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Best One-Pot Chili Recipe

The Best One-Pot Chili Recipe

The best one-pot chili recipe is your answer to a busy weeknight meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Simmer Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Spice Blend
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to your spice preference
Aromatics
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
Meats
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 is ideal for flavor
  • 1 pound ground turkey optional, for a leaner option
Canned Goods & Liquids
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans rinsed and drained (or another can of kidney or black beans)
  • 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder enhances depth of flavor
Seasoning
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
Optional Toppings
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Green onions
  • Cornbread

Equipment

  • Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Spoon
  • Saucepan (for reheating)
  • Airtight container (for storage)
  • Freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags (for freezing)

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
    1 tablespoon olive oil
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
    1 large yellow onion
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
    2 cloves garlic
  4. Add the ground beef and ground turkey (if using) to the pot. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until browned throughout. Drain off any excess grease.
    1 pound ground beef, 1 pound ground turkey
  5. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This step helps to bloom the spices and deepen their flavor.
    2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  6. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
    to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper
  7. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cocoa powder.
    1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  8. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld and the chili will thicken. For a richer flavor, you can simmer it for up to an hour.
  9. Before serving, taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or cayenne for extra heat. If the chili is too thick, you can add a little more broth or water.
    to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth

Notes

This chili is great for meal prep and gets better the next day. Optional toppings can be added for extra flavor and texture.