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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Elevate with Seasonings: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper across the mixture. Stir vigorously to distribute spices evenly, awakening their complex aromatics.
- Develop Liquid Dimension: Stream broth into the pot, bringing the entire mixture to a robust boil. This step helps meld all flavor profiles together.
- 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.
- 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