Pioneer Woman Chili

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Make this Pioneer Woman Chili recipe when you’re craving a cozy bowl of hearty homemade chili. Made with seasoned ground beef, beans, a rich tomato base, and warm spices, it delivers slow-simmered comfort without spending all day at the stove.

Browning the beef first builds deep, savory flavor, while a rich tomato base and just the right amount of seasoning create a hearty, comforting chili everyone loves. It also adapts beautifully to the slow cooker or Instant Pot whenever you want a more hands-off dinner.

If chili night is a regular thing at your house, be sure to try my Classic Chili, Texas Chili, and White Chicken Chili for even more cozy dinner inspiration. You can also browse all of my Chili Recipes for everything from hearty beef chili to lighter chicken versions and regional favorites. 🩷

Grab your toppings and a big spoon—this is the kind of chili night everyone’s secretly hoping for!

✨ Before You Begin

These simple tips will help your Pioneer Woman Chili turn out rich, hearty, and full of flavor every time.

✨ Drain the fat after browning the beef. Removing excess grease keeps the chili rich without feeling heavy and lets the tomatoes and spices shine.

✨ Rinse and drain the beans. This removes excess starch and sodium, giving your chili a cleaner, more balanced flavor.

✨ Keep masa harina on hand (optional). Stirring in a little near the end thickens the chili naturally and adds subtle corn flavor. If you don’t have it, simply simmer the chili uncovered a little longer.

✨ Give it time to simmer. Even 20 to 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together and creates a richer, more developed chili.

✨ Taste before serving. A final pinch of salt—or even a squeeze of lime juice if it tastes flat—can make all the flavors come alive.

Pioneer Woman Chili Ingredients + Key Notes

Ground beef — I recommend 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of rich flavor and tenderness.

Onion + garlic — The foundation of every great pot of chili, adding savory depth and aroma.

Chili powder, cumin, paprika + oregano — A classic blend of warm spices that creates bold chili flavor without making the recipe overly spicy.

Tomato sauce + diced tomatoes — Build a rich, hearty tomato base with just the right amount of texture.

Kidney beans + pinto beans — A classic combination that adds heartiness while soaking up all those delicious chili flavors.

Masa harina (optional) — Stir in a little near the end if you’d like a thicker chili with a subtle corn flavor. If you don’t have any, simply simmer the chili uncovered a bit longer.

🥣 How to Make Pioneer Woman Chili

Here’s a quick look at how to make this easy Pioneer Woman Chili (full instructions are in the recipe card below).

Brown the beef. Cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain off the excess grease, then stir in the garlic and spices to bloom their flavor.

Build the chili. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beans, then let everything simmer gently so the flavors can meld together. If you’re using masa harina, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking to naturally thicken the chili.

Finish and serve. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips.

See the recipe card below for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.

Chili Variations + Cooking Methods

Crock Pot Pioneer Woman Chili

Brown the ground beef and onion on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. If you’re using masa harina, stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This method is perfect for busy days when you want dinner waiting for you.

Instant Pot Pioneer Woman Chili

Use the Sauté function to brown the ground beef and onion, then stir in the remaining ingredients. Pressure cook on HIGH for 12 minutes, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure. If using masa harina, stir it in after cooking and simmer on Sauté for a few minutes until the chili thickens.

Make It Spicier

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a little chipotle powder, or a diced jalapeño when cooking the onion.

Try Different Beans

Kidney and pinto beans are my favorite combination, but black beans or chili beans work well too. Use what you have and make it your own.

⭐ Pro Tips

⭐ Bloom the spices before adding the liquids. Let the spices cook with the browned beef for 30 to 60 seconds before stirring in the tomatoes. This deepens their flavor and gives the chili a richer, more developed taste.

⭐ Use masa harina for a thicker chili (optional). Stir in a little near the end of cooking if you’d like a thicker chili with a subtle corn flavor. No masa harina? Simply simmer the chili uncovered a little longer.

⭐ Let the chili rest before serving. Giving it 10 to 15 minutes off the heat allows the flavors to meld and naturally thickens the chili.

⭐ Taste and adjust before serving. Tomatoes and beans can mute seasonings, so always give the chili one final taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.

Storing + Reheating + Freezing + Make-Ahead Tips

Storing

Let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat larger batches gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the chili has thickened in the refrigerator, stir in a splash of beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Freezing

Let the chili cool completely, then freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Make-Ahead

Chili is one of those meals that tastes even better the next day. Make it a day ahead, refrigerate it overnight, then reheat gently and add your favorite toppings just before serving.

🍽️ What to Serve With Pioneer Woman Chili

This hearty chili pairs perfectly with a fresh side, a warm bread for dipping, and a simple dessert to round out the meal.

Fresh Side

House Salad with Buttermilk Dressing — Cool, crisp, and a refreshing contrast to a warm bowl of chili.

Cozy Breads

Honey Butter Cornbread — Lightly sweet, ultra-moist, and perfect for soaking up every last spoonful.

Homemade Crescent Rolls — Soft, buttery, and made for swiping through the last bit of chili.

Sweet Finish

Peach Cobbler — Warm, cozy, and a classic comfort-food dessert.

Fudge Pie  — Rich, chocolatey, and the perfect ending to a hearty meal.

Tried This Recipe?

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Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today — happy cooking, friends! 💗 Kathleen

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Pioneer Woman Chili

Make this easy Pioneer Woman Chili recipe when you're craving a hearty, homemade dinner. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices, it's a comforting one-pot meal that's perfect for family dinners, game day, and leftovers. 🩷

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 Servings

Author: Kathleen

Ingredients

• ▢ 2 pounds ground beef, 80/20
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ▢ 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• ▢ 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 2 1/2 cups water, plus more if needed
• ▢ 2 tablespoons chili powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
• ▢ 1/4 cup masa harina
• ▢ 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• ▢ 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans drained and rinsed

Optional Toppings:

• ▢ cheddar cheese, shredded
• ▢ red onion, diced
• ▢ jalapeno, sliced
• ▢ lime wedges

Instructions

• In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the garlic and continue to cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Drain off excess fat.
• Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, water, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne powder until well combined. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour. Add more water if chili begins to dry out.
• Whisk together the masa harina and 1/2 cup water in a small mixing bowl. Pour into chili. Add both beans and simmer another 10 minutes. If chili is too thick, add more water. Adjust seasoning. Ladle into individual bowls and serve with toppings as desired.

Fans Also Made:

• 
  Alton Brown Chili
• 
  Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole
• 
  Pioneer Woman Mac And Cheese

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Nutrition

Serving: 1/6 of the recipe | Calories: 543kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 1353mg | Potassium: 807mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 835IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 4.1mg

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