Hearty One Pot Chili Recipe: Your Cozy Comfort Food Solution

Crafting a hearty one pot chili recipe can turn an ordinary evening into a delightful culinary adventure.

Aromas of simmering spices will soon fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort.

Robust ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dish that speaks to both tradition and innovation.

Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying conversations around the table.

Seasoned home cooks and kitchen novices alike can master this simple, satisfying meal with ease.

Each spoonful promises a perfect balance of rich flavors and wholesome goodness.

You’ll want to savor every bite of this comforting classic that brings people together.

One Pot Chili Packs Bold Comfort

• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping meats, adding extra veggies, or adjusting spices to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Perfect for feeding a hungry family or gathering with friends, this chili offers a satisfying and nutritious option that everyone will love.
• Enjoy as a standalone dish or pair with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips for a complete and filling meal that works for lunch or dinner.

Core Ingredients in One Pot Chili

• Ground Beef or Turkey: A protein-packed base that adds richness and depth to the chili.
• Beans: Provide a hearty texture and additional protein to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Create a saucy foundation with a tangy flavor profile.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a robust and aromatic flavor base for the chili.
• Bell Peppers, Carrot, Celery: Add sweetness, color, and nutritional value to the dish.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Oregano: Deliver authentic chili spices and warm, complex flavors.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and create a smooth cooking base.
• Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the overall liquid consistency of the chili.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the recipe's flavors.

• Sour Cream, Cheese, Avocado: Provide additional creaminess and fresh garnish options.

How to Simmer One Pot Chili to Perfection

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame.

Toss in diced onions and let them dance until they turn soft and translucent.

Sprinkle minced garlic and let it sizzle for a quick moment, releasing its aromatic charm.

Step 2: Welcome the Veggie Squad

• Bell peppers
• Carrots
• Celery stalks

Stir and cook until they become tender and start to release their sweet essence.

Step 3: Bring on the Protein Power

If you’re craving meat, slide ground beef or turkey into the pot.

Break it down with your cooking spoon, letting it brown beautifully.

Let any extra fat drain away to keep things light.

Step 4: Bean and Tomato Party

• Canned beans (drained)
• Canned diced tomatoes (with their juicy goodness)

Stir everything together until they mingle perfectly.

Step 5: Spice Up Your Life

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix until every ingredient is coated with love and excitement.

Step 6: Liquid Gold Splash

Pour in broth and watch your chili come to life.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 7: Slow and Steady Simmer

Reduce heat to a gentle whisper.

Cover the pot and let everything simmer and get to know each other for 30-40 minutes.

Give an occasional stir and taste to adjust seasoning.

Step 8: Chili Celebration

Ladle this warming masterpiece into bowls.

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Diced avocado

Enjoy your one-pot wonder!

Helpful Moves for One Pot Chili Greatness

• Select ground turkey or extra-lean beef to reduce fat content while maintaining delicious flavor and protein-packed nutrition.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to increase nutrient density and create a more hearty, fiber-rich chili.
• Use low-sodium broth and canned beans, then adjust seasonings to maintain robust taste without excess salt.
• Portion chili into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and convenient meal for busy days.
• Replace meat with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, lentils, or textured vegetable protein for a vegetarian version that's equally satisfying.

Keeping One Pot Chili Meal-Ready

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it cools completely before sealing.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 4-6 months. Avoid freezing with dairy toppings.
• Pour chili into a pot, add a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly to 165°F. Stir occasionally to maintain even temperature.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

One Pot Chili and Its Favorite Companions

• Elevate Chili with Perfect Pairings
• Complement with Crisp Cornbread: Warm, slightly sweet cornbread provides the perfect textural contrast to hearty chili. Its buttery crumb soaks up the rich sauce while balancing the spicy flavor profile.
• Match with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Zinfandel or Syrah to stand up to the chili's intense seasonings. These full-bodied wines enhance the depth of meat and spices, creating a luxurious dining experience.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Coleslaw: Tangy, crunchy coleslaw cuts through the chili's richness. Its crisp texture and vinegary notes provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, hearty dish.
• Pair with Cold Mexican Lager: A crisp, light beer like Modelo or Corona offers a clean, refreshing finish. The beer's subtle hops and light body help cool down the chili's spiciness while complementing its robust flavors.

Changing Things Up in One Pot Chili

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground meat with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or black beans. Add extra vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms for texture and depth.
• Low-Carb Chili: Swap beans for diced cauliflower or additional vegetables. Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option. Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Chili: Increase heat by adding jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or cayenne powder. Include fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Top with fresh jalapeño slices for extra kick.
• Slow Cooker Version: Follow the same ingredient list but transfer ingredients to a slow cooker after sautéing vegetables and browning meat. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for deeper flavor development.

FAQs

• Is this chili recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the chili powder and optional additions like jalapeños. You can control spiciness by using mild chili powder or adding hot sauce to taste.

• Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the meat and add extra beans or plant-based protein like chopped mushrooms or meat substitute. The vegetables and seasonings will provide plenty of flavor.

• What type of beans work best?

Kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans are excellent choices. You can use a single type or mix different beans for more texture and flavor complexity.

• How can I thicken the chili if it's too liquid?

Let it simmer uncovered to reduce liquid, or mix in a little cornstarch slurry. Alternatively, mash some beans against the pot’s side to create a thicker consistency.

One Pot Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty One Pot Chili delivers comfort in a single skillet, blending robust spices with tender meat and rich beans. Warm, satisfying flavors invite you to savor each spoonful of this classic American comfort dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey (optional)

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers (red and green), diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced

Canned and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams each) black and kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams each) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Aromatic Foundation: In a spacious pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Introduce diced onions and sauté for approximately 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Quickly incorporate minced garlic, continuing to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to release its robust flavors.
2. Layer Vegetable Complexity: Gently fold in diced bell peppers, carrots, and celery. Allow these vegetables to soften and develop depth, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Integrate Protein: Create space in the pot and introduce ground meat. Brown thoroughly, methodically breaking apart the protein with a wooden spoon. Eliminate excess rendering if necessary to maintain a clean, rich base.
4. Combine Hearty Elements: Seamlessly mix in pre-drained beans and diced tomatoes, ensuring complete integration of all components. The liquid from tomatoes will create a rich, robust foundation for the chili.
5. Elevate with Seasonings: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper across the mixture. Stir vigorously to distribute spices evenly, awakening their complex aromatics.
6. Develop Liquid Dimension: Stream broth into the pot, bringing the entire mixture to a robust boil. This step helps meld all flavor profiles together.
7. Slow Transformation: Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and allow the chili to evolve for 30-40 minutes. Occasionally stir and taste, adjusting seasonings to personal preference.
8. Presentation and Garnish: Ladle the rich, aromatic chili into serving bowls. Embellish with optional toppings like creamy sour cream, sharp cheese, or buttery avocado slices for added texture and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for extra spiciness.
• Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of dark beer or red wine during simmering.
• Meal prep friendly: chili tastes even better the next day and freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg