Pioneer Woman Chili | We Tested This Recipe—Here's What We Thought

We tried making the Pioneer's Woman's classic winter comfort food, and nosotros have some thoughts.

Few foods are equally cozy, comforting and soul-warming as a large bowl of chili. Equally i of the reigning queens of comfort food, it should be no surprise that Ree Drummond (aka The Pioneer Woman) has created one of the most popular chili recipes on the internet.

Her Simple, Perfect Chili Recipe has hundreds of rave reviews, so we felt we should put this recipe to the test!

Continue reading to see how this Pioneer Woman chili comes together footstep by step (and how it compares to our most popular chili recipes).

The Pioneer Adult female Chili Recipe

Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home

Ingredients

• ii pounds basis beef
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• i (8 ounce) can lycopersicon esculentum sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• one teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground oregano
• i teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• i/4 loving cup masa harina
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (fifteen ounce) tin can pinto beans, tuckered and rinsed

Initial Thoughts

This Pioneer Woman chili recipe is without a incertitude elementary. Information technology'due south and so simple, we take to admit that we're a little skeptical of how it will turn out! When it comes to chili, we tend to love recipes that include several types of chilies, a complex alloy of spices and 1 or more surprise ingredients like beer or cinnamon.

Editor's Tip: If you lot're non familiar with masa harina, information technology's essentially a special corn flour. If you don't take masa harina on mitt, use finely ground cornmeal instead or omit it entirely. Simply notation that your chili volition have a slightly thinner consistency.

Browning the Basis Beefiness

Lauren Habermehl for Gustatory modality of Home

This chili recipe starts out by browning the ground beef in a big pot with garlic. Nosotros opted to use a cast-iron Dutch oven, simply a heavy-bottomed stock pot would also piece of work well.

In one case fully cooked, a blend of chili powder, cumin, oregano and salt is stirred into the beef forth with tomato sauce.

Editor's Tip: Since this chili has minimal spices and ingredients, it'due south worth investing in a high-quality chili powder to become the most complex flavour. Here's the best chili powder, according to our Examination Kitchen experts.

This is where we felt this recipe took a left plough. Other acme chili recipes typically add other additional ingredients at this phase, like beans, diced tomatoes or additional cooking liquids. Ree's recipe, however, directs you to simply cover the pot and let the footing beefiness mixture simmer on depression for one hr, adding one/2 cup of h2o if the chili starts to await dry out.

In our experience, the additional 1/2 loving cup of water wasn't optional, it was necessary. After almost xv minutes of simmering, covered, the chili was starting to look VERY dry. Nonetheless, adding a ane/2 cup of water rehydrated everything nicely for the remaining 45 minutes of cooking.

Making the Masa Harina

Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Habitation

Adjacent, comes the masa harina, which is used to thicken the chili. We whisked it together in a measuring cup with 1/2 cup of water earlier stirring information technology into the chili.

From a thickening perspective, we didn't feel that this chili needed to exist thickened at this stage, because it was already fairly thick. However, we loved the subtle aroma that emerged later stirring in the masa harina.

To finish the chili, we stirred in two types of canned beans (pinto and kidney). Then, nosotros let everything simmer for a terminal 10 minutes to assistance the flavors meld together.

The Final Verdict

Lauren Habermehl for Sense of taste of Home

Wow! Forgive u.s., Ree, we should take never doubted you. I hateful, you live on a ranch with cowboys who basically have chili in their claret. This Simple, Perfect Chili is, well, perfect!

Letting the chili simmer for one hour with minimal cooking liquid actually allowed the simple alloy of spices to become super concentrated and infuse the tomato sauce and beef with tons of flavor.

We were as well surprised by the level of heat in this chili. We expected it to be mild since no peppers or hot chilies are included in the recipe. However, we'd place this chili somewhere in the medium range when it comes to spice.

Overall, we requite this recipe a glowing 5-star review!

Editor's Tip: The chili pulverisation you use will accept a big impact on the spiciness of your chili. Not all chili powders are created equal. If you're using a make of chili powder for the starting time fourth dimension, we suggest scaling back the chili powder to start, taste and add more to get the chili to your preferred level of heat.

