This Pioneer Woman chili recipe is your ticket to a bowl of warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful chili, inspired by Ree Drummond herself. Perfect for a chilly evening, game day, or a family gathering, this recipe combines simple ingredients with robust seasonings to create a chili that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you prefer the classic stove top method, the convenience of a slow cooker, or the speed of an Instant Pot, this guide will walk you through each cooking method to chili perfection. Get ready to enjoy a hearty meal that will quickly become a family favorite!
Close-up of a wooden spoon lifting a spoonful of rich, red Pioneer Woman Chili from a pot, showcasing its hearty texture and inviting aroma.
For years, homemade chili felt like a culinary puzzle I couldn’t quite solve. Every attempt seemed to miss the mark, lacking that depth of flavor and hearty texture I craved. That was until I discovered this incredible recipe inspired by The Pioneer Woman. What makes this chili truly special is its adaptability. It’s a fantastic base recipe that allows you to customize it to everyone’s preferences.
In my house, my husband appreciates it in its simplest form – just the rich combination of seasoned meat, tender beans, and a flavorful sauce. He’s a purist when it comes to chili!
But the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. If you’re like many chili enthusiasts, you might love to load it up with extra vegetables. Bell peppers, onions, and even celery or mushrooms can be fantastic additions, adding layers of flavor and texture.
So, how do YOU like your chili? No matter your preference, this Pioneer Woman inspired recipe provides the perfect foundation to create your ideal bowl. Let’s dive into how to make this comforting classic using three different methods: stove top, crock pot, and Instant Pot.
Stove Top Chili: The Classic Approach
The stove top method is a timeless way to make chili, allowing you to build flavors gradually and control the cooking process. Here’s how to bring this Pioneer Woman chili to life on your stovetop:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by placing your ground beef in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned, making sure to crumble it into smaller pieces. Once browned, drain off any excess grease to keep your chili lean and flavorful.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Tomato Sauce
Stir in the diced garlic and tomato sauce to the browned ground beef. Cook for about a minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and the tomato sauce to slightly caramelize, enhancing the depth of flavor.
Step 3: Season Generously
Now it’s time for the magic blend of spices that defines this Pioneer Woman chili. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and coat the beef and tomato mixture. These seasonings are what give the chili its signature warm, earthy, and slightly spicy flavor profile.
Image depicting the process of making Pioneer Woman Chili, showcasing ground beef browning in a Dutch oven with seasonings being added.
Step 4: Simmer to Develop Flavor
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This simmering time is crucial as it allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a richer and more complex chili.
Step 5: Thicken with Masa Harina
In a small bowl, whisk together the masa harina and water until smooth. This masa harina mixture acts as a thickening agent, giving the chili a perfect, hearty texture. Pour the mixture into the chili pot and stir it in thoroughly.
Step 6: Add the Beans and Finish Simmering
Finally, add the drained and rinsed kidney and pinto beans to the chili. Stir gently and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes. This short simmer time ensures the beans are heated through and have absorbed some of the chili’s delicious flavors without becoming mushy.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Your stove top Pioneer Woman chili is now ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and let everyone customize their serving with their favorite garnishes. Shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of green onions, lime wedges, or crunchy tortilla chips are all fantastic options. Don’t forget a side of warm cornbread to complete the meal!
Image showing pinto beans being added to a pot of chili, illustrating the final stages of preparing Pioneer Woman Chili.
Crock Pot Chili: Set It and Forget It
For those busy days when you want a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen, the crock pot method is your best friend. Here’s how to adapt this Pioneer Woman chili for your slow cooker:
- Brown the Beef: Just like the stove top method, start by browning the ground beef in a skillet or stove top safe crock pot to enhance the flavor. Drain any excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the browned beef to your crock pot (if you browned it in a skillet). Add the garlic, tomato sauce, and all the seasonings. Stir to combine.
- Simmer Slowly: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 hours, or for a longer period on low if you need it to cook all day. The slow cooking process tenderizes the beef and deepens the flavors even further.
- Thicken and Add Beans: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the masa harina mixture (masa harina and water) to thicken the chili. Then, add the drained and rinsed beans.
- Heat Through: Continue to cook for the final 30 minutes to ensure the beans are heated through and the chili has reached your desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite chili toppings, just as you would with the stove top version.
