Hearty Pioneer Woman Chili With Chuck Roast Recipe

Rustic Pioneer Woman Chili with Chuck Roast Recipe

Chuck roast chili delivers a mouthwatering explosion of flavor that’ll revolutionize your dinner routine.

Tender, slow-simmered meat transforms into a luxurious blend of spices and warmth.

Rich, robust seasonings penetrate every morsel, creating a culinary masterpiece that feels like a warm embrace.

Southwestern-inspired ingredients mingle effortlessly, crafting a dish that speaks to comfort and tradition.

Each spoonful carries depth and complexity that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Hearty and satisfying, this chili represents the pinnacle of home cooking genius.

You’ll fall in love with every aromatic, soul-warming bite that brings pure deliciousness to your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredient Checklist for Pioneer Woman Chili With Chuck Roast

For Chili Peppers:
  • Guajillo Chiles: Choose deep red, pliable peppers with a smooth, leathery surface and no signs of moisture or mold.
  • Ancho Chiles: Select rich, dark burgundy chiles that are flexible and have a sweet, raisin-like aroma.
For Meat and Seasoning:
  • Chuck Roast: Look for well-marbled meat with a good balance of fat for tender, flavorful chili.
  • Salt, Pepper: Opt for coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for robust flavor.
  • Canola Oil: Select a high-quality, neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point.
For Sauce and Aromatics:
  • Beef Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels in the final dish.
  • Onion, Garlic: Pick firm, heavy onions and plump garlic cloves with no soft spots or sprouting.
  • Cornmeal: Select finely ground cornmeal for smooth sauce consistency.
  • Oregano, Cumin: Use fresh, fragrant dried herbs for maximum flavor punch.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Choose unpasteurized, raw vinegar for bright, tangy notes.
For Garnish:
  • Queso Fresco, Cilantro, Pickled Jalapeños, Corn Chips: Select fresh, vibrant ingredients that add texture and zesty contrast.

Cooking Gear for Pioneer Woman Chili With Chuck Roast

  • Dutch oven: Heavy-bottomed pot perfect for slow cooking and browning meat.
  • Blender: Powerful tool to create smooth, velvety chili sauce.
  • Medium saucepan: Essential for toasting and preparing chile broth.
  • Large cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for ripping chiles and handling other prep work.
  • Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure broth and water.
  • Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
  • Colander: Useful for draining chile broth.
  • Tongs: Helps brown meat in batches without burning fingers.

How to Whip Up Pioneer Woman Chili With Chuck Roast

How to Whip Up Pioneer Woman Chili With Chuck Roast
  • Prepare Pepper Base Toss dried chiles into a hot pan and toast until they release a rich, smoky aroma. This quick step wakes up the peppers' deep flavors and sets the stage for an incredible chili experience.
  • Craft Flavor Liquid Combine toasted chiles with water, onions, and garlic. Simmer this mixture to create a robust liquid foundation that will infuse the entire dish with complex, layered taste. Let the ingredients mingle and develop their character.
  • Build Chili Sauce Transform the pepper liquid into a silky sauce by blending with beef broth, cornmeal, and spices. The cornmeal adds subtle thickness while the spices create a powerful flavor profile that will make taste buds dance.
  • Sear Meat Beautifully Brown chunks of chuck roast in a hot Dutch oven, creating a gorgeous caramelized exterior that locks in juicy tenderness. Each piece should develop a rich, golden crust that promises incredible depth.
  • Slow Simmer Magic Combine seared meat with the spicy pepper sauce and let everything bubble gently. This slow cooking process transforms tough meat into meltingly tender bites, allowing flavors to fully develop and intertwine.
  • Final Flourish Brighten the chili with a splash of apple cider vinegar, which adds a tangy counterpoint to the rich meat. Serve with fresh garnishes like crumbled cheese, spicy jalapeños, and bright cilantro to elevate every single bite.

Tasty Twists and Smart Tips for Pioneer Woman Chili With Chuck Roast

Tasty Twists and Smart Tips for Pioneer Woman Chili With Chuck Roast

Personalized Flavor Twists

Replace chuck roast with ground beef, shredded chicken, or plant-based protein crumbles for different texture and flavor profiles.

