The Pioneer Woman Chili
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 10 mins
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Servings
6 people
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Calories
613 kcal
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Course
Main Course
The Pioneer Woman Chili
Description
This chili recipe blends 80% lean ground beef cooked with diced garlic and tomato sauce, simmered gently with chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt. The seasoning creates a balanced, warming flavor profile without excessive heat. The addition of masa harina mixed with water thickens the chili, providing a smooth, slightly grainy body that complements the beans and tender ground beef.
Kidney and pinto beans add texture and make the dish filling, while optional diced tomatoes can be used in Instant Pot versions for extra moisture. The slow simmer brings flavors together and tenderizes the meat. The chili can be served with classic garnishes such as shredded cheddar, lime wedges, sour cream, green onion, and tortilla chips or Fritos, adding contrast and freshness.
For adjustments to thickness, the recipe suggests adding water or more masa as needed. Nutritional information is provided for six servings. Flour, cornmeal, or cornstarch can be substituted for masa harina to thicken the chili, though the flavor might vary slightly compared to masa.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. ground beef 80% lean
- 2 cloves garlic diced
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon oregano ground
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup masa harina white or yellow
- 15 oz. Kidney Beans drained and rinsed
- 15 oz. pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes Instant Pot version only
Garnish Options
- cheddar cheese shredded
- lime wedges
- sour cream
- tortilla chips or Fritos
- green onion diced
Instructions
Stove Top
- Cook and crumble the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess grease.
- Add the garlic and tomato sauce, cook for 1 minute.
- Add seasonings: 2 TBS Chili Powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper.
- Stir to combine. Decrease heat to low.
- Cover and let simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Note: If the meat seems too dry after an hour, add water ½ cup of water.
- Combine the masa harina with ½ cup water in a small bowl. Stir to combine. Add to the chili.
- Add more masa and/or water until preferred consistency is obtained.
- Add the drained and rinsed beans. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve with desired garnishes and cornbread!
Crock Pot
- Cook and crumble the ground beef in a large pot (or stove-top safe crock pot) over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess grease.
- Add the garlic and tomato sauce, cook for an additional minute.
- Add seasonings: 2 TBS Chili Powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper.
- Stir to combine. Transfer to the Crock Pot.
- Combine the masa harina with ½ cup water in a small bowl. Stir to combine.
- Stir in the masa mixture into the Crock Pot. Add the beans and stir gently to combine.
- Heat on low for 4 hours, or all day!
- At any point you can add more masa and/or water until preferred consistency is obtained.
Instant Pot
- Note: For the Instant Pot Method, use 14.5 ounces of diced tomatoes with the juice.
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Cook and crumble the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add the garlic and tomato sauce, cook for an additional minute.
- Add seasonings: 2 TBS Chili Powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper.
- Combine the masa harina with ½ cup water in a small bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add the masa mixture, diced tomatoes with juices, and the kidney/pinto beans to the Crock Pot and stir gently to combine.
- Optional: Add additional water and/or masa mixture to achieve preferred consistency.
- Close the lid and ensure the pressure valve is shut. Set the Instant Pot to the Chili/Beans setting and heat for 20 minutes.
- Flip the quick release valve or let the steam escape naturally. Serve with preferred garnishes!
Notes
- The chili serves six and nutritional info is estimated per serving.
- Masa harina thickens the chili; flour or cornmeal can substitute for similar texture but different flavor.
- Cornstarch mixed with water can also be used as a thickening alternative.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 613 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 613kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 14% |
| Protein | 40g | 80% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 107mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 734mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 1198mg | 25% |
| Fiber | 14g | 56% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 999IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 110mg | 11% |
| Iron | 8mg | 44% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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