Chili is a dish that speaks to the heart, especially on a chilly evening. And when it comes to chili recipes, The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, offers a version that’s become a beloved classic. This hearty Pioneer Woman chili recipe is celebrated for its rich flavors, simple preparation, and satisfying blend of ground beef, beans, and spices. While the original recipe shines on the stovetop, it truly excels when adapted for the slow cooker. Using a slow cooker to make Pioneer Woman chili not only simplifies the cooking process but also enhances the depth of flavor, making it an even more irresistible meal.
This guide will walk you through creating the perfect Pioneer Woman chili using your slow cooker, transforming a already fantastic recipe into a slow-cooked masterpiece. We’ll explore why the slow cooker method is ideal for chili, how to adapt the original recipe, and all the tips and tricks to ensure your slow cooker Pioneer Woman chili is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
A ladle scooping up a generous portion of chili from a vibrant red slow cooker.
Why Choose the Slow Cooker for Chili?
The slow cooker, or Crock-Pot, is a game-changer for chili for several reasons:
- Flavor Development: Slow, gentle cooking allows the flavors to meld and deepen over time. Spices like chili powder, cumin, and oregano infuse every bite, creating a richer, more complex chili than quick stovetop versions.
- Tender Beef: Ground beef becomes incredibly tender and succulent during a low and slow cook. The long cooking time breaks down tougher fibers, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Convenience: The slow cooker is incredibly hands-off. After a brief initial browning of the beef, you can simply combine all the ingredients in the pot, set it, and forget it. This is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to prepare a meal in advance.
- Ideal for Make-Ahead Meals: Slow cooker chili is perfect for meal prepping. You can start it in the morning and have a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner waiting for you in the evening. Leftovers also taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Adapting the Pioneer Woman Chili for the Slow Cooker
The original Pioneer Woman chili recipe is easily adaptable for the slow cooker. Here’s how to do it, incorporating the key ingredients and seasonings that make this chili so special:
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
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup masa harina, white or yellow
- 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. While browning the beef in a skillet first adds an extra layer of flavor, for a truly hands-off approach, you can brown the beef directly in a stove-top safe slow cooker if you have one.
- Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended): For enhanced flavor, after browning the beef and draining the grease, add the diced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. This step is optional, but blooming the garlic in the residual heat elevates the overall taste.
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef and garlic (if sautéed) to your slow cooker. Add the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Simmer Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors will become. If you’re short on time, the high setting works well, but low and slow is ideal for maximum flavor development in your Pioneer Woman Chili Slow Cooker recipe.
- Thicken (if desired): About 30 minutes before serving, or when you are happy with the chili simmering time, combine the masa harina with 1/2 cup of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the chili. Masa harina acts as a fantastic thickening agent and adds a subtle corn flavor that complements the chili beautifully. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can add a bit more masa harina slurry gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add Beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and pinto beans. Cook for another 30 minutes to allow the beans to heat through and meld with the chili flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the Pioneer Woman chili slow cooker into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
A bowl of Pioneer Woman chili topped with shredded cheese and sour cream, with a side of tortilla chips.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Chili Slow Cooker
- Lean Beef is Key: Using 80% lean ground beef helps to minimize excess grease in your chili, resulting in a cleaner flavor and texture.
- Don’t Skip the Browning: While you can technically skip browning the beef for a truly one-pot slow cooker meal, taking the few extra minutes to brown the beef in a skillet beforehand significantly enhances the depth of flavor. Browning creates Maillard reaction, which adds a savory, umami-richness that simmering alone cannot achieve.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: This recipe provides a balanced base, but feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you like spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes. For a smokier flavor, consider adding a touch of smoked paprika.
- Masa Harina is Your Secret Weapon: Masa harina is not just a thickener; it adds a unique, authentic flavor to chili that cornstarch or flour can’t replicate. It’s worth seeking out for truly authentic chili flavor. If you must substitute, cornmeal or a cornstarch slurry can work in a pinch, but the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- Garnish Generously: Toppings are essential for chili! Set up a chili bar with a variety of garnishes like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, lime wedges, and tortilla chips or Fritos. Let everyone customize their bowl to their liking.
Other Cooking Methods for Pioneer Woman Chili
While this article focuses on the slow cooker, the Pioneer Woman chili recipe is also fantastic using other methods:
- Stove Top: Follow the original recipe instructions for a quicker chili that’s ready in about an hour. The stovetop method is great when you need chili in a shorter amount of time.
- Instant Pot: For a fast and flavorful chili, the Instant Pot is a great option. Use the Instant Pot instructions provided in the original recipe, adjusting liquid as needed. The pressure cooking method infuses flavors quickly, making it a speedy alternative to slow cooking.
Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Chili Slow Cooker
Pioneer Woman chili slow cooker is a complete meal on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments. Here are some serving ideas:
- Cornbread: A classic pairing! Serve your chili with warm, buttery cornbread for dipping and dunking.
- Tortilla Chips or Fritos: For added crunch and texture.
- Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with chili for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Chili Cheese Dogs: Spoon chili over hot dogs for a fun and flavorful twist on a classic.
- Mac and Cheese: Combine chili with macaroni and cheese for a super comforting chili mac.
Make Ahead and Storage
One of the best things about Pioneer Woman chili slow cooker is that it’s perfect for making ahead.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chili a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld even further, making it taste even better. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
- Freezing: Chili freezes beautifully. Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or in the microwave before reheating.
Conclusion
The Pioneer Woman chili recipe is a winner for a reason – it’s delicious, easy to make, and incredibly versatile. By adapting it for the slow cooker, you unlock an even deeper level of flavor and convenience. This Pioneer Woman chili slow cooker recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, game day gatherings, or anytime you crave a comforting and flavorful meal. So, dust off your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a truly exceptional chili experience!