Adjust chile pepper quantities to dial heat up or down. Remove seeds from chiles for milder version or add extra dried chiles for serious heat lovers.

Boost nutrition and complexity by mixing in black beans, diced sweet potatoes, or roasted corn kernels during final simmering stage.

Make this chili ahead and refrigerate overnight to develop deeper flavors. Freeze portions in airtight containers for quick future meals that taste even better after resting.

Serving Up Your Pioneer Woman Chili With Chuck Roast

  • Serve with Zesty Toppings: Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco, pickled jalapeños, and fresh cilantro to add bright, tangy flavors that complement the rich, deep chili.
  • Pair with Crunchy Sides: Serve corn chips alongside the chili for a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tender, slow-cooked beef and adds textural excitement to each bite.
  • Create a Hearty Meal: Ladle the chili over steamed rice or alongside warm cornbread to transform this dish into a complete, filling dinner that warms you from the inside out.
  • Cool Down with Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream or fresh avocado slices to balance the chili's spicy intensity and provide a creamy, cooling element to the robust dish.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Tips for Pioneer Woman Chili With Chuck Roast

  • Preserve Chili's Deliciousness: Smart Storage Strategies
  • Refrigerate freshly made chili in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze for Future Feasts: Chili Storage Magic
  • Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Sealed properly, chili stays delicious for 3-4 months, making meal prep a breeze.
  • Revive Leftover Chili Like a Pro
  • Reheat refrigerated chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Meal Prep Mastery: Portion and Plan
  • Divide chili into individual serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. Label with date and contents to track freshness and simplify weekly meal planning.
Print
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Hearty Pioneer Woman Chili With Chuck Roast Recipe

Hearty Pioneer Woman Chili With Chuck Roast Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Rich pioneer woman chili with chuck roast combines hearty beef and robust spices for a comforting meal. Slow-cooked to perfection, you’ll savor each spoonful of this classic southwestern-style dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs (1.36 kg) boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cups (473 ml) reduced-sodium beef broth
  • 4 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
  • 4 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
  • 1 medium white onion, roughly chopped
  • 8 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) canola oil
  • 2 tbsps (30 g) cornmeal
  • 2 tsps dried oregano
  • 2 tsps ground cumin
  • 3 ½ tsps salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • Crumbled queso fresco (to taste)
  • Pickled sliced jalapeños (to taste)
  • Cilantro (to taste)
  • Corn chips (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Chile Preparation: Fragment guajillo and ancho chiles into 1-inch pieces. Gently roast in a medium saucepan over medium heat until aromatic and slightly charred, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Infusion Process: Combine roasted chiles with onion, garlic, and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered until chiles soften completely, approximately 10 minutes. Drain and cool briefly.
  3. Blending Stage: Transfer chile mixture to blender. Incorporate beef broth, cornmeal, dried oregano, and ground cumin. Pulverize until achieving a smooth, uniform puree.
  4. Meat Searing: Season beef chunks with kosher salt and black pepper. Brown meat in batches in a Dutch oven with canola oil, ensuring thorough caramelization on all sides.
  5. Braising Method: Return all beef to pot, integrating chile puree completely. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer on low. Cook until meat becomes exceptionally tender, stirring occasionally and adding broth if needed, 1.5-2 hours.
  6. Finishing Touch: Drizzle apple cider vinegar into the chili and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnishing with queso fresco, pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and corn chips as desired.

Notes

  • Roast Chiles Carefully: Gently toast chiles over medium heat to release deep, complex flavors without burning, which can create bitter undertones.
  • Brown Meat in Batches: Ensure each beef chunk develops a rich, caramelized exterior by avoiding overcrowding the pot, which prevents proper browning and seals in maximum flavor.
  • Use Quality Beef Cut: Chuck roast provides exceptional tenderness and robust flavor, breaking down beautifully during the slow-cooking process for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Balance Spice Layers: The chile puree creates a nuanced, authentic Mexican-style chili base that adds depth beyond typical ground beef versions, elevating the entire dish’s complexity.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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