Cozy Chili Recipe Inspired by Pioneer Woman

Hearty chili has always been a lifeline during chilly evenings when comfort matters most.

My grandmother’s trusty skillet whispers stories of flavor and warmth.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved dish through patience and creativity.

Robust ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of taste that warms your soul.

Rich ground beef mingles with fragrant spices, promising a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Peppers and beans add depth and character to this classic recipe.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful of this remarkable comfort food that connects us through shared memories.

Your Chili Questions Answered

• What is masa harina and why is it used in this chili recipe?

Masa harina is a traditional Mexican corn flour that acts as a natural thickener. It adds a subtle corn flavor and helps create a rich, smooth texture in the chili without making it too heavy.

• Can I make this chili recipe spicier or milder?

Yes, you can easily adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper. For more heat, add more cayenne; for a milder version, reduce or omit it completely.

• Is it better to use fresh or dried spices in this chili?

While both work, fresh spices will give a more vibrant and intense flavor. If using dried spices, make sure they are not more than 6 months old to ensure maximum taste and potency.

• What makes this chili recipe different from other traditional chili recipes?

The use of masa harina as a thickener and the specific blend of spices like cumin and oregano gives this chili a unique, robust flavor profile that sets it apart from other standard chili recipes.

What Makes The Pioneer Woman Chili Loved

• Discover why this chili recipe rocks!
• Whip up a hearty meal in just over an hour with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that make weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Packed with robust spices like cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, this recipe delivers a rich, complex taste that will satisfy serious comfort food cravings.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adding optional toppings like cheese, onions, or lime, making it perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or casual weekend meals that everyone will enjoy.
• Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and canned beans, this chili provides a filling, nutritious meal that won't break the bank while feeding multiple hungry mouths.

Ingredients That Build Big Flavor

• Ground Beef: Rich protein foundation for the chili, providing hearty flavor and substance. Best when 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for maximum taste.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Oregano, Cayenne Pepper, Salt: Classic spice combination creating deep, complex chili flavor profile. Fresh spices recommended for maximum potency.

• Kidney Beans, Pinto Beans: Provide texture, additional protein, and authentic chili character. Canned beans work well, rinse before adding.

• Tomato Sauce, Water: Creates smooth base and adjusts chili consistency. Use quality tomato sauce for better depth.

• Masa Harina: Traditional Mexican corn flour that adds authentic flavor and thickens chili. Gluten-free alternative to wheat flour.

• Garlic: Fundamental flavor enhancer that adds depth and traditional chili aroma. Fresh garlic preferred over pre-minced.

How to Make This Chili from Scratch

Step 1: Sizzle The Beef

Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Break up the meat while cooking and drain any extra fat.

Step 2: Awaken The Flavors

• Chopped garlic
• Tomato sauce
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper

Toss garlic into the pot and cook briefly. Add all remaining ingredients and blend thoroughly with the beef.

Step 3: Let The Magic Happen

Lower heat, cover pot, and let chili simmer gently. Stir occasionally. If mixture looks too thick, splash some water to maintain desired consistency.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Mix masa harina with water until smooth. Slowly incorporate into chili to create rich, velvety thickness.

Step 5: Bean Party

• Kidney beans
• Pinto beans

Fold beans into chili. Allow everything to dance together for 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Serve With Excitement

Scoop chili into bowls. Top with shredded cheese, diced onions, and a zesty lime squeeze. Enjoy your southwestern comfort feast!

Tips That Keep It Thick and Meaty

• Perfectly Brown the Beef: Ensure the ground beef is evenly cooked by breaking it into small, uniform pieces for maximum flavor absorption and better texture.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to match your spice tolerance, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing for personalized heat.
• Master the Simmering Technique: Keep the heat low and cover the pot to allow flavors to develop slowly, creating a rich and deeply satisfying chili.
• Thicken Smartly with Masa Harina: Use this traditional Mexican corn flour to add authentic thickness and a subtle corn flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Bean Selection Matters: Feel free to swap kidney and pinto beans with black beans or add an extra variety for more texture and nutritional diversity.

How to Save and Reheat Chili Smoothly

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 4 months, preserving its rich flavors.
• Transfer chili to a pot and warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Add a splash of water if needed to restore moisture.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals until thoroughly heated to an internal temperature of 165°F.

What to Serve with This Chili

• Boost the robust chili with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial, which cuts through the rich beef and complements the spicy undertones.
• Pair with warm, buttery cornbread to soak up the chili's savory sauce and provide a sweet contrast to the spicy elements.
• Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese, tangy sour cream, and fresh cilantro to add layers of flavor and creamy texture that balance the chili's intensity.
• Pour a chilled horchata to cool down the cayenne pepper's heat while offering a smooth, cinnamon-like sweetness that refreshes the palate.

Variations for This Hearty Dish

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like textured vegetable protein, lentils, or a mix of hearty mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of meat drippings for deeper flavor.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients after browning beef into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing spices to develop rich, complex flavors without constant monitoring.
• Low-Carb Option: Eliminate beans and replace with diced zucchini or cauliflower. Increase meat quantity and reduce tomato sauce to minimize carbohydrate content while maintaining robust taste.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, increase cayenne pepper, and incorporate smoked paprika. Top with fresh jalapeños and cilantro for an extra kick of authentic southwestern heat.

The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Pioneer woman chili warms hearts with its robust blend of ground beef, tomatoes, and spices. Rich flavors dance through this hearty Texas-style comfort dish that promises satisfaction in every spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped

Liquid and Beans:

• 1 (8-ounce/226 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• ¼ cup (30 grams) masa harina (corn flour)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) water

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped onions
• Sour cream
• Lime wedges
• Tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot and set it over medium heat. Introduce ground beef to the vessel, methodically breaking it apart while cooking until it achieves a rich, caramelized brown coloration. Carefully drain any accumulated grease to ensure a clean flavor profile.
2. Infuse the meat with aromatic garlic, allowing it to become fragrant for a brief moment. Incorporate tomato sauce and a robust blend of spices – chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and a hint of cayenne pepper – thoroughly coating the beef with these vibrant seasonings.
3. Reduce the thermal intensity to a gentle low, covering the pot to allow the flavors to marry. Let the chili simmer patiently for approximately one hour, occasionally stirring to prevent any potential scorching. Should the mixture appear excessively dense, introduce a modest amount of water to achieve an ideal consistency.
4. Create a smooth binding agent by whisking masa harina with water until no lumps remain. Gradually introduce this thickening mixture into the chili, stirring continuously to integrate seamlessly and enhance the texture.
5. Gently fold in kidney and pinto beans, allowing them to absorb the rich, developed flavors. Continue simmering for an additional 10-15 minutes, permitting the ingredients to harmonize completely.
6. Serve the chili in individual bowls, presenting an opportunity for personalization. Encourage diners to embellish their portions with complementary garnishes such as shredded cheese, freshly chopped onions, and a bright squeeze of lime to elevate the dish.

Notes

• Choose fatty ground beef with 80/20 ratio for richer, more flavorful chili that remains juicy during cooking.
• Toast spices briefly before adding to enhance their aromatic depth and create more complex flavor profile.
• Control spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper and chili powder depending on personal heat tolerance.
• Experiment with masa harina as natural thickener which adds subtle corn undertone and authentic Tex-Mex texture.
• Slow cooking allows ingredients to develop deep, harmonious flavors and tenderizes meat completely.
• Drain excess beef fat for healthier version without compromising rich taste.
• Consider using low-sodium beans and reducing added salt for heart-friendly adaptation.
• Vegetarian alternative: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans for protein-packed meal.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for convenient meal prep up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg