This One-Pot Chili Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—savory, hearty, and ready in just 30 minutes! It’s full of robust flavors from ground beef, aromatic spices, and just the right touch of heat. Whether you’re serving a hungry family on a weeknight or hosting a casual game day get-together, this comforting classic is always a hit. And the best part? Everything cooks up in one pot for effortless prep and easy clean-up!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Simplicity: Everything cooks together in a single pot, making for a speedy clean-up and minimal fuss.
- Big, Bold Flavor: The combination of spices, garlic, and green chilies gives every bite a rich, robust depth that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing: This One-Pot Chili Recipe welcomes all your favorite add-ins, from extra veggies to different beans—there’s something for everyone.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: You get that slow-cooked, comforting taste with minimal cooking time, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk chili essentials! Each ingredient in this One-Pot Chili Recipe plays a role in creating the perfect balance—whether it’s providing heartiness, layering in bold flavor, or adding color and texture. You’ll likely have most of these pantry staples on hand already, which makes this dish a weeknight superstar.
- Ground beef (1 1/2 lbs): The classic base for chili, it offers rich flavor and satisfying protein. You can use lean beef to minimize excess grease or opt for a bit of fat for deeper taste.
- Onion (diced): Onions build the aromatic backbone of this dish, making everything smell and taste irresistible.
- Garlic (4 cloves, crushed): Fresh garlic brings zingy warmth, enhancing the savory depth of the chili.
- Kidney beans (2 cans, drained & rinsed): Firm and hearty, these beans absorb flavor while adding a pop of color and texture.
- Diced tomatoes (1 28-ounce can): Tomatoes provide the saucy base and a sweet tang that balances the spices—look for fire-roasted for extra flavor!
- Tomato paste (1 6oz can): This thickens the chili and intensifies the tomato richness.
- Green chilies (1 4.5oz can): Mildly spicy, these chilies add brightness and just enough kick—perfect for families.
- Chicken broth (3 cups): Acts as the flavorful liquid that lets everything simmer together wonderfully. Water and bouillon powder works in a pinch, too.
- Chili powder (2 Tbsp): The heart of the chili, it offers that signature warming flavor and beautiful rich hue.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Just enough to enhance and round out all the other flavors.
- Cumin (2 tsp): Earthy and slightly smoky, cumin is a must for classic chili aroma.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Brings a subtle herbal note that compliments the warmth of the spices.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp): For those who like a little fire—add more or less to taste.
- Hot sauce (1 tsp): A splash for complexity and a satisfyingly zippy finish.
- Sugar (1 tsp): Just a pinch of sweetness to balance out the acidity from all those tomatoes.
Variations
Chili is easygoing and endlessly adaptable. Don’t be afraid to play with the One-Pot Chili Recipe to fit what’s in your pantry or cater to personal tastes! Here are a few ideas to help you make this recipe truly your own.
- Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles if you’d like a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Mix Up the Beans: Pinto, black beans, or even chickpeas work beautifully in place of kidney beans for new textures and colors.
- Spice It Your Way: Adjust the amount of cayenne and hot sauce for a milder or spicier kick, or leave out the heat altogether for sensitive palates.
- Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra nutrition, sweetness, and crunch.
- Make It Smoky: Stir in a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for an irresistible, smoky undertone.
How to Make One-Pot Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat—this step ensures your chili is rich and flavorful, not greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and crushed garlic to the beef in the pot. Sauté everything together for 2–3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, and your kitchen smells absolutely delicious. The onion and garlic form the flavor foundation!
Step 3: Add Spices and Canned Ingredients
Time to build those chili layers! Sprinkle in all the spices—chili powder, salt, cumin, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, and sugar. Add the drained beans, green chilies, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and pour in the chicken broth. Give everything a thorough stir so all the flavors blend together.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let your One-Pot Chili Recipe simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld and the chili naturally thickens—stir occasionally and enjoy the anticipation!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your chili has thickened and smells impossibly inviting, give it a final taste for seasoning. Spoon into bowls, pile on your favorite toppings, and dig in while it’s piping hot!
Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Chili Recipe
- Meaty Sear Magic: Take time to brown the ground beef thoroughly for a deeper, more savory base—it’s the secret to that restaurant-quality umami!
- Broth Choice: Chicken broth keeps things light, but a rich beef broth can add more depth if you want an extra flavor punch.
- Simmer Uncovered: Leave the lid off while simmering to let your chili thicken naturally and concentrate those glorious flavors.
- Taste at the End: Always give your chili a final taste after simmering—sometimes a pinch more salt or another splash of hot sauce is all it needs before serving.
How to Serve One-Pot Chili Recipe
Garnishes
No bowl of chili is complete without the finishing touch! I love piling mine with plenty of shredded cheddar cheese, a generous dollop of sour cream, finely chopped green onions, and maybe a few fresh cilantro leaves for brightness. If you crave crunch, a handful of corn chips or sliced jalapeños takes it over the top.
Side Dishes
Nothing says comfort like a warm slice of cornbread on the side of your steaming chili bowl. If you’re looking to bulk up the meal, serve it with fluffy rice, a simple side salad, or crispy tortilla chips. And for extra decadence, try a baked potato topped with chili and all the fixings!
Creative Ways to Present
Wow your guests by ladling chili into hollowed bread bowls or tiny mason jars for parties. For a fun twist, set up a chili bar with assorted toppings so everyone can build their perfect bowl. Leftover chili also makes a standout topping for nachos, baked sweet potatoes, or even chili dogs for a playful weeknight dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover One-Pot Chili Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors melt together even more overnight, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s bowl tastes even better!
Freezing
This One-Pot Chili Recipe is a meal-preppers dream! Portion cooled chili into freezer-safe bags or containers, label the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Perfect for busy nights when you need dinner fast.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour the chili into a saucepan and warm over medium heat until it’s bubbling gently. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened up too much in the fridge. For single servings, the microwave works wonderfully too—just cover loosely and heat until steamy!
FAQs
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Can I make this One-Pot Chili Recipe in advance for a party?
Absolutely! In fact, chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld. Make it up to two days ahead, chill in the fridge, and gently reheat on the stove before serving—just give it a good stir and add a splash of broth if needed.
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Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of this chili?
Yes, it’s so simple! Just swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based crumbles or additional beans (like black or pinto). Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and you’ll have a cozy, meatless One-Pot Chili Recipe everyone will love.
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How can I make this chili less spicy for kids or sensitive eaters?
Just omit or reduce the cayenne pepper and hot sauce. You can also pick mild green chilies and use only a small amount of chili powder. Serve with extra cheese and sour cream, which helps to tame any lingering heat!
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Can I double this recipe for a bigger group?
Definitely! Double all the ingredients and use a very large pot or Dutch oven. The simmering time may increase by a few minutes, but otherwise, the steps are exactly the same. This One-Pot Chili Recipe is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers comfort, ease, and flavor in every spoonful, this One-Pot Chili Recipe should definitely be on your dinner shortlist. Whether it’s a chilly weekday or your next game-day bash, give it a try—you might just find it becomes a new favorite in your home, too!
Print
One-Pot Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 6oz can tomato paste
- 1 4.5oz can green chilies
- 3 cups chicken broth or water and 2 teaspoons chicken bullion powder
Spices:
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
Note:
- You can substitute 1 10 oz can of diced tomatoes with chopped green chilies along with 1 other can of plain diced tomatoes for the 28-ounce can and green chilies.
Instructions
- Fry the Beef: In a large pot, fry the beef and drain excess fat. Add in the onion & garlic, and sauté until soft.
- Add Ingredients: Mix in all the spices, beans, chilies, tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese & sour cream. Serve with cornbread.
Notes
- This chili can be topped with a variety of condiments such as diced onions, jalapeños, or avocado slices.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce according to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
