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The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe

The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe

5.1 from 27 reviews

The Pioneer Woman Chili is a hearty, comforting dish featuring a rich blend of ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and bold spices. This classic chili recipe combines tender meat with a perfect medley of vegetables and spices, simmered to perfection for a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Tomatoes and Beans

  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Liquids and Broth

  • 2 cups beef broth

Spices and Seasonings

  • 23 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Toppings (optional but recommended)

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Green onions
  • Avocado slices
  • Tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and measure out all your spices to keep the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
  2. Brown the Meat: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat and set the meat aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Build the Base: Return the browned meat to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their aromas.
  5. Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
  6. Let It Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for about 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  7. Add the Beans: Stir in the kidney and pinto beans, then continue simmering uncovered for another 15 minutes so the beans absorb the flavorful broth.
  8. Taste and Adjust: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and offer a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado slices, and crunchy tortilla chips for everyone to customize their own bowl.

Notes

  • The recipe can be made with ground turkey as a leaner alternative to beef.
  • For extra heat, increase cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño during the sauté step.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes after adding the beans.
  • Make sure to drain and rinse the beans to reduce sodium content.
  • Adding toppings like avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili recipe, Pioneer Woman chili, ground beef chili, hearty chili, easy chili recipe