’s best to drain and rinse the beans to reduce excess sodium and remove some of the canning liquid, which can affect the chili’s texture and flavor. Rinsed beans will make your chili taste cleaner and less starchy.
Is this recipe suitable for the Instant Pot?
Yes! When making The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe in an Instant Pot, add the diced tomatoes with their juice as indicated. The pressure cooking will speed up the process while helping the flavors meld beautifully. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to indulge in an all-time favorite chili that’s both simple to make and incredibly flavorful, you absolutely have to try The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe. It’s warm, comforting, and designed to bring smiles around the dinner table every single time. Trust me—once you taste it, this will become a go-to recipe you’ll want to share for years to come.
Print
The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and flavorful chili recipe from The Pioneer Woman that features ground beef, tomato sauce, and a blend of spices simmered to perfection. This hearty chili includes kidney and pinto beans and is thickened with masa harina for a satisfying texture. It’s perfect for chilly evenings and served with classic toppings like shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Meat and Base
- 2 lbs. ground beef (80% lean)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
Spices
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Thickener
- 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 for Instant Pot Version
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
Toppings
- 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 to prevent the chili from becoming greasy.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato sauce, cooking for about 1 minute to release the garlic’s aroma and blend flavors.
- Add Spices and Simmer: Mix in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If it gets too thick, add 1/2 cup water as needed to maintain a good consistency.
- Incorporate Masa Harina: In a small bowl, mix masa harina with 1/2 cup water until smooth, then stir this mixture into the chili. Add more masa or water until you reach your preferred thickness and texture.
- Add Beans and Final Simmer: Stir in the drained kidney and pinto beans, cooking the chili for an additional 10 minutes to warm the beans through and meld all flavors.
- Serve with Toppings: Spoon chili into bowls and offer shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips or Fritos, lime wedges, and diced green onions as toppings for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute masa harina with cornmeal, flour, or cornstarch if unavailable.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spiciness level to your preference.
- To make this recipe in an Instant Pot, add one can of diced tomatoes with juice along with the tomato sauce and follow pressure cooking instructions accordingly.
- Simmering longer will deepen the flavor, so feel free to cook for an extra 30 minutes if time permits.
- Serve with cornbread or a green salad for a complete meal.
