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One Pot Chili

One Pot Chili

A quick, easy, and flavorful One Pot Chili recipe that combines ground meat, beans, vegetables, and spices in a single pot for a comforting and hearty meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this chili is adaptable for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets and ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 bell peppers, chopped

Pantry Ingredients

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

Spices & Seasoning

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

Optional Variations

  • Jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for heat
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo for smoky flavor
  • Extra beans, lentils, or chopped mushrooms for vegetarian version
  • Corn, fresh cilantro, and lime for Mexican flair

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a splash of oil in your pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant to build a flavorful foundation.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink, adding rich depth to the chili.
  3. Add Spices and Vegetables: Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to coat the meat evenly. Toss in chopped bell peppers and any other chosen veggies. Cook together for a few minutes to blend flavors.
  4. Pour in Liquids and Beans: Add canned diced tomatoes, beans, and broth to the pot, scraping the bottom to lift any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
  5. Simmer and Enjoy: Let the chili simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and flavors meld beautifully. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use fresh chili powder and cumin for more vibrant flavor.
  • Don’t skip browning the meat to add richness to the chili.
  • Adjust thickness by simmering longer or adding broth as needed.
  • Add spices gradually to control the heat level.
  • Chili tastes even better the next day when flavors fully meld.

Nutrition

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