If rich, warming comfort food tops your cravings list, get ready for a bowl of pure happiness—the kind of chili that wraps you up with every bite. The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe is a hearty, robust dish packed with savory beef, tomatoes, gentle heat, and that irresistible touch of masa harina for extra depth. Whether you’re hosting friends for a game day feast or just chasing away a chilly night, you’ll love how this chili fills the house with cozy aromas and brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe: a straightforward lineup of everyday ingredients, each pulling its weight for big, bold flavor. These staples mingle together to create a chili that’s deeply satisfying, with layers of taste and just the right texture.
- Ground Beef (2 pounds): The star of the show. Choose 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a fresh, savory depth—don’t skip this!
- Tomato Sauce (1 8-oz can): Lends richness and binds all the seasoning into a smooth base.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 14.5-oz can): Adds juicy bites and that classic chili tang.
- Masa Harina (1/4 cup): Not just a thickener, but also a subtle, nutty note that makes this chili unique.
- Cayenne Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives your bowl a lively kick—feel free to adjust!
- Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon): Warm spice that anchors the chili flavor profile.
- Chili Powder (2 tablespoons): Bold and earthy, it sets the foundation for the entire recipe.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for rounding out all the flavors.
- Ground Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Brings bright herbal notes that lighten up the richness.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A peppery undertone for added complexity.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): If you like it hot, this ingredient is your best friend.
- Water (1/2 cup or more as needed): Used to dissolve the masa harina and help you reach the perfect consistency.
- Kidney Beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed, optional): For classic hearty chili texture and extra fiber.
- Pinto Beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed, optional): Creamy, mild, and perfect for bulking up your batch.
How to Make The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Let it sizzle away until fully browned; this step helps develop those irresistible savory notes. Don’t forget to drain excess grease—this keeps your chili velvety, not greasy.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about a minute. This quick sauté draws out its flavor and infuses the meat, making sure every spoonful of The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe has a gentle undertone of garlicky goodness.
Step 3: Stir in Tomatoes and Sauce
Add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (with their juice). This combo gives the chili its iconic texture—creamy yet chunky—and lays down a tart, sweet foundation for all the other flavors to bloom.
Step 4: Prepare and Add Masa Harina
Mix masa harina with half a cup of water in a small bowl until smooth. This step is the secret weapon—it thickens your chili and introduces a faint hint of corn that makes The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe so comforting.
Step 5: Layer in the Spices
Now it’s time to sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Gently fold everything together so the spices are evenly distributed, giving every bite a balanced burst of flavor.
Step 6: Simmer and Develop Flavor
Reduce the heat to low and let your chili simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This patience pays off—everything melds together, and the chili thickens to that “just right” consistency. If you like beans, this is the moment to stir them in during the last 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 7: Adjust Consistency and Serve
Check the chili’s texture before serving and add more water if it’s thicker than you like. Then, grab your favorite bowls and ladle up your first scoop of magic.
How to Serve The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing makes a bowl of chili more enticing than a pop of color and a swoosh of creaminess on top. Sprinkle on shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, fresh green onions, or even sliced jalapeños for a custom finishing touch. The contrast in texture and taste takes The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe to a new level of irresistible.
Side Dishes
This chili is filling enough to stand alone, but it’s downright swoon-worthy paired with fluffy cornbread, crunchy tortilla chips, or a crisp garden salad. Don’t underestimate the charm of a buttery baked potato on the side—it’s a surefire way to turn dinner into a decadent spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour your chili over hot dogs or baked potatoes for a fun twist, or spoon it into bread bowls for a party-ready presentation. For gatherings, serve The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe from a slow cooker so guests can help themselves and build their own topping masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chili will become even more flavorful after a night in the fridge. Transfer completely cooled chili to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors deepen as they mingle, making leftovers something you’ll look forward to!
Freezing
The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe is very freezer-friendly. Portion cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to three months—perfect for meal prepping or last-minute cravings.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated chili, simply simmer on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring now and then until bubbly. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and warm in intervals, stirring in between. If it thickens, add a splash of water to restore the perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully and will lighten up the dish without sacrificing any of the bold, comforting flavors that make The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe a hit.
Is masa harina required?
While you can make the chili without it, masa harina really gives this recipe its signature velvety texture and subtle corn flavor. If you skip it, your chili will be a bit thinner, but still delicious.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the beef for more beans or use a hearty meat substitute. With all those spices, tomatoes, and masa harina, The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe can easily become a vegetarian comfort classic.
How spicy is this chili?
The heat is nicely balanced but easily adjustable. Want more heat? Go heavier on the cayenne or red pepper flakes. Prefer a milder chili? Cut those back and let the other warm spices shine.
Does this chili taste better the next day?
Without a doubt! Like many great stews and chilis, an overnight rest in the fridge lets all the flavors develop and mellow, making day-two chili a special treat. It’s another reason The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe is perfect for making ahead.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to homemade chili or you’ve tried dozens of recipes, there’s something special about gathering everyone around a steaming pot of The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and as cozy as can be—don’t wait for a cold day to give this classic comfort dish a try in your own kitchen!
Print
The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Pioneer Woman chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices, it’s a classic comfort food that will warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup masa harina (corn flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional:
- 1/2 cup water (more as needed)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring often.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Mix masa harina with water until smooth, then add it to the pot. Add spices and seasonings.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and let the chili simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add beans if using during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Adjust consistency with water if needed and serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
- Masa harina thickens the chili and imparts a subtle corn flavor.
- For a spicier kick, increase cayenne and red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
