The Pioneer Woman Chili

The savory aroma of spices mingling with simmering meat and beans makes The Pioneer Woman Chili an irresistible comfort food classic. This hearty, robust recipe from Ree Drummond combines perfectly balanced heat with rich, complex flavors that develop beautifully as the chili cooks. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd on game day or looking for a satisfying family dinner, The Pioneer Woman Chili delivers homestyle goodness in every spoonful. You’ll learn how to create this signature dish with simple ingredients that transform into an exceptional meal with just the right amount of kick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Pioneer Woman Chili stands out from ordinary chili recipes for several compelling reasons. First, it strikes the perfect balance between hearty and flavorful—substantial enough to satisfy the hungriest appetites while offering complex taste layers that develop as it simmers. The texture contrast between the tender ground beef, soft beans, and slight crunch from fresh toppings creates a multi-dimensional eating experience.

What truly sets this pioneer-style chili apart is its adaptability. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences while maintaining its rich, authentic flavor profile. The recipe also embraces simplicity without sacrificing taste—using accessible ingredients that combine to create something greater than their parts.

Perhaps most appealing is how this chili improves over time. Make it ahead and you’ll be rewarded with even deeper flavors the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining without last-minute stress. This Pioneer Woman Chili recipe embodies comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients

For this iconic Pioneer Woman Chili, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
• 1 large onion, diced (about 1½ cups)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons masa harina or cornmeal (for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

The ground beef provides a rich foundation, while the combination of chili powder, cumin, and other spices creates that signature Pioneer Woman Chili flavor profile. The masa harina is Ree’s special touch that adds authentic thickness and subtle corn flavor to the finished dish.

Pro Tips

Master the Browning Process
The foundation of exceptional Pioneer Woman Chili starts with properly browning the beef. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding your pot. This ensures each piece develops a deep caramelization that contributes significantly to the final flavor profile. Resist the urge to stir constantly; instead, let the meat develop a good sear before breaking it up.

Balance Your Spices
Bloom your spices in the hot oil after browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables. This critical 30-second step releases the essential oils in the spices, intensifying their flavors throughout the chili. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with half the cayenne pepper—you can always add more later during the simmering process to achieve your perfect Pioneer Woman style chili.

Simmer for Success
The magic of this chili happens during the simmer. While the recipe calls for a minimum simmer time, extending it to 2-3 hours on very low heat (just barely bubbling) allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Add the masa harina slurry during the final 30 minutes of cooking for the perfect consistency. Remember that The Pioneer Woman Chili actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop fully.

Instructions

Step 1

Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces as it browns. Cook until no pink remains and the meat develops a nice caramelization, about 7-8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the browned beef to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.

Step 2

Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion and bell pepper to the remaining fat. Cook until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3

Return the browned beef to the pot and add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices, allowing them to toast slightly for about 1 minute to enhance their flavors – this is where The Pioneer Woman Chili begins developing its signature depth.

Step 4

Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits contain concentrated flavor that will enhance your chili. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low, cover partially with a lid, and simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows all the flavors in the Pioneer Woman Chili to meld together beautifully. For even richer flavor, continue simmering for up to 2 hours.

Step 6

Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and brown sugar. Continue simmering uncovered for another 30 minutes, allowing some liquid to reduce and the flavors to intensify further.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix the masa harina or cornmeal with ¼ cup of water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into the chili and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the chili reaches your desired thickness. This signature thickening technique gives The Pioneer Woman Chili its perfect consistency.

Variations

Turkey Pioneer Woman Chili
For a lighter version with the same robust flavor profile, substitute ground turkey for beef. When making this swap, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil when browning the meat since turkey contains less fat. The leaner protein works beautifully with the rich spice blend, and most people won’t even notice the difference. This variation still delivers the authentic Pioneer Woman Chili experience with fewer calories.

Vegetarian Pioneer Woman Chili
Create a meatless version by replacing the ground beef with an additional can of beans (black or pinto work well) plus 8 ounces of chopped mushrooms and a cup of diced zucchini. The mushrooms provide umami depth while the additional vegetables create satisfying texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and consider adding a tablespoon of smoked paprika to develop that signature smoky quality that makes The Pioneer Woman Chili so distinctive.

Extra Spicy Pioneer Woman Chili
For heat lovers, transform this into a fiery version by doubling the cayenne pepper, adding 1-2 finely diced jalapeños with the bell pepper, and incorporating a tablespoon of adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers. This variation maintains the authentic flavor profile while significantly increasing the spice level for those who prefer their Pioneer Woman Chili recipe with an extra kick.

Storage and Serving

The Pioneer Woman Chili actually improves with time, making it perfect for advance preparation. Store cooled chili in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to reach desired consistency.

For serving, create a chili bar with an array of toppings that add texture and flavor contrast. Classic options include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, sliced green onions, and crushed tortilla chips. Ree Drummond often serves her chili with warm cornbread for soaking up every last bit of the flavorful sauce.

For a complete meal, pair The Pioneer Woman Chili with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For casual gatherings, serve it over baked potatoes or hot dogs for crowd-pleasing chili cheese options that showcase this versatile recipe.

FAQs

Can I make The Pioneer Woman Chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding the beans during the last hour and the masa slurry during the final 30 minutes.

Is The Pioneer Woman Chili spicy?
The recipe has a moderate heat level that most people find pleasantly warming rather than overwhelming. For milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. For extra heat, increase these spices or add diced jalapeños.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, substitute 1 cup dried beans (soaked overnight and cooked separately) for each 15 oz can. This requires additional preparation time but can enhance texture and reduce sodium.

What’s the purpose of adding masa harina?
Masa harina serves as a thickening agent while adding a subtle corn flavor that distinguishes The Pioneer Woman Chili from other recipes. If unavailable, substitute regular cornmeal or flour.

Can I make this chili ahead for a party?
This chili is perfect for make-ahead entertaining. The flavors actually improve after 24 hours in the refrigerator, making it ideal for preparing a day before your event.

Conclusion

This Pioneer Woman Chili is comfort food at its finest — a rich, flavorful pot of goodness that warms you from the inside out with its perfect balance of spices, tender beef, and hearty beans. It’s the kind of dish that brings family together around the table and makes even the coldest evenings feel cozy and welcoming. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or as the star of your game-day spread, this chili delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results every time. The beauty of Ree Drummond’s approach lies in its accessibility—simple ingredients transformed through thoughtful preparation into something truly special that feels like home.

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