Cozy Homestyle Hearty Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe For Cold Days

Comfort and warmth radiate from this classic pioneer woman chili recipe that promises to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Packed with robust flavors and rich textures, this chili delivers a soul-warming experience straight from a rustic kitchen.

Each spoonful brings together tender beef, aromatic spices, and a perfect balance of heat and depth.

The recipe captures the essence of home-cooked goodness with its simple yet powerful ingredients.

Generations have cherished this hearty dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable meals.

Layers of complexity dance across your taste buds, inviting you to savor every delicious bite.

Grab a bowl and let this chili transport you to a world of culinary comfort.

How to Make The Pioneer Woman Chili

• Fire Up the Beef

Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it apart until fully cooked. Drain away any extra fat for a leaner dish.

• Spice It Up

Toss in chopped garlic and mix with tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat every bit of meat with bold flavors.

• Let It Bubble

Lower heat, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer gently for one hour. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if it gets too thick.

• Create a Silky Texture

Whisk masa harina with water until smooth, then slowly blend into the chili to create a rich, velvety consistency.

• Welcome the Beans

Fold in kidney and pinto beans, allowing them to warm through and soak up all the delicious spices for 10-15 minutes.

• Serve with Flair

Ladle steaming chili into bowls and crown with your favorite toppings like tangy cheese, crisp onions, and a zesty lime squeeze.

Recipe Notes for Pioneer Woman Chili

• Chili Mastery Tips: Perfect your classic chili with these game-changing ideas!
• Beef Selection Magic: Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for maximum flavor and juiciness. Leaner meats can make the chili dry, so stick with slightly fatty beef for rich, tender results.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper to match your heat tolerance. Start with a small pinch and gradually increase for personalized spiciness without overwhelming the dish.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Chili tastes even better the next day after flavors have developed overnight. Prepare a day in advance and reheat gently for deeper, more complex taste.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tempeh, lentils, or meat substitutes. Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers and zucchini for heartier texture.
• Slow Cooker Magic: Transfer browned beef and ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender, melt-in-your-mouth chili with minimal effort.

Ways to Serve Pioneer Woman Chili

• Chili Comfort Plates: Serve this hearty chili over warm, fluffy white rice for a filling meal that stretches your serving size and adds delightful texture.
• Cozy Game Day Spread: Create a chili bar with small bowls of toppings like sour cream, diced jalapeños, crispy tortilla strips, and fresh cilantro so guests can customize their bowls.
• Cornbread Companion: Pair the chili with a slice of warm, buttery cornbread to soak up the rich, spicy sauce and provide a delicious complementary side that balances the dish's bold flavors.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining chili into stuffed peppers or use as a topping for loaded baked potatoes, giving new life to this delicious one-pot wonder.

Keep Pioneer Woman Chili Fresh

• Chili Champion Storage: Seal the deal by storing leftover chili in airtight containers, keeping it fresh and tasty in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: Transform extra chili into future meals by freezing in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months, ready to thaw and enjoy on busy nights.
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the recipe and divide into meal-prep containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week, saving time and enjoying consistent flavor.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Warm refrigerated chili gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent scorching, bringing back its original delicious taste and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 6

Chili Ingredients from The Pioneer Woman Recipe

• Ground Beef: The star of the chili, providing rich, meaty flavor and substantial texture; choose 80/20 ground beef for optimal juiciness and taste.
• Kidney Beans, Pinto Beans: Hearty legumes that add protein, fiber, and creamy depth to the chili; look for canned beans with no added salt for better control of seasoning.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds a punchy, earthy undertone; select fresh garlic cloves for maximum flavor intensity.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates a smooth, tangy foundation for the chili; opt for high-quality, low-sodium varieties for better control of saltiness.
• Chili Powder: Signature spice blend that delivers warmth and complexity; choose authentic, freshly ground chili powder for robust taste.
• Cumin: Brings smoky, nutty undertones that enhance the overall depth; select whole cumin seeds and grind them fresh for maximum aroma.
• Oregano: Contributes herbal, slightly peppery notes; use dried Mexican oregano for a more authentic flavor profile.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds subtle heat and vibrant kick; adjust quantity based on personal spice tolerance.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies other flavors; use kosher or sea salt for better flavor distribution.

• Masa Harina: Traditional corn flour that provides authentic texture and subtle corn flavor; choose finely ground masa for smooth incorporation.
• Water: Helps adjust chili consistency and blend ingredients seamlessly.

Pioneer Woman Chili Tools to Gather

• Large Pot: Essential for browning beef and simmering chili, providing ample space for cooking.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping garlic or preparing optional garnishes.
• Small Bowl: Useful for mixing masa harina and water to thicken the chili.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure water and spices for consistent flavor.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving chili into individual bowls.
• Colander: Optional for draining excess beef grease if needed.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Pioneering chili from Ree Drummond combines hearty beef, robust spices, and rich tomato base for a comforting meal. Home cooks can easily craft this classic southwestern-style dish that delivers deep, satisfying flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs/907 g ground beef
• 2 tbsps chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 (8 oz/226 g) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• ¼ cup/30 g masa harina (corn flour)
• ½ cup/120 ml water
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped onions
• Sour cream
• Lime wedges
• Tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Ignite a large pot over medium heat, introducing ground beef and methodically fragmenting it until achieving a rich, caramelized brown hue. Drain accumulated grease meticulously.
2. Seasoning Integration: Infuse aromatic garlic into the meat, then introduce tomato sauce and a robust spice ensemble including chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Thoroughly coat beef with these vibrant seasonings.
3. Flavor Development: Reduce heat to low, covering the pot and allowing flavors to meld. Simmer patiently for one hour, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Adjust consistency by introducing water if the mixture becomes too dense.
4. Thickening Process: Craft a smooth masa harina binding agent by whisking with water until perfectly smooth. Gradually incorporate this thickening mixture into the chili, stirring continuously to ensure seamless integration.
5. Bean Incorporation and Final Simmering: Gently fold kidney and pinto beans into the mixture, allowing them to absorb the rich, developed flavors. Continue simmering for an additional 10-15 minutes to harmonize ingredients completely.
6. Serving Presentation: Transfer chili into individual bowls, inviting diners to personalize with complementary garnishes like shredded cheese, freshly chopped onions, and a zesty lime squeeze to elevate the culinary experience.

Notes

• Manage Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef caramelizes evenly by breaking it into small, uniform pieces during cooking for maximum flavor development and texture.
• Control Spice Intensity: Adjust cayenne and chili powder quantities based on personal heat tolerance, starting conservatively and incrementally increasing for desired spiciness.
• Prevent Bean Mushiness: Add kidney and pinto beans later in the cooking process to maintain their structural integrity and prevent overcooking or disintegration.
• Master Masa Thickening: Whisk masa harina thoroughly with water to eliminate lumps, creating a smooth thickening agent that seamlessly integrates into the chili without clumping.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg