Chili is a classic comfort food, perfect for cozy nights and gatherings with friends and family. Among the myriad of chili recipes available online, the Pioneer Woman’s chili recipe stands out as a beloved favorite. Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, has crafted a chili recipe that is not only incredibly flavorful but also remarkably versatile and easy to make. This guide dives deep into the Pioneer Woman chili recipe, offering a comprehensive look at how to create this hearty dish using stove top, Crock-Pot, and Instant Pot methods. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises a satisfying and delicious chili experience.
Why This Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe is a Must-Try
What makes the Pioneer Woman chili recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of robust flavors, simple ingredients, and adaptable cooking methods. This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients into a pot; it’s about layering tastes to create a rich, deeply satisfying chili. The recipe emphasizes a well-rounded seasoning profile, ensuring that each spoonful is packed with warmth and spice without being overwhelmingly hot. Ground beef forms the hearty base, while a blend of beans adds texture and nutritional value.
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its flexibility. Do you prefer the hands-on approach of stove top cooking, the set-it-and-forget-it ease of a Crock-Pot, or the speed of an Instant Pot? The Pioneer Woman chili recipe accommodates all three, making it accessible no matter your cooking style or time constraints. Furthermore, the recipe serves as a fantastic base, easily customizable to individual preferences. Whether you like your chili mild or spicy, loaded with vegetables, or strictly classic, this recipe provides the perfect starting point.
Cooking Pioneer Woman Chili: Three Simple Methods
The Pioneer Woman chili recipe is designed for convenience, offering three distinct cooking methods to suit your needs and preferences. Each method yields the same delicious result, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your schedule and kitchen equipment.
Stove Top Chili Instructions
The stove top method is ideal for those who enjoy a more traditional cooking experience and want to monitor the chili as it simmers. It’s perfect for a weekend afternoon when you have a bit more time to spend in the kitchen, filling your home with the comforting aroma of chili.
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Brown the Beef: Begin by placing a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2 lbs of 80% lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned. Once browned, drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for flavor development, as browning the beef creates rich, savory notes.
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Sauté Aromatics and Add Seasonings: Add 2 diced cloves of garlic to the pot with the beef and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Garlic infuses the chili with a foundational savory flavor. Next, pour in 8 oz of tomato sauce. The tomato sauce provides a crucial acidic backbone and binds the chili together. Now, it’s time for the signature seasoning blend. Add 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of ground oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the beef and aromatics are evenly coated with the spices. These seasonings are what give Pioneer Woman chili its distinctive warm and slightly spicy flavor profile.
Ground beef and seasonings being combined in a pot for Pioneer Woman Chili, stove top method.
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Simmer for Flavor Infusion: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This simmering time is essential for allowing the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a more complex and satisfying chili. If the mixture seems too dry during simmering, you can add ½ cup of water to maintain the desired consistency.
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Thicken with Masa Harina: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of masa harina with ½ cup of water until smooth. Masa harina, a finely ground corn flour, is the secret ingredient to thickening the chili and adding a subtle corn flavor that enhances the overall taste. Pour this masa mixture into the chili pot and stir well to combine.
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Add the Beans and Final Simmer: Add 15 oz of drained and rinsed kidney beans and 15 oz of drained and rinsed pinto beans to the chili. Beans are a quintessential chili ingredient, providing both texture and protein. Simmer for another 10 minutes to heat the beans through and allow them to integrate with the other flavors.
Pinto beans being added to the simmering Pioneer Woman Chili on the stove top.
- Serve and Garnish: Your stove top Pioneer Woman chili is now ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and offer a variety of garnishes such as shredded cheddar cheese, lime wedges, sour cream, tortilla chips or Fritos, and diced green onions to allow everyone to customize their chili to their liking. A side of warm cornbread is highly recommended to complete the meal.
Crock Pot Chili Instructions
For ultimate convenience, the Crock-Pot method is the way to go. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to prepare chili in advance. The slow cooking process in a Crock-Pot enhances the flavors even further, resulting in an incredibly tender and flavorful chili.
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Brown Beef and Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended): While you can technically skip this step for a truly hands-off approach, browning the ground beef and sautéing the garlic before adding them to the Crock-Pot will significantly enhance the depth of flavor in your chili. Follow steps 1 and 2 of the stove top method in a large pot or stove-top safe Crock-Pot insert. Drain excess grease.
