The Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of homemade beef chili. This classic dish is a staple in many households, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. This beef chili recipe is packed with rich, savory flavors and can be adapted to suit your cooking style, whether you prefer the traditional stove-top method, the convenience of a Crock-Pot, or the speed of an Instant Pot. Let’s dive into the details and make a pot of this delicious, soul-warming chili.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make the best beef chili, you need a combination of high-quality ingredients that come together to create a rich and robust flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 lbs. ground beef, 80% lean: The perfect balance of fat and meat to create a flavorful base.
• 2 cloves garlic, diced: Adds a pungent, aromatic element to the chili.
• 8 oz. tomato sauce: Provides a tangy and slightly sweet tomato flavor.
• 2 tablespoons chili powder: The heart of your chili, bringing warmth and depth.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a smoky, earthy undertone.
• 1 teaspoon ground oregano: Offers a subtle herbal note.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives the chili a kick of heat (optional).
• 1/4 cup masa harina, white or yellow: Thickens the chili while adding a hint of corn flavor.
• 15 oz. kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds texture and protein.
• 15 oz. pinto beans, drained and rinsed: Complements the kidney beans with a slightly creamier texture.
• 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (for Instant Pot version only): Adds juiciness and a fresh tomato flavor.

Garnish Options:

• Shredded Cheddar: Melty cheese adds a creamy richness.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens up the flavors.
• Sour Cream: Offers a cool contrast to the heat of the chili.
• Tortilla Chips or Fritos: Adds a crunchy texture.
• Diced Green Onions: A fresh, mild onion flavor that tops off the chili perfectly.

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Stove Top Method

1. Cook the Beef: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up as it cooks. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy chili.
2. Add Garlic and Tomato Sauce: Stir in the diced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the tomato sauce, stirring everything together to combine.
3. Season the Chili: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir the spices into the beef mixture until well combined. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
4. Simmer: Let the chili simmer on low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and develop. If the chili seems too dry during cooking, add ½ cup of water to maintain the desired consistency.
5. Thicken with Masa Harina: In a small bowl, mix the masa harina with ½ cup of water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the chili, letting it cook for an additional 10 minutes to thicken.
6. Add the Beans: Finally, stir in the drained kidney and pinto beans. Let the chili simmer for another 10 minutes to heat the beans through. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded Cheddar, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime. Serve alongside cornbread for a complete meal.

Crock Pot Method

1. Prepare the Beef: Just like in the stove-top method, cook and crumble the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess grease.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the garlic and tomato sauce to the browned beef, cooking for an additional minute. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Transfer everything to the Crock-Pot.
3. Add Masa Harina: Mix the masa harina with ½ cup of water, then stir it into the Crock-Pot along with the drained beans.
4. Cook on Low: Set the Crock-Pot to low and let the chili cook for 4 hours, or all day if you prefer a more tender and deeply flavored chili. Throughout cooking, you can adjust the consistency by adding more water or masa as needed.
5. Serve: Once the cooking time is up, serve the chili with your favorite garnishes and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors.

Instant Pot Method

1. Brown the Beef: Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and cook the ground beef until it’s browned. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy chili.
2. Sauté Garlic and Tomato Sauce: Add the diced garlic to the pot, cooking for 1 minute. Then stir in the tomato sauce, letting it cook for another minute.
3. Season the Chili: Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper to the pot, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
4. Thicken with Masa Harina: In a small bowl, combine the masa harina with ½ cup of water. Stir this mixture into the Instant Pot, then add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the drained beans.
5. Cook Under Pressure: Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the pressure valve is set to “Sealed.” Set the pot to the Chili/Beans setting and cook for 20 minutes.
6. Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, either flip the quick-release valve or let the steam escape naturally. Stir the chili and adjust the seasoning or consistency if needed.
7. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls, garnish with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal.

Essential Tips for Perfect Beef Chili

Achieving the Ideal Consistency: The masa harina is key to thickening your chili while adding a subtle corn flavor. If your chili is too thick, simply add a bit more water until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, mix in additional masa harina to thicken it up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Beef: Browning the beef is essential, but be careful not to overcook it, as this can make the meat tough.
• Not Draining the Grease: Failing to drain the excess grease after browning the beef can result in a greasy chili.
• Skipping the Simmer: The simmering process is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors. Don’t rush this step, especially with the stove-top method.

Substitutions and Variations

Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Swap the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or additional beans like black beans or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor.

Spice Level Adjustments: To tone down the spiciness, omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the chili powder. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of smoked paprika.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Side Dishes: Serve your beef chili with a side of freshly baked cornbread, a simple green salad, or a bowl of rice to soak up the rich sauce. You can also try serving it over baked potatoes for a hearty twist.

Creative Garnish Ideas: Aside from the usual toppings, consider adding pickled jalapeños for a tangy kick, crumbled queso fresco for a milder cheese option, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Storing Chili: Let your chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating Chili: To reheat, simply warm it up in a pot on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the chili has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up while reheating.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For the stove-top method.
• Crock Pot: For slow and steady cooking.
• Instant Pot: For quick and convenient cooking.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To stir the chili.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate seasoning.
• Mixing Bowl: To prepare the masa harina mixture.

FAQs About Beef Chili

Can I Make Beef Chili Ahead of Time? Absolutely! Beef chili is a great make-ahead dish. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after a day in the fridge. Simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.

How Do I Adjust the Spiciness? The spiciness of your chili can be adjusted by altering the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder. For a milder version, reduce or omit these ingredients. For a spicier kick, add more or consider incorporating fresh chilies.

Conclusion

This ultimate beef chili recipe is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home. Whether you choose the stove-top, Crock Pot, or Instant Pot method, you’ll end up with a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and side dishes to make it your own. Enjoyed this recipe? Share it with your friends and family, and be sure to subscribe to our blog for more mouth-watering recipes!

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