The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe

Introduction

This hearty chili recipe from The Pioneer Woman is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for cozy nights. Packed with ground beef, beans, and a blend of flavorful spices, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and delicious to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 2–3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado slices, tortilla chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
4. Step 4: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring the chili to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Add the drained kidney beans and pinto beans. Stir well, then reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot with your choice of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado slices, or tortilla chips.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with chopped mushrooms or plant-based meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Adjust the chili powder and cayenne pepper according to your preferred heat level.
• Add a dash of smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor.
• Letting the chili sit overnight can deepen the flavors even more.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze chili for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and still delivers great flavor and texture in this chili.

Do I have to use both kidney and pinto beans?

No, you can use just one type of bean or substitute with black beans or cannellini beans depending on your preference.

The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 86 reviews

This hearty and flavorful Pioneer Woman Chili is a classic American comfort food made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of warm spices. Perfect for cozy family dinners, this chili features a rich combination of ingredients simmered together to create a thick, satisfying stew with a smoky, slightly spicy kick. Topped with your favorite garnishes, it’s an easy-to-make recipe that delivers big on taste and warmth.

• Author: Matteo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

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

Canned Goods & Liquids

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

Spices

• 2–3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Toppings (optional)

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the onion and green bell pepper, and mince the garlic cloves. These vegetables will form the aromatic base of your chili.
2. Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned evenly and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if desired.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked meat. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
4. Add Tomatoes and Liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together to combine all the ingredients.
5. Add Beans and Spices: Drain and rinse the kidney beans and pinto beans, then add them to the pot. Season the chili with chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
6. Simmer the Chili: Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pot partially. Let the chili simmer gently for at least 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
7. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado slices, and tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
• If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to reduce extra liquid.
• Adding cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted based on your preferred heat level.
• This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
• Use fresh toppings like avocado and green onions to add a bright contrast to the hearty chili.

Keywords: chili, ground beef chili, hearty chili, Pioneer Woman chili, American comfort food, easy chili recipe, one pot chili