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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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