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One Pot Chili

One Pot Chili

This One Pot Chili recipe is a quick, hearty, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Made with simple pantry staples, it combines ground meat, beans, and robust spices in a single pot for minimal cleanup. Versatile and customizable, this chili offers a comforting, satisfying taste that warms both body and soul in under 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

Beans

  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed

Tomatoes

  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Other

  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil

Optional toppings

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Meat – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink.
  2. Step 2: Add Peppers and Spices – Stir in diced bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the spices’ full aroma and flavor.
  3. Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes and Beans – Add canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to the pot, followed by the drained and rinsed beans. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Simmer and Let Flavors Meld – Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let chili simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps deepen flavors and thicken the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasonings – Before serving, taste the chili and add extra salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired to balance the flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and onions to build a rich, robust flavor base.
  • Drain excess fat after browning meat to avoid greasy chili.
  • Allow sufficient simmering time for flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
  • Customize spice level by adjusting chili powder and adding cayenne or jalapeños as desired.
  • Rinse canned beans well to reduce excess sodium and improve texture.
  • Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking and burning.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: One-Pot Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 470mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: one pot chili, quick chili recipe, easy chili, chili with beans, weeknight dinner, ground beef chili, ground turkey chili, budget-friendly meal