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One Pot Chili

One Pot Chili

Hearty and flavorful One Pot Chili ready in under 30 minutes, combining tender ground meat, beans, and vibrant spices into a comforting, easy meal with minimal cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to suit all tastes.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Aromatics

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

  • 1 bell pepper, chopped

Beans and Tomatoes

  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney or black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 1 cup chicken or beef broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Variations (not included in base recipe)

  • Chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper for spice
  • Additional beans, lentils, or chopped mushrooms for vegetarian version
  • Corn kernels or diced sweet potatoes for sweetness
  • Extra bell peppers or zucchini noodles for low-carb option

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics and Meat: Heat a splash of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Then, add ground meat and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
  2. Add Vegetables and Spices: Mix in chopped bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir well so the spices coat the meat and vegetables, waking up all those bold flavors.
  3. Pour in Liquids and Beans: Add diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed beans, and broth to the pot. Give everything a thorough stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Simmer Until Perfect: Lower the heat and let the chili simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the liquid to reduce to your desired consistency.
  5. Taste and Adjust: Give your chili a taste test, then add salt, pepper, or extra chili powder if needed. This final step ensures every spoonful is just right.

Notes

  • Brown the Meat Well: Browning gives your chili a deeper, richer flavor that simmers in beautifully.
  • Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices pack more punch than pre-mixed blends.
  • Don’t Skip the Simmer: Letting the chili cook uncovered reduces excess liquid and concentrates flavor.
  • Customize Heat Gradually: Start mild and spice up as you go to keep everyone at the table happy.
  • Stir Occasionally: Prevent sticking and ensure even cooking with periodic stirring.
  • 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: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: one pot chili, quick chili recipe, easy chili, weeknight dinner, ground beef chili, turkey chili, gluten free chili