Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 55 reviews
  • Author: Jack
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This hearty and flavorful chili recipe by The Pioneer Woman is perfect for any occasion, combining seasoned ground beef, beans, and a rich tomato base thickened with masa harina for a deliciously comforting meal. Adaptable for stovetop, crock pot, or Instant Pot cooking methods, it allows you to choose your preferred method while delivering satisfying, robust flavors every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. ground beef (80% lean)
  • 2 cloves garlic (diced)
  • 8 oz. tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup masa harina (white or yellow)
  • 15 oz. kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 15 oz. pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (for Instant Pot version only)

Garnishes

  • Shredded Cheddar cheese
  • Lime wedges
  • Sour cream
  • Tortilla chips or Fritos
  • Diced green onions

Instructions

  1. Cook Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until browned and fully cooked.
  2. Drain Grease: Drain excess grease from the cooked beef to reduce fat content in your chili.
  3. Add Garlic and Tomato Sauce: Stir in diced garlic and tomato sauce, cooking for about 1 minute to release garlic’s aroma and meld flavors.
  4. Season the Chili: Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine and distribute spices evenly.
  5. Simmer: Lower heat to low and cover. Let the chili simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If chili seems too dry during this time, add 1/2 cup water to maintain moisture.
  6. Prepare Masa Mixture: In a small bowl, combine masa harina with 1/2 cup water, stirring until smooth.
  7. Thicken the Chili: Stir the masa mixture into the simmering chili. Add more masa and/or water as needed to reach your preferred consistency.
  8. Add Beans: Incorporate the drained kidney and pinto beans into the chili and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes to heat through.
  9. Serve: Spoon chili into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar, lime wedges, sour cream, tortilla chips or Fritos, and diced green onions as desired. Serve hot with cornbread if preferred.

Notes

  • Adjust seasoning levels to taste, especially cayenne pepper, to control heat.
  • The recipe offers flexible cooking methods: stovetop, crock pot, or Instant Pot. Choose based on your available equipment and time.
  • For the Instant Pot version, add 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes with juices instead of only tomato sauce.
  • If chili thickens too much during cooking, add water in small increments to adjust consistency.
  • Masa harina not only thickens the chili but adds a distinctive corn flavor for authenticity.
  • Simmer times may be adjusted slightly depending on your stove or appliance’s heat output.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Pioneer Woman chili, classic chili recipe, ground beef chili, easy chili, hearty chili, masa harina chili, stovetop chili, comforting meal

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://eatwithjack.com/the-pioneer-woman-chili-recipe/