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Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe

Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe

Pioneer Woman chili recipe is a hearty meal packed with beef, beans, tomatoes and warm spices. It is easy to make and perfect for busy family dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 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
  • Diced avocado
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Corn chips
  • Lime wedges

Instructions
  

Prepare the Vegetables

  • Dice the onion and bell pepper into small pieces. Mince the garlic finely. Keeping the vegetables similar in size helps them cook evenly and blend smoothly into the chili.

Brown the Ground Beef

  • Heat olive oil in a large heavy 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 five minutes. Stir occasionally until the vegetables become soft and slightly golden.

Add the Garlic

  • Stir the minced garlic into the beef and vegetables. Cook for about one minute. Avoid cooking garlic too long because it can become bitter and overpower the chili.

Add the Tomato Ingredients

  • Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and tomato paste. Stir everything together until the beef and vegetables are evenly coated with the tomato mixture.

Add the Beans

  • Add the drained kidney beans and pinto beans. Stir gently so the beans remain mostly whole. They add texture, protein and a hearty quality to the chili.

Add the Spices

  • Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper. Stir thoroughly so the spices 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 the mixture to a gentle boil.

Simmer the Chili

  • Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot partially. Let the chili 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, chili powder or cayenne if needed. If the chili seems too thick, add a small amount of beef broth.

Serve the Chili

  • Ladle the hot chili into bowls. Add shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions or your favorite toppings. Serve immediately with warm cornbread or crunchy tortilla chips.

Notes

  • Use ground beef with moderate fat for better flavor.
  • Brown the beef properly before adding other ingredients.
  • Drain canned beans before using them.
  • Use fresh garlic for stronger flavor.
  • Let the chili simmer slowly.
  • Stir occasionally during cooking.
  • Taste before adding extra salt.
  • Add cayenne gradually for controlled heat.
  • Use smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
  • Make the chili ahead for even better flavor.
  • Add toppings just before serving.
  • Use homemade beef broth when available.
Keyword Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe