The Best One Pot Chili Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dinner that practically makes itself, you’re going to want to bookmark this one. I’m excited to share The Best One Pot Chili Recipe with you—which, honestly, has become a family favorite around here. It’s super easy, packed with good stuff, and cleanup is a breeze because you only need one pot! Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making chili this way all your life.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s great about The Best One Pot Chili Recipe is how all the ingredients play together to build deep, comforting flavors without any fuss. I always suggest grabbing fresh veggies, but canned tomatoes and beans are the key to that slow-cooked richness in minimal time.

• Ground beef: I prefer lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and less grease; it browns nicely with the onions and garlic.
• White onions: These bring sweetness and depth when cooked down.
• Garlic cloves: The more, the merrier—I love that punch of garlicky aroma.
• Green pepper: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh flavor contrast to the meat.
• Chili powder: The star of the spice show, it gives that signature warmth and color.
• Dried oregano: An herb that deepens the overall flavor profile with a nice earthiness.
• Diced tomatoes: Two cans bring in juicy texture and tanginess.
• Whole peeled tomatoes: These break down slowly and keep the chili thick and saucy.
• Tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
• Water: Keeps everything from getting too thick, just enough to simmer perfectly.
• Kidney beans: I love beans with their creamy texture and extra protein punch; leaving the liquid in makes stirring easy and adds flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To taste—don’t skip adjusting these as you go for balance.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on what’s in the fridge or how spicy I’m feeling. The beautiful part about The Best One Pot Chili Recipe is that it’s a blank canvas—make it your own!

• Swap the meat: I’ve made this with ground turkey or even a plant-based crumble, and it still tastes fantastic.
• Try different beans: Black beans or pinto beans can add a new twist your family might enjoy.
• Turn up the heat: Adding extra chili powder or cayenne pepper is my go-to when I want a kick.
• Veggie-loaded: Throw in some corn, zucchini, or chopped carrots for even more texture and nutrition.

How to Make The Best One Pot Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef, Onions, and Garlic

Start by heating a large greased stockpot over medium to medium-high heat, then toss in the ground beef along with the diced onions and minced garlic. Stir occasionally as they cook—this usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes. You want to see the beef nicely browned and no pink remaining. Don’t rush this step; browning means flavor! Once cooked, drain off any excess grease. Trust me, this little extra step keeps the chili from getting greasy and lets the spices shine.

Step 2: Spice Things Up and Add the Veggies

Now, sprinkle the chili powder and oregano over the meat mixture and toss in the diced green pepper. Stir it well so every bit of beef gets coated in the spices. You’ll already start to smell that amazing chili aroma filling your kitchen—one of my favorite moments!

Step 3: Build the Tomato Base and Simmer

Spoon in the tomato paste, then add water using the empty tomato paste can as a measuring cup—it’s such a handy trick. Dump in both cans of diced and whole peeled tomatoes next, then stir until everything is nicely combined. Put a lid on your pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it gently simmer for about 40 minutes. Make sure to stir every now and then so nothing sticks to the bottom. This slow simmer is what’s going to meld all those flavors into chili magic.

Step 4: Add the Beans and Finish Cooking

After the initial simmer, stir in the kidney beans along with their liquid—this keeps your chili nice and saucy. Take the lid off and let the chili simmer for another 20 to 30 minutes. This final step thickens it up just right without drying it out. Your kitchen smells incredible at this point, I promise.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Grab some bowls and ladle in your chili. I always like to offer fixings like sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, diced green onions, or even crackers on the side—feel free to get creative! My family goes crazy for these toppings, and they really elevate the experience.

How to Serve The Best One Pot Chili Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple but impactful—sour cream adds creaminess, shredded cheddar brings that melty cheesiness, and fresh diced green onions give a little crunch and color. If I’m feeling extra fancy, sliced jalapeños add a nice spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually go with cornbread—warm, buttery, and perfect for dipping into the chili. Sometimes I’ll serve it with a crisp green salad or simple tortilla chips. These balance the meal nicely and add texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or casual gatherings, I like setting up a chili bar with all the fixings—different cheeses, salsas, sour creams, and hot sauces—so everyone can customize their bowl. It makes the meal feel festive and invites friends and family to get creative.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always let the chili cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, which is perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

When I have a big batch, I portion some out into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to three months. It thaws without losing flavor or texture, making it a lifesaver on busy weeks.

Reheating

I like to reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring gently and adding a splash of water if it looks too thick. This keeps the chili moist and flavorful without sticking or burning. Microwave works too—I just stir every minute or so to heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this recipe is both so comforting and so simple—just one pot, minimal fuss, and a ton of flavor. When I first tried The Best One Pot Chili Recipe, I knew I’d found a keeper because it quickly became my go-to comfort food, especially on chilly nights. I hope you give it a whirl and make it your own—it’s the kind of meal that gathers people around the table with full bellies and happy hearts. Enjoy!

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