Description
This Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe is a classic and hearty beef chili packed with rich flavors from ground beef, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, simmered to perfection on the stovetop. It’s perfect for a comforting meal and easily customizable with optional toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base
- 1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
Beans
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Spices
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat carefully to avoid greasy chili.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Ingredients and Water: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Incorporate Beans and Spices: Add the drained pinto beans and kidney beans to the pot. Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together well.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pot, and let the chili simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered during the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter, lower-fat variation.
- Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead meal.