Topping Ideas for Your Chili

Don't forget the toppings! Ree suggests topping her Pioneer Woman chili with cheddar cheese, chopped onions, tortilla chips, and a squeeze of lime. Here are some of our other favorite chili toppings:

• Sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• Crumbled queso fresco
• Fresh cilantro
• Diced green onions
• Jalapeno peppers
• Ripe avocado
• Oyster crackers
• Homemade cornbread crumbles

Can't go plenty Ree Drummond? Head to Walmart and option up one of her beautifully designed Pioneer Woman kitchen products.

Our Most Unique Chili Recipes

Spicy Fajita Chili

You'll want to serve this with rolls or cornbread to soak up every delicious driblet. Similar more estrus? Just utilize spicier versions of V8 juice and chili beans.—Cathy Bell, Joplin, Missouri

Larn more secrets for making the best chili always.

Cincinnati Chili

Cinnamon and cocoa give a rich chocolate-brown color to hearty Cincinnati chili. This dish will warm you upward on a cold day. —Edith Joyce, Parkman, Ohio

These are the all-time chili recipes from beyond America.

Smoky Peanut Butter Chili

I eliminated beans from my standard chili recipe and added peanut butter and peanuts just for fun. Wow, was it amazing! I tried it on my family and everyone loved it. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Slow-Cooker Quinoa Chili

This recipe turned my hubby into a quinoa lover. I made information technology the day he got good news on a new job, and nosotros'll e'er remember how excited we were as we ate this beautiful meal. —Claire Gallam, Alexandria, Virginia

Learn how to make another favorite deadening-cooked chili recipe.

White Chili with a Kick

Shop-bought rotisserie chicken makes this spicy chili easy, but you lot could also cook your own. Nosotros like it with various combinations of sour cream, green onions, cheese and salsa on top. —Emmajean Anderson, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Meaty Mushroom Chili

Since our ii daughters did not similar beans in their chili, I adapted a recipe to suit our whole family's tastes. We all agree that mushrooms are an appealing alternative and go very well with the ground beef and sausage. —Marjol Burr Catawba, Ohio

Sweet Irish potato Chili with Turkey

This sugariness potato chili is packed with flavor. Ground turkey lightens it, and sweetness white potato puree sneaks in a healthy dose of vitamin A. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia

Steak & Beer Chili

A cup of chili is always a pleasant fashion to warm upward on a cold day. This one has a combination of budget-friendly chuck steak and brats in a spicy broth. I similar to serve it with a dollop of sour cream. —Betsy Rex, Duluth, Minnesota

Tex-Mex Chili

Need to satisfy big, hearty appetites? Wait no farther than this Tex-Mex recipe with beef stew meat, plenty of beans and tasty spices. —Eric Hayes, Antioch, California

Mesomorphic Vegetarian Chili

This robust chili teams rice, kidney and pinto beans, and a variety of colorful vegetables for a hearty meatless meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Effort this pinto edible bean chili recipe next!

Effortless Black Edible bean Chili

My mom institute the inspiration for this chili in a slow-cooker cookbook. After a few updates, all of the states love it (even those of us who steer clear of beans). Nosotros think it'due south fifty-fifty better served over rice. —Amelia Gormley, Ephrata, Pennsylvania

White Turkey Chili

Here'southward proof that chili doesn't have to be blood-red. I combined several recipes and changed flavors until the recipe was just right. Trust me, this one is a keeper. —Tina Barrett, Houston, Texas

Thai-Way Chicken Chili

I love this Asian accept on the classic i-pot meal. It's quick, piece of cake, nutritious and succulent. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Chili Macaroni and Cheese

What could be tastier on a cold winter twenty-four hours than chili or mac and cheese? Put them together and y'all accept a terrific dish that warms you up and fills you upwardly as well! —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania

Chili for a Oversupply

This chili for a crowd was handed down to me past my aunt, who said she got information technology from a "grizzled Montana mountain man." I added some zesty ingredients to come up with the final version. Hot food is something that my husband'south family isn't accustomed to, so I suit the spices for them. In fact, with a few unproblematic alterations to the "rut" index, I tin serve this chili to anyone. —Lisa Humphreys, Wasilla, Alaska

Butternut Squash Chili

Add butternut squash to chili for a tasty, filling, free energy-packed dish your whole family will love. Mine does! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California

Game-Stopper Chili

This hearty chili with sausage, beef, beans and barley is perfect for the halftime food rush. People actually cheer when they see me coming with my slow cooker! —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania

Black Edible bean Turkey Chili

This busy-day chili is packed with flavor. We brand information technology ahead and freeze some to eat later. —Marisela Segovia, Miami, Florida

Craven Butternut Chili

At our firm, nosotros merely love a skillful comforting, hearty, tomato-based chili with bold flavors! This unique chili is loaded with veggies and flavor. You can as well fix the recipe in the slow cooker. Simply add ingredients to the crock and cook over loftier heat for about 4 hours. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Healthy Turkey Chili

I've taken my mother's healthy turkey chili recipe and fabricated it thicker and more robust. Information technology's a favorite, particularly in fall and winter. —Celesta Zanger, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Creamy White Chili

Years agone, as a time-starved college student, I got this wonderful recipe from my sister-in-police force. She had made a big batch and served it to a oversupply one nighttime. It was a hit—and easy and quick. In all my years of cooking, I've never had another dish go then many compliments. —Laura Brewer, Lafayette, Indiana

Slow-Cooker Spicy Pork Chili

Tender pork adds extra heartiness to this boring-cooked chili. You lot can use pork tenderloin, boneless pork roast or boneless pork chops for the pork called for in the recipe. —Taste of Habitation Test Kitchen

Zippy Vegetarian Chili

Hominy and garbanzo beans are interesting additions to this zippy chili recipe that uses canned goods from the closet. I oftentimes serve it with cornbread or flour tortillas for a speedy repast. It'south economic, too. —Karen Chase, Bellvue, Colorado

Contest-Winning Pepperoni Pizza Chili

Pizza and chili together—what could exist better? Make full folks upwards at halftime when you set out bowls of this chili. —Jennifer Gelormino, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Beer Brat Chili

My husband and I love this chili considering it smells so good as it simmers in the boring cooker all day. I tin can't remember of a amend fashion to utilize up leftover brats. He can't think of a better way to eat them! —Katrina Krumm, Apple Valley, Minnesota

White Chicken Chili

Folks will savor a alter from traditional chili when they dip their spoons into this flavorful alloy of tender chicken, white beans and simply enough zip. This is our favorite white chicken chili recipe. —Taste of Home Exam Kitchen

Spicy Touchdown Chili

For me, football, absurd weather and chili just seem to go together. Whether I'g cheering on the local team on a Friday night or enjoying a Saturday afternoon of Oklahoma Sooner football with some friends, I enjoy serving this chili on game twenty-four hour period. —Chris Neal, Quapaw, Oklahoma

Craven Chili with Black Beans

Because it looks different than traditional chili, my family was a little hesitant to attempt this dish at first. Thanks to the full, hearty flavor, it's go a real favorite around our business firm. I like to serve information technology with warm cornbread. —Jeanette Urbom, Louisburg, Kansas

Spicy White Chili

I thought the original version of this dish was fine. But my son tin't get plenty spice, and so I added green chiles and other seasonings until I'd created a quick and easy chili he's wild most. —Carlene Bailey, Bradenton, Florida

Pork Chile Verde

Pork slowly stews with jalapenos, onion, green enchilada sauce and spices in this season-packed Mexican dish. It'southward wonderful on its ain or stuffed in a warm tortilla with sour foam, grated cheese or olives on the side. —Kimberly Burke, Chico, California

Spiced Apple Chili

Zippo says fall like chili and apples. I use smoked paprika to give this slightly sugariness chili a smoky boot. —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota

Chicken & Edible bean Chili

Chili Time is any time you want to make a hungry crowd happy. This flossy chili is a must at my soup political party every year. —Theresa Baehr, Williamsburg, Michigan

Zippy Pork Chili

In add-on to eating this chili the traditional fashion (with a spoon!), my family likes to scoop bites onto tortilla chips. The leftovers are delicious rolled in tortillas and warmed upwards. It's so comforting to have a pot simmering when cold Kansas winds are blowing. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas

Sandy's Slow-Cooked Chili

I like to employ my bootleg stewed tomatoes and pizza sauce in this recipe. It'southward the perfect chili—non likewise spicy. It'due south a sure-fire to whip upward. —Sandy McKenzie, Braham, Minnesota

Mexican Chicken Chili

Corn and black beans give this satisfying chili Mexican flair the whole family volition dear. Adjust the cayenne if you lot accept small children or are looking for a little less zip. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schappacher, Westward Chester, Ohio

Slow-Cooked Chunky Chili

Pork sausage, footing beef and plenty of beans make this chili a marvelous repast. I keep serving-size containers of it in my freezer at all times so I tin can apace warm up bowls on busy days. —Margie Shaw, Greenbrier, Arkansas

Basis Beef Chili

Anybody who tastes my beefiness chili recipe says that information technology is restaurant-quality. It'south especially good with bootleg cornbread. I have always loved to cook, and I relish developing original recipes like this ane. —Shannon Wright, Erie, Pennsylvania

Texican Chili

This flavorful, meaty chili is my favorite, and it'south so easy to prepare in the slow cooker. Information technology'southward a terrific way to serve a crowd without terminal-infinitesimal preparation. I got the idea from my female parent, who used her slow cooker often for soups and stews. —Stacy Law, Cornish, Utah

Easy White Chicken Chili

Chili is one of our best cold-weather strategies. Nosotros use chicken and white beans for a twist on the regular bowl of red. It'southward soothing comfort nutrient. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia

Edible bean & Beefiness Tedious-Cooked Chili

This chili may be already clogged, but we love to build information technology up even more with toppings like pico de gallo, red onion, cilantro and cheese. —Mallory Lynch, Madison, Wisconsin

Hearty Taco Chili

Ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning give extra special flavor to my hearty chili. Folks will come back for seconds. —Julie Neuhalfen, Glenwood, Iowa

Meatball Chili with Dumplings

My family unit enjoys this delicious recipe—it's like a spicy meatball stew with dumplings!—Sarah Yoder, Middlebury, Indiana

Quinoa Turkey Chili

This heart-healthy turkey quinoa chili is not only tasty, information technology'due south a vitamin and protein powerhouse! —Sharon Giljum, San Diego, California

Firehouse Chili

As i of the cooks at the firehouse, I used to prepare meals for 10 men. This firehouse chili recipe was amid their favorites. —Richard Clements, San Dimas, California

Spicy Pork & Greenish Chili Verde

My pork chili is brimming with poblano and sugariness scarlet peppers for a hearty kick. Serve it with sour foam, Monterey Jack and tortilla fries. —Anthony Bolton, Bellevue, Nebraska

Blackness Bean, Chorizo & Sweet Potato Chili

Chili is one of my best favorite dishes. This recipe takes chili to the side by side level by irresolute up the flavors and adding a surprise--sweet potatoes. —Julie Merriman, Common cold Brook, New York

Creamy Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili

My friend Caroline Gray and I came upwards with this flossy slow-cooker white chicken chili. It'southward unusual because it calls for Alfredo sauce. —Cindi Mitchell, St. Marys, Kansas

Quick Pork Chili

A love neighbor gave me a pot of this delicious chili, and I asked for the recipe. The pork sausage is a overnice change from the footing beefiness many chili recipes phone call for. —Janice Westmoreland, Brooksville, Florida

Santa Iron Chili

This colorful and hearty chili is perfect for heartwarming, holiday get-togethers. My family has been enjoying it for years. —Laura Manning of Lilburn, Georgia

White Bean Chicken Chili

My sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double it and add together one extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just plenty heat to notice but non besides much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico

White Bean Turkey Chili

Looking for a hearty but healthy chili for your crew? Well, await no further, Dorothy Muenzer serves this robust meal to her Perry, New York gang and they go along coming back more. Chock-total of ground turkey, white kidney beans and diced tomatoes, it's so full of season, your family won't even miss the footing beef!

Green Chile Craven Chili

The prep work for this chili is piece of cake thank you to several pantry staples. It's loaded with shredded craven and beans. The spicy rut can be tamed a bit with cool sour cream. —Fred Lockwood, Plano, Texas

Kids' Favorite Chili

This third-generation hearty chili is a family favorite. It's a sweet and easy chili that's sure to warm up the whole family on those chilly fall nights. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado

Chunky Chipotle Pork Chili

My leftover pulled pork chili recipe is a busy melt's dream. Make information technology alee and reheat later on—information technology'southward fifty-fifty better the second twenty-four hours. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

Lime Chicken Chili

Lime juice gives this chili a zesty twist, while canned tomatoes and beans make preparation a snap. Try serving bowls with toasted tortilla strips. —Diane Randazzo, Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/pioneer-woman-chili-recipe/

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