Instant Pot Chili: Quick and Flavorful
Need chili in a hurry? The Instant Pot method is your answer! This method significantly cuts down on cooking time while still delivering a deeply flavorful chili.
- Sauté Beef: Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Add the garlic, tomato sauce, and all the seasonings to the Instant Pot. Stir and cook for a minute until fragrant.
- Masa Harina and Tomatoes: Combine the masa harina and water and add it to the pot. For the Instant Pot version, include the diced tomatoes with their juice (14.5 ounces) for added liquid.
- Beans and Pressure Cook: Add the drained and rinsed beans. Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the pressure valve is set to sealing. Select the Chili/Beans setting and set the cooking time for 20 minutes.
- Release Pressure and Serve: Once the cooking cycle is complete, you can either allow for a natural pressure release or perform a quick release. Stir the chili well before serving.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite garnishes and sides.
Important Instant Pot Tip: Keep an eye out for the “Burn” indicator. To prevent this, make sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot after sautéing the beef before pressure cooking. Using a silicone spatula can be helpful for this.
👉 Pro-Tip for All Methods: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can always add more masa harina mixed with water to reach your desired consistency, regardless of the cooking method you choose.
Masa Harina Substitutes
If you don’t have masa harina on hand, don’t worry! You can still achieve a similar texture with these substitutes:
- Flour or Cornmeal: These can be used to thicken the chili, but be aware that they might slightly alter the flavor profile.
- Cornstarch: Mix cornstarch with an equal amount of water to create a slurry and add it to the chili to thicken.
Freezing and Storing Leftover Chili
Chili is an excellent make-ahead meal and freezes beautifully. Here’s how to store and freeze your Pioneer Woman chili:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze chili in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave before reheating.
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Chili
Chili is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:
- Cornbread: A classic pairing! Sweet or savory cornbread complements the richness of the chili perfectly.
- Tortilla Chips or Fritos: For added crunch and a salty contrast.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a creamy, cool topping.
- Diced Onions or Green Onions: For a fresh, zesty bite.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens up the flavors.
A comforting bowl of Pioneer Woman Chili topped with melted cheese, ready to be enjoyed with a wooden spoon.
Get Ready to Enjoy Your Pioneer Woman Chili!
This Pioneer Woman chili recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of hearty, homemade comfort. Whether you choose the stove top, crock pot, or Instant Pot method, you’re guaranteed a flavorful and satisfying chili that’s perfect for any occasion. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy the best chili you’ve ever made!
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Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef, 80% lean
- 2 cloves garlic, diced
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup masa harina, white or yellow
- 1 ½ cups water (½ cup for masa harina mixture, 1 cup optional for stove top)
- 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, undrained (for Instant Pot only)
Garnish Options:
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Lime Wedges
- Sour Cream
- Tortilla Chips or Fritos
- Diced Green Onions
Instructions:
Stove Top Method:
- Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, drain grease.
- Add garlic and tomato sauce, cook 1 minute.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Simmer covered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally (add ½ cup water if too dry).
- Mix masa harina with ½ cup water, add to chili, stir to thicken.
- Add beans, simmer 10 minutes.
- Serve with garnishes.
Crock Pot Method:
- Brown ground beef, drain grease.
- Combine beef, garlic, tomato sauce, and seasonings in crock pot.
- Cook on low for 4 hours (or longer on low).
- Mix masa harina with ½ cup water, stir into chili.
- Add beans, cook 30 minutes more.
- Serve with garnishes.
Instant Pot Method:
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté, brown beef, drain grease.
- Add garlic, tomato sauce, seasonings, cook 1 minute.
- Mix masa harina with ½ cup water, add to pot.
- Add diced tomatoes (undrained) and beans.
- Pressure cook on Chili/Beans setting for 20 minutes.
- Quick or natural release, stir, serve with garnishes.
Recipe Notes:
- Masa Harina Substitute: Use flour, cornmeal, or cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Storage: Refrigerate for 3 days, freeze for 3 months.
Nutrition Information (per serving – estimate):
- Calories: 613kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 32g
Enjoy your delicious and hearty Pioneer Woman Chili!
Recipe Source: Inspired by The Food Network’s Simple Perfect Chili Recipe by Ree Drummond
Beef Recipes Crock Pot Recipes Dinner Recipes Freezer Food Recipes Instant Pot Recipes One Pot Recipes Pioneer Woman Recipes
