Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe
Pioneer Woman chili recipe is a warm, hearty meal filled with beef, beans, tomatoes and spices. It is simple enough for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cans kidney beans drained
- 1 can pinto beans drained
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced avocado
- Tortilla chips
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
- Dice the onion and green pepper into small pieces. Mince the garlic finely. Similar-sized pieces cook evenly and blend nicely into the chili.
Brown the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Break it apart with a wooden spoon while cooking.
Add the Vegetables
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the browned beef. Cook for about five minutes. Stir occasionally until the vegetables become soft and slightly golden.
Add the Garlic
- Stir the minced garlic into the beef mixture. Cook for about one minute. This short cooking time keeps the garlic fragrant without making it bitter.
Add the Tomatoes
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add the tomato paste as well. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined.
Add the Beans
- Add the drained kidney beans and pinto beans. Stir gently to protect their shape. Beans make the chili hearty while adding protein and satisfying texture.
Add the Seasonings
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt and black pepper. Stir thoroughly so the seasonings spread throughout the entire pot.
Add the Broth
- Pour the beef broth into the pot. Add Worcestershire sauce for extra savory flavor. Stir well, then bring everything to a gentle boil.
Simmer the Chili
- Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially and simmer for about forty minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help develop deeper flavor.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the chili after simmering. Add more salt or chili powder if needed. Add extra broth if the mixture becomes too thick for your preference.
Add Your Toppings
- Ladle the hot chili into serving bowls. Add shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions or jalapeños. Finish with fresh cilantro or lime juice.
Notes
- Choose ground beef with moderate fat for better flavor.
- Brown the beef before adding other ingredients.
- Drain canned beans properly.
- Use fresh garlic for stronger flavor.
- Let the chili simmer slowly.
- Stir occasionally during cooking.
- Taste before adding extra salt.
- Add cayenne gradually.
- Use smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Make the chili ahead when possible.
- Add toppings just before serving.
- Use homemade broth for extra flavor.