Easy Homemade Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe for Cold Nights

Warm, hearty chili recipes from the pioneer woman have been comforting hungry families for generations.

Bold spices and rich flavors dance together in this classic comfort dish.

Hearty ground beef simmers with robust tomatoes and perfectly balanced seasonings.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this tried-and-true recipe passed down through kitchens across the American heartland.

Each spoonful tells a story of tradition and culinary love.

The deep, satisfying aroma promises a meal that warms both body and soul.

Why This Chili Recipe Stands Out From the Rest

• Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up this delightful dish with minimal cooking skills, requiring just basic chopping and stirring techniques that even beginner cooks can master.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Customize this chili with your favorite toppings, making it a flexible recipe that adapts to different tastes and dietary preferences while satisfying hungry family members and friends.
• Nutritious One-Pot Dish: Pack your meal with protein-rich beans and lean ground beef, creating a balanced, filling dish that delivers maximum flavor and nutrition in a single pot with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients for The Pioneer Woman’s Classic Chili

• Ground Beef: A juicy and hearty protein that forms the foundation of the chili.

• Onion, Garlic: Flavorful base ingredients that add depth and warmth to the dish.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: A robust spice blend that brings vibrant and bold flavors.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste, Beef Broth: Saucy ingredients that create a rich and thick chili base.

• Kidney Beans, Pinto Beans: Hearty legumes that add texture and protein to the chili.

• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions, Diced Avocado, Tortilla Chips: Delicious garnishes that enhance the chili's taste and presentation.

How to Make This Hearty Beef Chili at Home

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Cook ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until completely browned.

Discard any extra grease to keep the chili from becoming oily.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss diced onions into the pot and sauté until they turn soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook briefly until its aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 3: Ignite the Spice Blend

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Stir and cook for one minute to activate the spices’ deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Build the Chili Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth
• Kidney beans
• Pinto beans

Mix everything thoroughly to create a robust and hearty foundation.

Step 5: Let It Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and let the chili slowly develop its flavors for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Perfect the Seasoning

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Add extra salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Ladle steaming chili into bowls.

Tips to Enhance Flavor and Texture

• Remove most of the fat after browning beef to keep the chili lighter and prevent a greasy texture.
• Toast spices for a full minute to release deeper, richer flavors that transform the entire dish's taste profile.
• Adjust cayenne pepper amount based on your spice tolerance, adding gradually to achieve perfect warmth without overwhelming the palate.
• Select fresh, well-drained kidney and pinto beans for better texture and ensure they're not mushy during the long simmering process.
• Add cold, creamy toppings like sour cream and fresh chopped green onions just before serving to create temperature and flavor contrast.

How to Store and Reheat a Batch of Chili

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 4-6 months.
• Pour chili into a pot, add a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture, and warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until steaming hot and evenly warmed.

Toppings and Sides That Go With Chili

• Savor Hearty Flavor Companions: Chili Pairings
• Crush Cornbread Sidekick: Warm, golden cornbread with a hint of honey perfectly complements the robust, spicy chili. Its soft texture and sweet undertones balance the rich, meaty flavors and provide a delightful contrast.
• Pop Open Cold Craft Beer: Select a hoppy amber ale or robust porter that can stand up to the chili's intense spices. The beer's malty characteristics and crisp finish will cut through the richness while enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Craft Fresh Salad Accent: Prepare a light, tangy coleslaw or crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. The fresh, crunchy vegetables and bright dressing will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty, warm chili, creating a balanced meal that delights the palate.
• Layer Cool Creamy Topping: Dollop fresh sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of the chili. These cool, smooth additions will temper the spice, add a creamy texture, and provide a delightful temperature contrast to the steaming hot dish.

Fresh Ways to Serve This Chili Dish

• Veggie Chili: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option that maintains rich, deep flavor profiles.
• Turkey Lean Chili: Replace beef with ground turkey for a lower-fat version that keeps the classic chili taste while reducing overall calorie content.
• Gluten-Free Chili Adaptation: Ensure all spices and canned ingredients are certified gluten-free, and use cornstarch as a potential thickener instead of traditional wheat-based products.
• Instant Pot Express Chili: Convert the recipe for pressure cooking by reducing liquid slightly and cooking on high pressure for 15 minutes, which cuts down total preparation time dramatically while maintaining robust flavors.

FAQs

• What type of ground beef works best for this chili recipe?

Lean ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content provides the best flavor and moisture without making the chili too greasy.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños during the sautéing stage to boost the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this chili recipe gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check beef broth and tomato sauce labels to confirm no gluten-containing additives are present.

• How can I make this chili more protein-rich?

Add extra beans like black beans or consider mixing in diced cooked chicken or turkey for additional protein without changing the core recipe structure.

The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Pioneer Woman Chili brings hearty Texan comfort to your dinner table with robust flavors and rich beef. Simmered slowly with bold spices and classic ingredients, this chili promises a warm, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (0.91 kilograms) ground beef

Beans:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces / 411 grams each) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) tomato paste
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) beef broth

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Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains.
2. Drain excess fat to reduce greasiness and enhance the chili’s overall texture.
3. Add diced onions to the pot, sautéing until they become translucent and soft.
4. Incorporate minced garlic and cook briefly to release its aromatic essence.
5. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper over the meat mixture.
6. Gently toast the spices for approximately one minute, allowing their flavors to intensify and meld together.
7. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, stirring to create a rich base.
8. Add beef broth to enhance the liquid consistency and depth of flavor.
9. Incorporate kidney beans and pinto beans, mixing thoroughly to distribute evenly.
10. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer.
11. Cover the pot and let the chili slowly develop its flavors for 35-40 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent scorching.
12. Taste and fine-tune the seasoning, adjusting salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
13. Serve the chili piping hot in individual bowls.
14. Garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, diced avocado, or crispy tortilla chips.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy texture and remove excess fat for a cleaner, more robust chili flavor.
• Toast spices briefly to awaken their intense aromatics and deepen the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Consider using lean ground beef or ground turkey for a healthier protein option without compromising rich flavor.
• Let chili rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg