This One-Pot Chili is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for any day. Packed with ground beef, beans, and spices, it’s simple to make and easy to love!
You know it’s a good day when one pot does all the work. I sometimes add extra toppings like cheese or sour cream—because why not? Enjoying this with cornbread is the best!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives chili its hearty texture. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or meat alternatives like soy or chickpeas.
Kidney Beans: They add protein and fiber. Black beans or pinto beans work well as alternatives. If you’re avoiding beans, try adding more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini instead.
Chili Powder: It’s the signature spice for flavor. If you like it spicy, try adding more or use a blend of chili powders. You can also use taco seasoning in a pinch, but adjust salt accordingly.
Beef Broth: This adds richness to the chili. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or plain water if that’s all you have. Just add a touch more seasoning to boost taste.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Onions and Garlic?
Cooking the onion and garlic properly enhances the flavor base of your chili. Start by cooking onions until they’re soft and slightly translucent. This takes about 4-5 minutes on medium heat. Garlic cooks quickly, so only add it until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This step builds a delicious foundation for your dish.
- Use medium heat for onions to prevent burning.
- Stir occasionally to cook evenly without sticking.
- Don’t skip this step—onions and garlic make it flavorful!
How Can I Thicken My Chili?
If your chili is too watery, there are a few tricks. First, let it simmer uncovered longer to evaporate excess liquid. If you want a quicker fix, mash some beans against the pot’s side; this thickens the chili nicely. Alternatively, stirring in a bit of cornmeal or flour can also help achieve a thicker consistency.
One-Pot Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This One-Pot Chili takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30-40 minutes of cooking time for a total of around 50 minutes. It’s a quick and simple meal that’s full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook it until it becomes soft and slightly translucent, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This step is important because it builds the base flavor for your chili!
2. Add Garlic:
Once the onion is cooked, add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir and let it cook for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink, for about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it out to keep your chili from being too greasy.
4. Mix in the Spices:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you want some heat), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined. This is where your chili starts to come together!
6. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce your heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken to your liking.
7. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, taste your chili and see if it needs any adjustments. You can add more salt, pepper, or even chili powder depending on how you like it.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to eat, serve your chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheddar cheese, if desired. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of your delicious One-Pot Chili!
Feel free to share this recipe with family and friends! It’s sure to become a favorite over chilly nights.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just be aware that it will have a slightly different flavor, so you might want to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
How Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian option, simply substitute the ground beef with lentils, chickpeas, or a meat alternative. You can also load it up with additional veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for extra flavor and nutrition!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months—just make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and chili powder. You can always add a bit more spice during cooking if you find it isn’t spicy enough. Taste as you go to achieve your preferred heat level!
