This One-Pot Chili is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with beans, ground meat, and spices, it’s hearty and easy to make—all in one pot.
Perfect for busy days, I love how it cooks down to a thick, flavorful dish that makes my house smell amazing. Plus, clean-up is a breeze! Who doesn’t love that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using ground beef for its rich flavor, but ground turkey is a healthier alternative. You can even go meatless by using lentils or a mix of your favorite beans!
Kidney Beans: Kidney beans are great for chili, but if you’re out, black beans or pinto beans work well too. Just make sure they are drained and rinsed.
Diced Tomatoes: You can use fresh diced tomatoes instead of canned if you have them on hand. Just add a splash of water to keep things juicy.
Spices: Chili powder is key, but feel free to adjust or add other spices like cayenne or paprika for heat and depth. If you’re short on chili powder, a mix of paprika, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne can work too!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor From My Chili?
Layering flavors is the key to a delicious chili! Here’s how:
- Start by sautéing your onions until they’re soft. This brings out the sweetness!
- Add garlic at the end of the onion cooking time to keep it fragrant.
- Brown your meat well before adding in spices; this caramelization enhances the flavor.
- Let the chili simmer for at least 20 minutes, but longer is better. Flavors deepen as they meld!
- Adjust seasoning at the end. A little salt helps enhance all those lovely flavors you’ve layered.
Trust me, patience pays off in chili-making!
One-Pot Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese and fresh herbs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious One-Pot Chili takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. In about 40 minutes total, you’ll have a hearty, comforting meal perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Sauté it for about 3–4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently so it doesn’t burn—it’ll smell amazing!
2. Browning the Meat:
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink—around 6–8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, you can drain it off if you like. We want a nice, lean chili!
3. Mixing in the Flavors:
Now it’s time to stir in all those spices! Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if you want a little heat), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook this mixture for about a minute until it’s fragrant. This will deepen the flavor!
4. Adding the Rest of the Ingredients:
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well mixed. This is where your chili starts to look and smell like chili!
5. Letting It Simmer:
Bring the chili mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps all the flavors meld together and thickens the chili. If it gets too thick, feel free to add a bit more broth.
6. Final Touches:
After about 20 minutes, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it needs a little more salt or spice, go ahead and add it! When you’re happy with the taste, your chili is ready to serve.
7. Serving:
Serve the chili hot, topped with some shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or cilantro for garnish. For an extra treat, enjoy it with cornbread or tortilla chips on the side.
Enjoy your cozy, flavorful One-Pot Chili! It’s a dish that’s sure to warm your heart and belly!
Can I Use Different Types of Beans?
Absolutely! While kidney beans are traditional for chili, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas if you prefer. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the pot!
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this chili vegetarian or vegan by omitting the meat and using plant-based ground meat or more beans and lentils. Also, replace the beef broth with vegetable broth or water for a lighter version!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to three months; just make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Chili?
Definitely! Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, corn, or diced carrots for extra nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the onions at the beginning for the best results!
