Welcome to my kitchen, where I’m about to share my absolute favorite comfort food: a hearty one-pot chili! Seriously, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of a bubbling pot of chili on a chilly day. It’s got everything you need—rich flavors, filling ingredients, and a simplicity that makes it a breeze to whip up. I first made this recipe during a cozy family gathering, and it was an instant hit! Trust me, once you dive into this delicious bowl of goodness, you’ll be hooked! Plus, the best part? Cleanup is a cinch since everything cooks in one pot. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients for this one-pot chili is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef: The star of the show! Choose lean ground beef for a low-fat option.
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz): These add a hearty texture and flavor. Rinse and drain them well.
- 1 can black beans (15 oz): Another great source of protein; also rinse and drain.
- 1 can diced tomatoes (28 oz): Look for the ones packed in juice for extra flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: A medium onion works perfectly; chop it up nice and fine.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic amps up the flavor—don’t skimp on this!
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: This is where the magic happens! Adjust to your heat preference.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the chili powder.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to give it a little kick.
- 1 cup beef broth: Use low-sodium for a healthier option.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic to perfection.
With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a delicious bowl of chili that’s sure to warm your heart!
How to Prepare One-Pot Chili
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part—making your one-pot chili! This is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s easier than you think. Just follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a delicious pot of chili simmering away in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle when you add the onions.
- Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Oh, that smell is heavenly!
- Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it apart with your spoon so it cooks evenly.
- Once the beef is browned, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together for about 1 minute to let those spices bloom.
- Now, it’s time to add the star ingredients! Pour in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Bring the chili to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. This is the perfect time to sip on a drink and let those flavors meld together!
- After 30 minutes, taste your chili and adjust the spices if needed. Serve it hot, and enjoy the comforting warmth of your homemade one-pot chili!
And there you have it! Just remember, the great thing about one-pot chili is that it’s forgiving, so don’t worry if you don’t get everything perfect the first time. You’ll be a chili pro in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one-pot chili isn’t just a meal; it’s a cozy experience that you’ll want to make again and again! Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll be on your way to a hearty dinner!
- Easy Cleanup: Since everything cooks in one pot, you can say goodbye to a mountain of dishes!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and hearty ingredients creates a flavor explosion that warms your soul.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It’s great for leftovers, making it a fantastic option for busy weekdays!
Tips for Success
To ensure your one-pot chili turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t rush the sautéing step; letting the onions and garlic soften properly builds a solid flavor base. If you like a spicier kick, feel free to add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce when you add the spices. For a thicker chili, let it simmer a little longer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. And remember, chili tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead of time! You’ll be amazed at how the flavors deepen and meld together.
Variations
The beauty of this one-pot chili is how easily you can mix things up! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the kidney beans and black beans for pinto beans or even chickpeas for a different texture. Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for a fiery kick! You can also throw in some chopped bell peppers or a handful of corn for extra color and sweetness. And for a smoky flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or even some diced smoked sausage! The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your one-pot chili is super simple! Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for those busy weeknights. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. I like to portion it out into smaller containers so I can grab a quick meal whenever I need one!
When it’s time to reheat, you can either warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or pop it in the microwave for a few minutes. Just be sure to cover it loosely to avoid splatters. And if you find it’s a bit thick after reheating, feel free to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Enjoy every warm, comforting bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for a serving of this delicious one-pot chili. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but it gives you a great idea of what you’re nourishing your body with!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
This hearty chili is not only filling but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down. Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself to something nutritious!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect one-pot chili? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute if you want a lighter version.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No worries! You can use chicken broth or even vegetable broth in a pinch.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Just brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How can I thicken my chili?
If your chili turns out a bit too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer, or stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Just store it in airtight containers, and it’ll be good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
One-Pot Chili: 7 Comforting Recipes for Cozy Days
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pot chili that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz)
- 1 can black beans (15 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (28 oz)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Serve with cornbread or rice.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: One-Pot Chili