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The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe

4.6 from 118 reviews

The Pioneer Woman Chili is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring browned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, rich spices, and a blend of tomatoes, beans, and beef broth simmered to perfection. This classic chili offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory notes, making it an ideal comfort food for any occasion. Topped with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado slices, and crunchy tortilla chips, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

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

Canned Goods

  • 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

  • 2 cups beef broth

Spices

  • 23 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. Prep Your Ingredients: Dice the onion and green bell pepper, mince the garlic, and measure out your spices. Organizing these components ahead makes cooking easier and more efficient.
  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 for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and set the meat aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the garlic is fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  4. Build the Base: Return the browned meat to the pot with the 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 awaken their flavors.
  5. Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine everything thoroughly and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
  6. Let It Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili gently simmer for about 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
  7. Add the Beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney and pinto beans. Continue simmering uncovered for another 15 minutes to let the beans absorb the chili flavors.
  8. Taste and Adjust: Sample the chili and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or spices according to your preference.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado slices, and crunchy tortilla chips for a delightful finish.

Notes

  • Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner version.
  • Cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on your heat preference.
  • Beef broth adds richness but water can be used in a pinch, though flavor will be less intense.
  • Simmering the chili slowly enhances flavor by allowing spices and ingredients to meld well.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution during cooking.

Keywords: chili recipe, ground beef chili, hearty chili, The Pioneer Woman, comfort food, easy chili