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Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Transfer the browned beef, garlic, and tomato sauce mixture to your Crock-Pot (if you browned in a separate pot). Add the seasonings: 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Stir to combine everything within the Crock-Pot.
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Add Masa Harina Mixture and Beans: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup masa harina with ½ cup water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the Crock-Pot. Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and pinto beans. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the Crock-Pot and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or for a longer period like 6-8 hours for even deeper flavor development. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the beef becomes exceptionally tender.
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Adjust Consistency and Serve: Before serving, check the chili’s consistency. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mix an additional tablespoon of masa harina with a couple of tablespoons of water and stir it into the chili. Cook on high for another 15-20 minutes to thicken. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes, just as you would for the stove top version.
Instant Pot Chili Instructions
For those short on time, the Instant Pot method is a game-changer. It delivers flavorful chili in a fraction of the time compared to stove top or Crock-Pot cooking. The pressure cooking environment intensifies the flavors rapidly, making it ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Sauté Beef in Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the 2 lbs of ground beef and cook, crumbling it, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté Aromatics and Add Seasonings: Add the 2 diced cloves of garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in 8 oz of tomato sauce (Note: For the Instant Pot method, use 14.5 ounces of diced tomatoes WITH their juice for added liquid, which helps prevent the burn notice). Add the seasonings: 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Stir everything together.
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Add Masa Harina Mixture and Beans: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup masa harina with ½ cup water until smooth. Add this mixture to the Instant Pot. Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and pinto beans, and the 14.5 ounces of diced tomatoes with juice. Stir gently.
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Pressure Cook to Speedy Flavor: Secure 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. If your Instant Pot doesn’t have a “Chili/Beans” setting, you can use the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on high pressure for 20 minutes.
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Release Pressure and Serve: Once the cooking cycle is complete, you can perform a quick pressure release by carefully flipping the valve to “Venting,” or allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Stir the chili well before serving. If the chili is thicker than you like, you can add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency. Serve with your favorite garnishes.
Ingredient Spotlight: Key to Pioneer Woman Chili Flavor
While the cooking method is important, the ingredients are the heart of any recipe. The Pioneer Woman chili recipe relies on a few key components to achieve its signature taste:
- Ground Beef: The foundation of this chili, ground beef provides a rich, meaty flavor and satisfying texture. 80% lean ground beef strikes a good balance between flavor and avoiding excessive grease.
- Chili Powder: This isn’t just one spice, but a blend of spices, typically including dried chili peppers, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and paprika. It’s the primary flavor driver in chili, lending warmth, depth, and a touch of spice.
- Cumin & Oregano: These spices are essential for authentic chili flavor. Cumin adds earthy, warm notes, while oregano contributes a slightly pungent, herbaceous complexity.
- Masa Harina: More than just a thickener, masa harina brings a subtle corn flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully and contributes to the chili’s authentic texture.
- Beans: Kidney and pinto beans are classic chili beans. They add heartiness, creaminess, and nutritional benefits, contributing both texture and substance to the dish.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Pioneer Woman Chili
To ensure your Pioneer Woman chili is a resounding success, consider these helpful tips and tricks:
- Masa Harina Substitute: If you don’t have masa harina, you can use cornmeal or all-purpose flour to thicken the chili. However, the flavor won’t be quite as authentic. In a pinch, cornstarch mixed with equal parts of water can also be used as a thickening agent, though it will primarily thicken without adding significant flavor.
- Freezing and Storage: Chili is an excellent make-ahead and freezer-friendly meal. Leftover Pioneer Woman chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost function on your microwave. Reheat gently on the stove top or in the microwave until heated through.
- Serving Suggestions: Pioneer Woman chili is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Beyond the classic garnishes, consider serving it over rice, baked potatoes, or even as a topping for nachos or chili cheese dogs. For a lighter accompaniment, a fresh green salad complements the richness of the chili.
Close up of Pioneer Woman Chili served in a bowl with melted cheese and a spoon, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Conclusion
The Pioneer Woman chili recipe is a true gem – a comforting, flavorful, and adaptable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its easy-to-follow instructions for stove top, Crock-Pot, and Instant Pot methods, you can enjoy homemade chili no matter your cooking preference or time constraints. Gather your ingredients, choose your preferred cooking method, and prepare to enjoy a bowl of the best chili you’ve ever made. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by adjusting the seasonings and garnishes to perfectly match your taste. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in the Pioneer Woman’s.
