The quest for the perfect chili recipe often leads to a delightful discovery – the Pioneer Woman Chili. Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her approachable and delicious home-style cooking, and her chili recipe is no exception. This guide dives deep into what makes Pioneer Woman chili a standout, providing you with everything you need to create a comforting and flavorful meal that will impress your family and friends.
Why Pioneer Woman Chili is a Crowd-Pleaser
What sets Pioneer Woman chili apart? It’s the perfect balance of robust flavors, simple techniques, and customizable options. This isn’t just another chili recipe; it’s a foundation upon which you can build your chili masterpiece. Whether you’re a chili purist or love to experiment with ingredients, this recipe caters to all tastes.
This recipe emphasizes:
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with ground beef, beans, and a rich tomato base, it’s a meal in itself.
- Flavorful Seasoning: A blend of chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper creates a warm and inviting spice profile.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Enjoy the flexibility of making it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or even an Instant Pot.
- Easy to Customize: Adapt the recipe to your liking by adding vegetables, adjusting spice levels, or choosing your favorite toppings.
A close-up shot of Pioneer Woman chili being scooped from a pot, showcasing its rich texture and vibrant color.
Essential Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chili
Let’s gather the ingredients that make this chili sing. The recipe focuses on pantry staples and fresh ingredients to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
- Ground Beef: The heart of the chili, providing a rich and meaty base. 80% lean ground beef is recommended to balance flavor and avoid excess grease.
- Garlic: Freshly diced garlic adds aromatic depth and complexity to the chili.
- Tomato Sauce: Forms the base of the chili, contributing to its signature saucy texture.
- Chili Powder: The star spice, providing the characteristic chili flavor. Choose a quality chili powder for the best results.
- Cumin & Oregano: Earthy cumin and fragrant oregano enhance the savory notes of the chili.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to control the spice level.
- Masa Harina: This finely ground corn flour is the secret ingredient for thickening the chili and adding a subtle corn flavor.
- Kidney & Pinto Beans: A classic chili bean combination, offering texture and nutritional value.
- Diced Tomatoes (for Instant Pot): Specifically for the Instant Pot method, adding extra liquid and tomato flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Chili
This recipe provides instructions for three popular cooking methods. Choose the one that best suits your time and equipment.
Stove Top Chili Instructions
The stovetop method is classic and allows for gradual flavor development.
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
Ground beef being browned in a Dutch oven, the first step to making delicious Pioneer Woman chili. - Sauté Garlic and Add Tomato Sauce & Seasonings: Add diced garlic to the pot and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Thicken with Masa Harina: In a small bowl, whisk together masa harina and water until smooth. Add this mixture to the chili and stir well.
- Add Beans and Simmer: Stir in drained and rinsed kidney beans and pinto beans. Simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the beans to heat through and flavors to meld.
Pinto beans being added to a pot of chili, enriching the texture and flavor of Pioneer Woman chili. - Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Crock Pot Chili Instructions (Slow Cooker)
For a hands-off approach, the slow cooker is ideal.
- Brown Beef and Sauté Garlic: Brown ground beef and sauté garlic on the stovetop as described in the stovetop method. Drain grease.
- Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Transfer the browned beef and garlic to your slow cooker. Add tomato sauce, seasonings (chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper), and masa harina mixture (masa harina and water whisked together).
- Add Beans: Stir in kidney and pinto beans.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chili has thickened and flavors have developed.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve hot with desired garnishes.
Instant Pot Chili Instructions (Pressure Cooker)
For a quicker chili fix, the Instant Pot is your best friend.
- Sauté Beef and Garlic: Using the Instant Pot’s sauté function, brown the ground beef and sauté garlic. Drain excess grease.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), seasonings, masa harina mixture, and beans to the Instant Pot.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and cook on the Chili/Beans setting for 20 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Allow for natural pressure release or perform a quick release according to your Instant Pot model instructions.
- Serve and Garnish: Stir well and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Tips and Variations for Your Pioneer Woman Chili
Make this recipe your own with these helpful tips and delicious variations:
- Spice Level Adjustment: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper. For a milder chili, reduce or omit it. For extra heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño.
- Vegetable Additions: Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, or celery with the garlic for added flavor and texture.
- Masa Harina Substitutes: If you don’t have masa harina, you can use cornmeal or flour to thicken the chili, but masa harina provides a more authentic flavor. Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) can also be used for thickening.
- Bean Variations: Experiment with different beans like black beans, great northern beans, or cannellini beans for a unique twist.
- Topping Bar: Set up a chili topping bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro, tortilla chips, and lime wedges for everyone to customize their bowls.
Storing and Freezing Pioneer Woman Chili
Chili is perfect for making ahead and enjoying later.
- Refrigerating: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Chili freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat from frozen on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Chili
Complete your chili meal with these delicious side dish suggestions:
- Cornbread: A classic pairing! The slight sweetness of cornbread complements the savory chili perfectly.
- Salad: A fresh green salad provides a light and refreshing contrast to the hearty chili.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Perfect for dipping into warm chili.
- Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with chili for a loaded and satisfying meal.
A bowl of Pioneer Woman chili topped with melted cheese and a spoon scooping up a generous portion.
Embrace the Cozy Comfort of Pioneer Woman Chili
Pioneer Woman chili recipes offer a gateway to delicious homemade comfort food. With its adaptable nature and straightforward instructions, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, choose your cooking method, and prepare to enjoy a truly satisfying bowl of chili!
The 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
- 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, Instant Pot version only
Garnish Options:
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Lime Wedges
- Sour Cream
- Tortilla Chips or Fritos
- Diced Green Onions
Instructions:
Stove Top:
- Cook and crumble ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic and tomato sauce, cook for 1 minute.
- Add seasonings: chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
- Decrease heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add water if too dry.
- Combine masa harina with ½ cup water, stir and add to chili. Add more masa/water for desired consistency.
- Add drained and rinsed beans. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve with garnishes and cornbread.
Crock Pot:
- Cook and crumble ground beef in a pot, drain grease. Add garlic and tomato sauce, cook 1 minute. Add seasonings.
- Stir to combine. Transfer to Crock Pot.
- Combine masa harina with ½ cup water, stir and add to Crock Pot. Add beans, stir gently.
- Heat on low for 4 hours or all day. Add masa/water for desired consistency.
Instant Pot:
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Cook and crumble ground beef, drain grease. Add garlic and tomato sauce, cook 1 minute. Add seasonings.
- Combine masa harina with ½ cup water, stir and add to Instant Pot.
- Add diced tomatoes with juices, kidney/pinto beans, stir gently. Add water/masa for consistency.
- Close lid, pressure valve shut. Chili/Beans setting, 20 minutes.
- Quick release pressure. Stir and serve with garnishes.
Notes:
- Masa Harina Substitute: Flour, cornmeal, or cornstarch slurry can be used for thickening.
- Nutritional information is an estimate per serving (6 servings).
Enjoy your Pioneer Woman Chili!
