The moment you take a whiff of a simmering pot of One Pot Chili, your senses awaken. The rich fragrance of spices mingling with tender meat and vibrant vegetables dances around the kitchen, calling everyone to gather. Just one spoonful of this hearty chili and you’ll be transported to flavor town—where every bite is a warm embrace that feels just like home.

This One Pot Chili isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration in a bowl! Whether you’re hosting friends for game day or cozying up on the couch after a long week, this dish delivers comfort and joy like no other. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together, where we turn simple ingredients into an unforgettable feast.
Why You'll Love This One Pot Chili
- This incredible One Pot Chili transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious One Pot Chili:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to keep the chili rich but not too greasy.
- Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add sweetness and texture, while tomato paste intensifies the flavor.
- Kidney Beans: These beans give the chili its heartiness; feel free to swap them with black beans if you prefer.
- Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers not only enhance flavor but also brighten your dish visually.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion adds an aromatic base that builds depth in taste.
- Chili Powder: This is where the magic happens; adjust the amount based on how spicy you want it!
For the Sauce:
- Beef Broth: Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels without compromising flavor.
- Cumin: This spice brings an earthy warmth that complements the other flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious One Pot Chili:
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large pot over medium heat, brown about one pound of ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add one chopped onion and two diced bell peppers to the pot. Sauté for about five minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in two tablespoons of chili powder and one teaspoon of cumin. Stir everything together and let those spices toast for about a minute.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Beans
Pour in one can each of diced tomatoes and kidney beans (drained). Mix in two tablespoons of tomato paste for extra richness.
Step 5: Pour in Broth
Add four cups of low-sodium beef broth to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle simmer; let it bubble away for about twenty minutes so all those flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Once your chili is thickened and aromatic, serve it hot! Top with shredded cheese or fresh cilantro if desired for that extra pizzazz.
Now grab your favorite bowl (and maybe some cornbread), because this One Pot Chili is ready to steal the show at your dinner table!

You Must Know About One Pot Chili
- This showstopping One Pot Chili delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Cooking Process
Start by browning your meat in a large pot to build flavor, then layer in your chopped vegetables while they soften. Add beans and tomatoes next, simmering everything together until it’s rich and thick. Finally, stir in spices to taste for that extra kick.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to swap ground meat for turkey or go vegetarian with lentils. Spice it up with different chili powders or toss in some corn for sweetness. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings like sour cream or cheese to elevate your One Pot Chili.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or pop it in the microwave until steaming hot, stirring occasionally.
Chef's Helpful Tips for One Pot Chili
- This professional-quality One Pot Chili relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Sharing my first attempt at this One Pot Chili brings back memories of friends gathering around my kitchen, raving about how delicious it turned out—who knew cooking could be so rewarding?

FAQs
What is One Pot Chili?
One Pot Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices all cooked together in a single pot. This method not only enhances the flavors but also makes cleanup easy. The beauty of One Pot Chili lies in its versatility; you can customize it with various ingredients like bell peppers, corn, or even different types of beans. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or for feeding a crowd during gatherings. The one-pot cooking method retains all the delicious juices and aromas, making every bite satisfying.
How long does it take to cook One Pot Chili?
Cooking One Pot Chili typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes. This includes preparing your ingredients and allowing the chili to simmer until all flavors meld beautifully. If you’re using dried beans, you may need to soak them beforehand, which adds extra time. However, using canned beans can significantly reduce cooking time. Just ensure you give the chili enough time to develop its rich flavors without rushing the process.
Can I make One Pot Chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make a vegetarian version of One Pot Chili by omitting meat and adding more vegetables and legumes. Consider using lentils or black beans as protein substitutes. Additionally, incorporating diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn can enhance texture and flavor. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth will keep your chili hearty and satisfying while maintaining its vegetarian status.
What are some variations of One Pot Chili?
One Pot Chili offers endless possibilities for customization. You can create variations by changing the protein—try turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Adding different beans like kidney beans or chickpeas can also change the flavor profile significantly. For spice lovers, consider adding jalapeños or chipotle peppers for heat. Additionally, you could experiment with toppings such as cheese, sour cream, or avocado to elevate your bowl of chili.
Conclusion
In summary, One Pot Chili is an incredibly versatile dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal occasion. It allows for numerous variations to fit dietary preferences while being easy to prepare and clean up afterward. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold day or serving it at a gathering, this recipe promises satisfaction in every bowl. With just one pot and a bit of creativity, you can create a delightful meal that everyone will love!
One Pot Chili
One Pot Chili is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender ground beef, hearty kidney beans, and vibrant bell peppers in a single pot. This easy-to-make dish bursts with flavor from rich spices and tomatoes, making it perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends. With minimal cleanup required, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced canned tomatoes
- 1 cup kidney beans (drained)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and diced bell peppers; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in chili powder and cumin, cooking for an additional minute to toast the spices.
- Mix in canned tomatoes and kidney beans, along with the tomato paste for extra richness.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer; cook for about 20 minutes until flavors meld.
- Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese or fresh cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg






