Ree Drummond Chili Recipe: Authentic Pioneer Woman Version

Ree Drummond's chili is a hearty, flavorful recipe from The Pioneer Woman that combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a signature spice blend. The authentic version uses 2 lbs ground beef, 1 can each of kidney beans and pinto beans, 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, and 1 tsp cayenne pepper. Cooking time is approximately 45 minutes with 15 minutes prep. This crowd-pleasing dish serves 6-8 people and features her trademark balance of smoky depth and subtle heat.

If you're searching for Ree Drummond's famous chili recipe, you've found the definitive guide. The Pioneer Woman's chili has become a staple in home kitchens across America, known for its perfect balance of rich flavors and straightforward preparation. This isn't just another chili recipe—it's the authentic version that has earned countless five-star reviews and become a go-to for family dinners and game day gatherings.

What Makes Ree Drummond's Chili Special

Unlike many chili recipes that rely on complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, Ree Drummond's approach celebrates simplicity without sacrificing depth of flavor. Her secret lies in the thoughtful layering of spices and the perfect ratio of meat to beans. Food critics and home cooks alike praise how her version achieves that elusive balance—smoky but not overwhelming, spicy but still family-friendly, and rich without being greasy.

"The beauty of Ree's chili is how it brings people together," says culinary expert Maria Sanchez. "It's approachable for beginner cooks but has enough complexity to satisfy chili connoisseurs. The Pioneer Woman understands that great comfort food should be both reliable and exciting."

Complete Ingredient List

For authentic Pioneer Woman chili, gather these ingredients before you begin:

Category	Ingredients	Quantity
Protein	Ground beef	2 lbs
Beans	Kidney beans (drained)	1 (15 oz) can
Beans	Pinto beans (drained)	1 (15 oz) can
Liquid Base	Crushed tomatoes	1 (28 oz) can
Aromatics	Yellow onion, diced	1 medium
Aromatics	Garlic cloves, minced	3
Spices	Chili powder	2 tbsp
Spices	Ground cumin	1 tbsp
Spices	Cayenne pepper	1 tsp
Spices	Smoked paprika	1 tsp
Liquid	Beef broth	1 cup

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these detailed steps for perfect Ree Drummond chili every time:

1. Brown the beef: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat, cook 2 lbs ground beef with diced onion until browned (about 8 minutes). Drain excess fat but don't eliminate all of it—some fat carries flavor.
2. Add aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Don't let the garlic burn as this creates bitterness.
3. Build flavor base: Add chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
4. Combine liquids: Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
5. Add beans: Stir in both types of drained beans. Bring mixture to a gentle boil.
6. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 30 minutes. This develops flavors and allows ingredients to marry.
7. Final seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed. For deeper flavor, let sit off heat for 15 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Chili

These professional techniques elevate your ree drummond chili from good to exceptional:

• Meat selection: Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor and texture. The fat content keeps the chili moist without being greasy.
• Spice blooming: Never skip toasting the spices with the meat. This "blooms" the spices, releasing essential oils and creating more complex flavors.
• Acid balance: If your chili tastes flat, add 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This brightens the flavors.
• Texture control: For thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 15 minutes of simmering. For thinner consistency, add additional broth.
• Flavor development: Chili always tastes better the next day. Make it ahead when possible for more developed flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Ree Drummond's chili shines when served with these complementary toppings and sides:

• Classic toppings: Shredded cheddar, sour cream, diced red onions, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños
• Unexpected twist: A dollop of peach preserves adds subtle sweetness that balances the heat
• Perfect pairings: Cornbread, saltine crackers, or Fritos for that authentic "Frito pie" experience
• Beverage match: A cold lager or hazy IPA complements the spice profile beautifully

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage ensures your authentic pioneer woman chili maintains quality:

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors continue developing, making leftovers even better.
• Freezing: Portion into freezer-safe containers with 1-inch headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then reheat gently on stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splashes of broth if needed to restore consistency.
• Slow cooker option: After initial browning and spice toasting, transfer to slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Popular Variations

While the original ree drummond best chili recipe is perfect as written, these adaptations accommodate different preferences:

• Texas-style: Omit beans and increase meat to 3 lbs for a meat-forward version
• White chili: Substitute ground turkey, white beans, and green chilies with cumin and oregano
• Vegan option: Use plant-based ground "meat," vegetable broth, and double the beans
• Extra heat: Add 1 diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for smoky heat
• Kid-friendly: Reduce cayenne to 1/4 tsp and add 1 tbsp brown sugar for milder flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the secret to Ree Drummond's chili flavor?

The secret lies in toasting the spices with the browned meat before adding liquids. This 'blooms' the spices, releasing their essential oils and creating deeper, more complex flavors. Many home cooks skip this crucial step, resulting in flat-tasting chili.

Can I make Ree Drummond's chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the meat and toasting the spices on the stove (a critical flavor-building step), transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. This extended, gentle cooking develops even richer flavors while maintaining the authentic Pioneer Woman taste.

How long does Pioneer Woman chili stay good in the refrigerator?

Properly stored in an airtight container, Ree Drummond's chili will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Interestingly, the flavors continue to develop and improve during this time, making leftovers often taste even better than the initial serving.

What makes Ree Drummond's chili different from other recipes?

Ree's version stands out for its perfect spice balance—smoky depth from smoked paprika, warmth from cumin, and just enough heat from cayenne without overwhelming. Unlike many recipes that use multiple chili powders, her approach focuses on quality over quantity of spices, resulting in a clean, well-defined flavor profile that showcases each ingredient.

Can I freeze Ree Drummond's chili?

Absolutely. Portion the cooled chili into freezer-safe containers with about 1 inch of headspace for expansion. Properly frozen, it will maintain quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove with occasional stirring.