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The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe

4.8 from 119 reviews

This hearty and flavorful Pioneer Woman Chili recipe features ground beef, kidney and pinto beans, tomatoes, and a blend of classic chili spices, simmered to perfection. Ideal for a comforting meal, this chili offers a rich, savory taste with optional heat from cayenne pepper, and can be customized with a variety of toppings for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Beans

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, diced

Tomato Base

  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste

Liquids

  • 1 cup beef broth

Spices

  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Once browned, drain any excess fat to ensure a rich but not greasy chili.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion to the pot with the beef and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are softened and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and the optional cayenne pepper. Cook this spice mixture for about a minute; this allows the spices to bloom and develop deeper, more complex flavors.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth. Add the drained kidney and pinto beans as well. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent sticking and to help meld the flavors together.
  6. Serve: Taste your chili and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or spices if desired. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños when serving.
  • Drain the beans thoroughly to avoid making the chili too watery.
  • This chili can be made ahead of time and often tastes better the next day as flavors develop further.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Serve with cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Keywords: Pioneer Woman Chili, beef chili, hearty chili recipe, ground beef chili, bean chili, easy chili, comforting dinner, spicy chili