This One-Pot Chili is a hearty mix of beans, tomatoes, and spices that warms you up from the inside out. It’s easy to make and clean up afterward too!
Who doesn’t love a meal with less mess? I often make a big batch to share with friends or have leftovers for the week. Perfect with some cornbread on the side! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This forms the base of your chili. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well. For a vegetarian twist, substitute with lentils or your favorite beans.
Kidney Beans: They add protein and texture. If you don’t have them, black beans or pinto beans are great substitutes. Just make sure to rinse them well for better flavor.
Spices: Chili powder brings the heat and flavor. Experiment with cayenne for more spice or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. If you’re out of cumin, try coriander as an alternative.
Tomatoes: Diced and sauce add moisture. You can use fresh tomatoes if you have them; just chop them finely. Also, try fire-roasted tomatoes for added flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Chili Is Full of Flavor?
Making flavorful chili is all about timing and layering ingredients. The initial step is to sauté the onions until they’re soft and slightly golden. This builds a strong base. When you add garlic, cook it for just 30 seconds to avoid burning.
- After browning the beef, add spices and cook them briefly. This helps toast the spices, enhancing their flavor.
- When adding the beans and tomatoes, make sure to stir well. This ensures every bite is packed with all the flavors.
- Let it simmer uncovered; this thickens the chili and concentrates the flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
One-Pot Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious One-Pot Chili takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes to cook, making a total of about 40 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner during the week or a gathering with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Your kitchen should start to smell amazing!
2. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook it until the meat is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off to keep your chili nice and healthy!
3. Add the Spices:
Next, it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Let this cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally to toast the spices and bring out their rich flavors.
4. Mix in the Base Ingredients:
Now, add in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and beef broth (or water). Stir everything together until well combined. It’s looking like a hearty chili already!
5. Let It Simmer:
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives the flavors time to meld and allows the chili to thicken up nicely.
6. Final Adjustments:
After simmering, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt or chili powder to get it just right for your taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the hot chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. Enjoy your comforting, flavorful One-Pot Chili!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef, and it works wonderfully in this chili. Just follow the same cooking steps for browning the meat.
What if I Want to Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
No problem! Simply omit the ground beef and substitute it with an extra can of beans, like black beans or pinto beans. You can also add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well—just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Reheat on the stove or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Add Extra Vegetables?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or corn make great additions. Just sauté them with the onions at the beginning to incorporate their flavors into the chili.