Description
This hearty Pioneer Woman Chili recipe combines ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices simmered to perfection for a comforting, flavorful meal. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this chili is enriched with masa harina for a satisfying texture and topped with classic garnishes like Cheddar cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs. ground beef (80% lean)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup masa harina (or substitute with cornmeal, flour, or cornstarch for texture)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Optional Instant Pot Ingredient
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
Garnishes
- Shredded Cheddar cheese
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream
- Tortilla chips or Fritos
- Diced green onions
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until browned. Once cooked, drain the excess grease to keep the chili from becoming too oily.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato sauce, cooking for about one minute to blend the flavors.
- Season and Simmer: Mix in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally, adding up to 1/2 cup water if the chili becomes too thick.
- Incorporate Masa Harina: In a small bowl, combine masa harina with 1/2 cup water to form a slurry. Stir this into the chili to thicken it, adjusting with more masa or water to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Add Beans and Continue Cooking: Stir in the drained kidney and pinto beans, then simmer the chili for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the chili into bowls and serve topped with shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced green onions, lime wedges, and tortilla chips or Fritos for added crunch and zest.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add fresh jalapeños.
- Masa harina is used to thicken the chili and give it a unique texture; substitute with cornmeal, flour, or cornstarch if preferred.
- You can prepare this recipe using an Instant Pot by adding diced tomatoes with juice alongside the tomato sauce for enhanced flavor and adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Leftover chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Serve with your favorite toppings to customize each bowl to your taste.
