The scent of garlic sizzling in beef drippings brings me straight back to snowy evenings in Grandma’s kitchen. That rich, steamy pot of The Pioneer Woman Chili hits all the notesbeefy, tomatoey, just enough spice to warm your ribs. It’s comfort in a bowl, and it’s been making the rounds again lately for good reason: bold flavor, minimal fuss, big family energy.

This chili centers on ground beef, chili powder, and crushed tomatoesnothing fancy, just satisfying. You get that simmered-all-day flavor in under an hour, thanks to a smart combo of pantry staples and a little time on the stovetop. It’s like the Sunday chili we grew up with, but no waiting for the slow cooker. Serve it as a hearty dinner or freeze a double batch for another cozy night.

I first made this version back in 2012 after a long fall hike with two muddy kids and one cranky husband. The moment I lifted the lid, everyone crowded the kitchendrawn in by the smell. That’s when I learned to bloom the spices right in the beef fatbrings the flavor to life. After blogging healthy comfort food for over a decade, this one’s still in our regular rotation for good reason.

Olivia Farnsworth

The Pioneer Woman Chili Comforting Easy Recipe to Love

This hearty and flavorful chili is a beloved recipe inspired by Ree Drummond, perfect for cozy family dinners. The Pioneer Woman Chili combines ground beef, beans, and spices into a comforting dish that’s easy to make and full of rich, robust flavors. Enjoy this Easy Pioneer Woman Chili recipe as a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

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)

Method

 

1. Prep your ingredients by dicing onion and bell pepper, mincing garlic, and measuring spices.
2. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Add ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Drain excess fat and set meat aside.
5. In the same pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Return meat to the pot and stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper; cook 1-2 minutes to toast spices.
7. Add diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth, stirring to combine.
8. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
9. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes to meld flavors.
10. Stir in kidney and pinto beans, continue simmering for another 15 minutes.
11. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
12. Serve hot with desired toppings such as cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado, and tortilla chips.

Notes

• For a spicier chili, increase cayenne pepper or add hot sauce. Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

The Pioneer Woman-Inspired Chili: A Timeless Comfort Food Classic

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to bring comfort and joy, especially on a crisp evening. This recipe, inspired by the beloved Pioneer Woman, delivers all the hearty, rich flavors you crave with a straightforward approach. It’s designed to be a family favorite, simple to make, and utterly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Chili Recipe

This version of The Pioneer Woman Chili consistently wins over taste buds, making everyone ask for more. Here’s why it’s become a beloved staple in many homes:

• Rich, Comforting Flavors: Evokes warmth and family gatherings with its deep, homemade taste.
• Beginner-Friendly: Straightforward steps make it perfect for cooks of all levels, even those new to chili-making.
• Flexible and Hearty: Easily adaptable for feeding a crowd or for convenient meal prepping and freezing.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer it mild or fiery, loaded with toppings or simply servedit’s all about making it uniquely yours.

Key Ingredients and Essential Tips

This chili recipe thrives on essential pantry staples, complemented by a few fresh additions. Let’s break down what you’ll need to create its incredible depth of flavor:

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Both options work wonderfully. Choose ground turkey for a leaner chili without sacrificing heartiness.
• Canned Tomatoes and Sauce: These form the rich, foundational tomato base. Opt for good quality diced tomatoes and a smooth tomato sauce for best results.
• Kidney and Pinto Beans: This classic bean duo adds creamy texture and substance, making the chili traditional and universally loved.
• Aromatic Spice Mix: Chili powder, cumin, and paprika (with optional cayenne for heat) provide deep, aromatic warmth. Remember to ‘bloom’ these spices by toasting them lightly in fat for a major flavor boost.
• Fresh Garlic, Onion, and Bell Pepper: These fresh aromatics create an essential foundation, building incredible depth and adding vibrant color to your pot.

