Description
This hearty one pot chili is packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warming spices, making it the ultimate comfort food for chilly fall evenings. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean, or substitute ground turkey)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted recommended)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or black beans)
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium, or vegetable broth)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips or cornbread
Instructions
- Chop the onion, garlic, and bell pepper into small, even pieces. Open and drain the beans.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until onions are soft.
- Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir well and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if chili gets too thick.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, chili powder, or hot sauce to taste.
- Let chili rest off the heat for 10 minutes before serving to thicken and meld flavors.
- Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings: cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, or crushed chips.
Notes
Let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor. For vegetarian chili, omit meat and add extra beans or mushrooms. Adjust spice level to taste. Chili tastes even better the next day and freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 22
Keywords: chili, one pot, comfort food, fall recipe, easy dinner, ground beef, beans, gluten-free, weeknight meal, cozy, hearty