Homemade chili can sometimes feel like a culinary puzzle, with countless variations and personal preferences. But what if you could find a base recipe that’s not only incredibly easy to make but also perfectly customizable to everyone’s taste? Enter The Pioneer Woman Chili, a recipe that takes the guesswork out of chili making and delivers a comforting, flavorful bowl every time. Inspired by Ree Drummond, this hearty chili recipe is a fantastic starting point, adaptable for stove top, slow cooker, and Instant Pot cooking methods.
A close up shot of chili being scooped from a pot with a wooden spoon, highlighting the rich texture and color.
Before discovering this recipe, crafting homemade chili felt like a challenge. The secret, I’ve learned, is starting with a solid foundation. This Pioneer Woman chili recipe provides just that – a quick and easy base that you can adjust to please any palate.
My husband prefers his chili straightforward: just flavorful meat, tender beans, a rich sauce, and the perfect blend of seasonings. This recipe, in its simplest form, hits all those notes perfectly.
But the beauty of this Pioneer Woman chili lies in its versatility. Want to load it up with vegetables? Go ahead and add bell peppers, onions, or even celery and mushrooms for extra depth and texture.
So, how do you like your chili? No matter your preference, this Pioneer Woman chili recipe is designed to be your go-to, adaptable to your favorite ingredients and cooking style.
Making Pioneer Woman Chili: Stove Top, Crock Pot, and Instant Pot Methods
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, offering instructions for three popular cooking methods. Whether you prefer the traditional stove top simmer, the hands-off ease of a slow cooker, or the quick cooking power of an Instant Pot, you can enjoy this Pioneer Woman chili.
Stove Top Chili Instructions
For a classic approach, the stove top method allows you to develop deep flavors as the chili simmers.
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook your ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. Be sure to crumble it as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess grease.
- Add Aromatics and Sauce: Stir in the diced garlic and tomato sauce to the beef. Cook for about a minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
- Season Generously: Now it’s time for the flavor boosters! Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This simmering time is crucial for the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Ground beef being seasoned in a pot, showcasing the initial steps of making Pioneer Woman chili on the stove top.
- Thicken with Masa Harina: In a small bowl, whisk together the masa harina with water until smooth. This mixture will act as a thickening agent, giving your chili a perfect texture. Pour the masa harina mixture into the chili and stir it in.
- Add the Beans: Finally, add the drained and rinsed kidney and pinto beans to the pot. Simmer for another 10 minutes to heat the beans through and allow them to absorb some of the chili flavor.
- Serve and Garnish: Your stove top Pioneer Woman chili is ready! 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, or crunchy tortilla chips are all fantastic choices.
Beans being added to a pot of chili, illustrating the final steps of preparing Pioneer Woman chili before serving.
Crock Pot Chili Instructions
For a truly hands-off approach, the slow cooker is your best friend. This method is perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a warm, comforting meal.
- Brown the Beef: Just as with the stove top method, start by browning your ground beef in a large skillet or directly in a stove-top safe Crock-Pot. Drain the grease.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the garlic, tomato sauce, and all the seasonings to the browned beef. Stir to combine.
- Transfer to Crock Pot: If you browned the beef in a skillet, transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.
- Add Thickener and Beans: In a small bowl, whisk together the masa harina and water. Pour this into the Crock Pot, then add the drained and rinsed beans. Stir everything gently.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 4 hours, or even all day for a deeper flavor.
- Serve with Garnishes: When you’re ready to eat, ladle the delicious slow cooker Pioneer Woman chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings.
Instant Pot Chili Instructions
Need chili in a hurry? The Instant Pot method is incredibly quick and efficient, delivering deeply flavorful chili in a fraction of the time.
Note: For the Instant Pot version, you’ll want to include a bit more liquid to ensure proper cooking. Using 14.5 ounces of diced tomatoes with their juice is recommended.
- Sauté the Beef: Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Aromatics and Sauce: Stir in the garlic and tomato sauce, cooking for about a minute until fragrant.
- Season and Thicken: Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir well, then pour in the masa harina and water mixture.
- Pressure Cook: Add the diced tomatoes (with juice) and the drained and rinsed beans to the Instant Pot. Stir gently. Secure the lid, ensuring the pressure valve is sealed. 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, and it’s ready to serve! Garnish as desired and enjoy your speedy Instant Pot Pioneer Woman chili.
Tip for all methods: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can always add more masa harina mixed with water until you reach your desired consistency.
Masa Harina Substitute Options
Masa harina is a traditional ingredient that adds a unique flavor and texture to chili. However, if you don’t have masa harina on hand, there are a few substitutes you can use:
- Flour or Cornmeal: These can be used to thicken the chili, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- Cornstarch: Mix cornstarch with an equal amount of water to create a slurry, then add it to the chili to thicken it.
Freezing and Storing Your Pioneer Woman Chili
One of the great things about chili is that it’s perfect for making ahead and freezing.
Freezing: Let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Storage: Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: You can reheat frozen or refrigerated chili in the microwave or on the stove top until heated through.
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Chili
Chili is a satisfying meal on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:
A bowl of Pioneer Woman chili topped with melted cheese and green onions, served with a wooden spoon.
- Cornbread: A classic pairing! Sweet and crumbly cornbread is perfect for soaking up the rich chili.
- Tortilla Chips or Fritos: For added crunch and a salty contrast.
- Toppings Galore: Set up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, avocado, cilantro, jalapenos, and lime wedges so everyone can customize their bowl.
Get Ready to Enjoy the Best Pioneer Woman Chili
This Pioneer Woman chili recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and enjoy simple, hearty food. Whether you follow the stove top, Crock Pot, or Instant Pot method, you’re guaranteed a delicious and satisfying chili that will become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, choose your cooking method, and get ready to savor every spoonful of this incredible Pioneer Woman chili!
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Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe Card
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
- 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:
- Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Drain grease.
- Add garlic and tomato sauce, cook 1 minute.
- Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper. Stir.
- Reduce heat, cover, simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add water if too dry.
- Mix masa harina with ½ cup water. Add to chili, stir until desired consistency.
- Add beans. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Serve with garnishes and cornbread.
Crock Pot:
- Brown ground beef in a skillet or stove-top safe crock pot. Drain grease.
- Add garlic, tomato sauce, seasonings. Stir. Transfer to crock pot if needed.
- Mix masa harina with ½ cup water. Stir into crock pot.
- Add beans, stir gently.
- Cook on low 4 hours or all day.
- Adjust thickness with masa harina/water as needed.
Instant Pot:
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Brown ground beef. Drain grease.
- Add garlic, tomato sauce, seasonings. Cook 1 minute.
- Mix masa harina with ½ cup water. Add to Instant Pot.
- Add diced tomatoes (with juice) and beans. Stir gently.
- Secure lid, seal valve. Chili/Beans setting, 20 minutes.
- Quick or natural release. Serve with garnishes.
Recipe Notes:
- Masa Harina Substitute: Flour, cornmeal, or cornstarch slurry can be used for thickening.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days, freeze up to 3 months.
Enjoy your homemade Pioneer Woman Chili!
Recipe Source: The Food Network
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