Cold winter nights call for one thing: a pot of chili bubbling away on the stove, filling the kitchen with warm spices and comfort. This Pioneer Woman chili by Ree Drummond has become a family favorite across countless homes because it’s both hearty and surprisingly simple to make.
Think classic comfort food with a touch of cowboy flair. Ground beef, beans, and tomatoes simmer together with just the right blend of spices to create something rich and satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that uses pantry staples you likely already have, yet tastes like you spent hours perfecting every layer of flavor.
Started making this back in 2009 when my daughters were little and Sunday suppers meant gathering everyone around one big bowl. The secret I discovered? Brown that beef really well before adding anything else – those crispy bits make all the difference. After fifteen years of ladling this into bowls, it still brings the same smiles to faces.
PrintThe Pioneer Woman Chili Comforting Easy Recipe to Love
This comforting chili recipe is perfect for family dinners. Made with hearty ground beef and beans, it’s a classic for Ree Drummond Chili fans. Enjoy an easy, delicious homemade chili full of rich flavors and warmth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 bowls 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cans 14.5 oz each diced tomatoes
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cans 15 oz each kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 2–3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional
- salt and black pepper to taste
- shredded cheese optional
- sour cream optional
- green onions optional
- avocado slices optional
- tortilla chips optional
Instructions
- Dice onion and bell pepper and mince garlic.
- Heat oil in a large pot and brown the ground beef or turkey, drain excess fat and set aside.
- Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic in the same pot until softened and fragrant.
- Return meat to pot and stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper, cook 1-2 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Stir in kidney and pinto beans, simmer for another 15 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve with optional toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Why This Hearty Chili Recipe Will Win Your Heart
There’s a unique magic to The Pioneer Woman chili that elevates any evening. The rich aroma of toasted spices fills your home, creating the comforting embrace only a simmering pot can provide.
This comforting chili harmonizes simple pantry ingredients beautifully. Ground beef becomes tender and flavorful, while kidney and pinto beans add a satisfying heartiness for even the hungriest family members. The balanced spice blend offers depth without overwhelming heat, making it perfect for all ages.
Pro Tip: The secret lies in browning that beef really well and letting those spices toast for just a minute or two. Those little steps make all the difference between good chili and unforgettable chili.
The Heart of This Family Friendly Chili
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role. The ground beef provides that rich, satisfying base that makes this truly a hearty chili recipe, while diced tomatoes and tomato sauce create a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
The spice blend is truly where the character of this chili comes alive:
- Chili powder: The foundational spice, giving the dish its signature character
- Cumin: Adds an earthy, smoky warmth for complex flavor
- Paprika: Contributes gentle warmth and a beautiful red hue to the pot
- Cayenne pepper: Optional but wonderful for those who like a little extra kick
The beans deserve special mention too. Kidney beans hold their shape well during the long simmer, while pinto beans add a creamy texture that makes each spoonful wonderfully comforting.
How This Ground Beef Chili Comes Together
The simplicity of this Ree Drummond chili recipe is one of its greatest assets. You’ll start by browning the beef until it develops those lovely caramelized bits that add so much flavor. Don’t rush this step; allow the meat to develop a deep, caramelized color.
Next comes the aromatic base: onions, bell peppers, and garlic sizzling together until they’re soft and fragrant. Adding spices to this mixture allows them to bloom, releasing essential oils and creating layers of flavor that far surpass any store-bought alternative.
| Step | Time | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| Brown the beef | 5-7 minutes | Don’t stir too often – let it caramelize |
| Sauté vegetables | 3-5 minutes | Cook until garlic is fragrant |
| Toast spices | 1-2 minutes | This releases their full flavor |
| Initial simmer | 45 minutes | Low heat, covered pot |
| Add beans | 15 minutes | Final flavor melding |
Making It Your Own
This classic chili recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your family’s preferences. If you prefer turkey over beef, it’s an easy swap; the cooking method remains the same. For those sensitive to heat, begin with 2 tablespoons of chili powder and omit the cayenne entirely.
The beans can be customized too. Black beans work wonderfully in place of pintos. If someone in your family isn’t a bean lover, you can reduce them by half and add an extra can of diced tomatoes for a more pronounced tomato flavor.
Note: This recipe works beautifully in a slow cooker too. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and let it work its magic on low for 6-8 hours.
Serving and Storing Your Homemade Chili
The toppings bar is where everyone can truly customize their chili. Set out bowls of shredded cheese, sour cream, diced green onions, and avocado slices, and enjoy watching each family member create their perfect bowl.
This chili actually improves with time, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, often making leftovers taste even better than the first serving.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Cool completely before storing |
| Freezer | 3 months | Freeze in portion-sized containers |
| Reheating | As needed | Add a splash of broth if too thick |
Perfect Pairings
Cornbread and this chili are a match made in heaven, but don’t overlook other excellent accompaniments. Warm flour tortillas, crusty sourdough bread, or even baked sweet potatoes make excellent vehicles for soaking up every last drop of this rich, satisfying chili.
Expert Insight: The Heart of The Pioneer Woman Chili
The Pioneer Woman Chili stands out for its layered flavors and balanced spices, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and approachable. Using a combination of ground meat and roasted vegetables enhances texture and depth, making this chili a reliable go-to for cozy meals that please a crowd.
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The Pioneer Woman Chili: A Recipe Years in the Making
This version of The Pioneer Woman Chili took me countless afternoons and one unforgettable family dinner with too-much-spicy-misadventure before it felt just right. Every simmer and seasoning adjustment brought me closer to that perfect, comforting bowl my family now lovesa recipe patiently perfected with heart and experience.
FAQs ( The Pioneer Woman Chili )
How do I make this chili spicier?
To add heat, include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking the beef. Adding a few dashes of hot sauce or extra chili powder toward the end also works well. Adjust gradually to keep the balance of flavors without overpowering the dish.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that works in this recipe. Cook it gently to avoid drying out and add a bit more seasoning since turkey has a milder flavor. This swap keeps the chili hearty while reducing fat content.
What sides go well with this meal?
Cornbread or tortilla chips complement this dish perfectly by adding crunch or sweetness. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness. Classic toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions also enhance the experience.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method deepens flavors and makes it perfect for busy days or meal prep.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze in portions up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
This **The Pioneer Woman chili** fills your kitchen with the kind of warmth that underscores the value of home-cooked meals. This hearty chili recipe delivers everything you want tender beef, perfectly seasoned broth, and that slow-simmered richness that only comes from patience and love. You’ll adore how your home fills with the aroma of comfort.
A little secret from years of stirring pots: add a square of dark chocolate during the last ten minutes for deeper flavor, just like my grandmother did. This comfort food chili tastes even better the next day, so make extra for easy weeknight dinners. Try it over baked potatoes or with cornbread both turn a simple bowl into a feast.
I’d love to hear how this recipe finds its way into your family’s story. Did someone steal an extra helping when nobody was looking? Share a photo of your bowls gathered around the table there’s something so beautiful about seeing families connect over a shared pot of something warm and wonderful.
