One-Pot Chili Recipe

If you’re craving cozy comfort in a bowl, this One-Pot Chili Recipe is the answer! Packed with tender beef, hearty beans, and a just-right kick of spice, it’s an easy weeknight meal that brings big flavor with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this chili is about to become your new go-to favorite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to make a truly outstanding chili—just a lineup of straightforward, flavor-packed ingredients that each play their part in building layers of savory, spicy, and hearty goodness. Every item in this One-Pot Chili Recipe is chosen for taste or texture, and you likely have most on hand already!

• Ground beef (1 1/2 lbs): Provides rich, meaty flavor and satisfying protein. You can use lean or regular, depending on your preference for richness.
• Onion (1, diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the base of the chili—yellow or white onions both work great.
• Garlic (4 cloves, crushed): For that essential warmth and aroma that makes the chili so inviting.
• Kidney beans (2 cans, drained & rinsed): These bring heartiness and creamy texture. If you like more beans, add an extra can!
• Diced tomatoes (28 oz can): Lend body, acidity, and chunky tomato goodness; you can swap for fire-roasted for extra flavor punch.
• Tomato paste (6 oz): Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the chili beautifully.
• Green chilies (4.5 oz can): For a mild, tangy lift and gentle heat—it’s what gives this chili its signature kick.
• Chicken broth (3 cups): Adds richness and ties the flavors together; you can use water plus bouillon powder to adjust the saltiness as you like.
• Chili powder (2 Tbsp): The backbone of chili flavor—choose your favorite, smoky or mild!
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for bringing all the flavors forward—taste and adjust as you cook.
• Cumin (2 tsp): Brings earthiness and warmth that’s classic in any great chili.
• Oregano (1 tsp, dried): For a subtle herbal undertone in the background.
• Cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp): For gentle heat—skip or increase to taste.
• Hot sauce (1 tsp): Rounds out the chili’s punch; your favorite variety works well.
• Sugar (1 tsp): Just a tiny pinch that balances out the tomato’s acidity and deepens the overall flavor.

Variations

One of the joys of this One-Pot Chili Recipe is how endlessly customizable it is—tweak it to suit your pantry, cravings, or dietary needs with just a few easy swaps. Here are some of my favorite ways to make it your own.

• Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles instead of beef for a lighter or vegetarian twist.
• Double the Beans: Add black beans or pinto beans alongside kidney beans for extra heartiness and a colorful bowl.
• Spice It Up: Toss in a chopped jalapeño or use spicy green chilies if you like more heat, or skip the cayenne for a milder version.
• Veggie-Packed: Stir in corn, diced bell peppers, or zucchini for added sweetness and extra texture.

How to Make One-Pot Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Let it brown thoroughly, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains. If there’s excess fat in the pot, go ahead and drain it—this keeps your chili delicious, not greasy!

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

With the beef still in the pot, add your diced onion and crushed garlic right in. Stir them together and let the mixture cook for about 2–3 minutes, until the onion softens and the garlic becomes warmly fragrant—this step forms the aromatic base of your chili.

Step 3: Build the Flavor

Now it’s time to pile in the chili powder, cumin, salt, oregano, cayenne, sugar, and hot sauce. Give everything a good stir, letting the spices bloom for a minute in the heat. This is what gives the One-Pot Chili Recipe its signature deep, robust flavor.

Step 4: Add Beans, Tomatoes & Broth

Pour in the drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes (including their juices), tomato paste, green chilies, and chicken broth (or water with bouillon). Scrape along the bottom to make sure any meaty bits are loosened—the broth will help bring it all together into one beautiful pot of chili!

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the chili to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the pot simmer, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld, thickens the chili, and fills your kitchen with the world’s best smell. Give it a little stir every so often, and taste for seasoning before serving.

How to Serve One-Pot Chili Recipe

Garnishes

No bowl of chili is complete without a little extra on top! Shredded cheddar cheese melts into gooey ribbons, a dollop of cool sour cream balances all that spice, and sliced green onions or cilantro bring a pop of freshness. Pickled jalapeños or diced avocado are extra-fun for a Tex-Mex touch.

Side Dishes

This One-Pot Chili Recipe practically begs for a side of warm, crumbly cornbread—it’s perfect for scooping and soaking up every last drop. If you want something lighter, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or family gatherings, try serving your chili in a bread bowl or big mug for fun presentation (and less cleanup!). Or line up small bowls of toppings so everyone can garnish their own—think chili bar style. Chili also makes an amazing topping for baked potatoes or nachos if you’re feeling playful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your chili cool completely, then transfer it into airtight containers. It keeps happily in the fridge for up to 4 days, and you’ll probably find the flavors get even more delicious with a little time to mingle.

Freezing

To freeze, portion cooled chili into freezer-safe bags or containers—press out the air and seal well. Frozen, the One-Pot Chili Recipe will keep its flavor and texture for 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat chilled chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. If it thickens up too much in the fridge, just add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to your preferred consistency. Individual portions reheat quickly in the microwave, too!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats a pot of homemade chili on a chilly day, especially when it’s this easy. I hope you’ll give this One-Pot Chili Recipe a try—bring your own flair to it and make it a staple in your kitchen. Pour yourself a steaming bowl, pile on your favorite toppings, and savor the comfort—it’s pure, uncomplicated joy!

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