Pro Tip for Beans: Always drain and rinse your canned beans thoroughly under cold water before adding them. This crucial step removes excess sodium and starch, ensuring a cleaner, fresher taste in your chili.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Best Chili

Making The Pioneer Woman-inspired Chili is as comforting and straightforward as the dish itself. Follow these steps for a satisfying result:

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by dicing the onion and bell pepper, mincing the garlic, and measuring out your spices. A little upfront preparation makes the cooking process streamlined and enjoyable.
2. Brown the Beef: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or your preferred cooking fat in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s deeply browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat thoroughly.
3. Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté them over medium heat until they’ve softened and become fragrant, typically 5-7 minutes, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
4. Toast the Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and paprika (and cayenne if using) with the softened vegetables. Let them cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This ‘blooming’ process releases their full aromatic potential.
5. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Simmer Away: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for at least 45 minutes, or up to 1.5 hours. During this time, the flavors will deepen and meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Add the Beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney and pinto beans. Continue to simmer for another 15 minutes, allowing the beans to warm through and absorb the chili’s rich flavors.
8. Taste and Tweak: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is your chance to add more salt, pepper, a pinch of sugar to balance acidity, or additional cayenne for more kick.

Make It Your Own: Customizing Your Chili

Chili is an incredibly adaptable dish, perfect for tailoring to your personal preferences. Here are a few tweaks to suit your taste:

• For a Milder Chili: Simply reduce the amount of chili powder and omit the cayenne pepper entirely. You can also add a touch of brown sugar for sweetness.
• For a Smoky Twist: Incorporate a pinch of smoked paprika alongside or instead of regular paprika, or experiment with a chipotle chili powder for a deeper, smokier heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Easily substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground round, extra beans (like black beans or cannellini), or even hearty chopped mushrooms for an equally satisfying meatless meal.
• Add Some Veggies: Stir in corn, zucchini, or sweet potatoes during the last 30 minutes of simmering for added nutrition and texture.

Pro Tip for Serving: The beauty of chili lies in its toppings! Set up a chili bar with shredded cheddar cheese, cool sour cream, sliced green onions, diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, or a dollop of fresh salsa for a truly customizable and fun feast.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

Once your homemade chili is ready, it’s time to savor every heartwarming spoonful. Here are some ideas for serving and making the most of your leftovers:

• Serving: Ladle generous portions into bowls and let everyone pile on their favorite toppings. For the ultimate cozy dinner, serve it alongside warm, buttery cornbread or a crisp green salad.
• Leftovers: This chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to deepen. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Expert Insight: The Heart of The Pioneer Woman-Inspired Chili

This Pioneer Woman-inspired Chili is a classic example of how thoughtfully layering spices and using quality ingredients can elevate a seemingly simple dish into something extraordinary. Its careful balance of smoky, savory, and subtly sweet flavors highlights the importance of patient simmering, allowing tastes to fully meld and deepen, resulting in a chili that is both profoundly comforting and richly complex.

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My Journey to Perfecting This Chili Recipe

This particular version of The Pioneer Woman-inspired Chili came to life after many bowls of enthusiastic tasting and careful tweaking. I recall one blustery autumn evening when I realized a previous batch was a touch too spicy for the kids, while another time it felt a bit too thick, losing its comforting fluidity. Slowly, through countless adjustments to spice ratios, simmering times, and ingredient proportions, I found that perfect, comforting balance. It’s a chili that now truly feels like a warm embrace on any chilly evening, a labor of love that became a household staple.

FAQs About The Pioneer Woman-Inspired Chili

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Comfort Food Awaits!

This Pioneer Woman-inspired Chili truly is a treasure, coming together with surprising ease to deliver profoundly rich, homey flavors without any unnecessary fuss. In just a little over an hour, you’ll be enjoying tender beef, fragrant spices, and that essential cozy, tomatoey warmth that makes a chilly night feel absolutely perfect. You’ll find yourself wanting to make it againand again.

Feel empowered to make it your own: swap ground turkey for a leaner option, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of intriguing depththese small shifts keep the recipe fresh and fun. Remember, leftovers freeze beautifully, ensuring you always have a comforting bowl waiting in your freezer. And here’s a tip I’ve learned over the years: truly blooming your spices in the cooking fat really awakens their full flavor, making all the difference in the final taste.

Give this comforting recipe a whirl and share your kitchen triumphsor your own secret ingredient twists! Did you grow up with a chili that felt like a big, warm hug? Pass along that love, serve it up to your family, and savor the simple, profound joy of homemade comfort food.