If there’s one dish that deserves its own holiday, it’s chili. And what better way to celebrate National Chili Day (today!) than by making a fan-favorite recipe from none other than The Pioneer Woman herself? Ree’s ‘Simple, Perfect Chili’ has racked up more than 900 glowing reviews on Food Network, and for good reason. It’s hearty, comforting and ridiculously easy to make. Plus, Ree swears by it for those nights when she needs to whip up dinner with whatever’s on hand. So grab your pot and let’s make Ree Drummond’s chili.
Why Ree Drummond’s chili is so good
Chili recipes are a dime a dozen, but Ree’s version has that special something that makes it stand out. First, she prioritizes simplicity. “I love making this when I don’t have time to go grocery shopping,” she explains. The ingredients are pantry staples, and the method is foolproof. Plus, Ree loves to prep the chili ahead of time and reheat it throughout the week.
She also has a secret weapon: masa harina. Mixing this finely ground corn flour with water and adding it at the end gives the chili a thicker consistency and a subtle, earthy corn flavor that takes it to the next level. And let’s not forget the “fixin’s,” as Ree calls them. She insists that chili isn’t complete without chips, lime wedges, red onion and “lots and lots of grated cheese.”
How Ree Drummond makes her chili
Want to make Ree’s chili even better? Here are three top tips to ensure yours turns out just right:
1. Brown the beef well
Ree starts by browning two pounds of ground beef with two cloves of chopped garlic. Don’t rush this step! Let the meat develop a deep, rich color. This caramelization adds a ton of flavor to the chili.
2. Let it simmer for maximum flavor
Once the beef is browned, she stirs in an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce along with a blend of spices: chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne and salt. Then, she covers the pot and lets it simmer for an hour. Put the lid on and just let it do its thing, she advises. The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavors become.
3. Don’t skip the masa harina
At the end of the cooking time, Ree mixes masa harina with water and adds it to the chili. This thickens the mixture and enhances its texture. If you don’t have masa on hand, you can use crushed tortilla chips as a substitute.
How to Make Ree Drummond’s ‘Simple, Perfect Chili’
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Ready to celebrate Chili like the Drummond family? Here’s Ree’s official recipe from Food Network.
Ingredients:
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1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce
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1 (15-oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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1 (15-0z.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
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Toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, lime wedges, tortilla chips
Directions:
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Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
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Place the ground beef in a large pot and throw in the garlic. Cook over medium heat until browned. Drain off the excess fat, then pour in the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and cayenne. Stir together well, cover, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes overly dry, add an extra ½ cup water at a time as needed.
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After an hour, place the masa harina in a small bowl. Add the ½ cup water and stir together with a fork. Then, dump the masa mixture into the chili. Stir together well, taste and adjust the seasonings. Add more masa paste and/or water to get the chili to your preferred consistency, or to add more corn flavor.
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Cool and freeze now, if making ahead (instructions below). If not, add the beans and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve with optional toppings. Enjoy or freeze (instructions below).
Storage tips for meal prep
One of the best things about Ree Drummond’s chili is that it’s perfect for meal prep. Ree likes to freeze it in plastic bags for easy reheating. Her trick? She cuts open the frozen bag, dumps the chili into a pot and covers it with water. As it heats, the water evaporates and the chili is good as new. Once it reheats, you can throw in the beans and let it simmer until ready to serve.
More hearty recipes from The Pioneer Woman:
The Pioneer Woman’s Hamburger Casserole Recipe: Easy and Comforting Dinnertime Bake
Ree Drummond’s Cowboy Quiche Is the Hearty, Cheesy Breakfast You’ll Crave All Week
Ree Drummond’s Lasagna Recipe With Cottage Cheese
