Description
This easy one-pot stove chili recipe delivers a hearty, comforting, and flavorful meal with a signature Brick Red hue, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey or plant-based crumbles)
- 1 large onion, diced (adds essential aromatic base)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for pungent depth)
- 2 tbsp chili powder (ensure it’s gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tsp ground cumin (for earthy warmth)
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano (classic chili herb)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (provides a smooth, rich tomato base)
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (for texture and tang; fire-roasted for extra depth)
- 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained (or black beans)
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth (for simmering liquid; low-sodium for a healthier option)
- Salt, to taste (for balancing flavors)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (for balancing flavors)
- A pinch cayenne pepper, optional (for a subtle kick)
Instructions
- Prep & Saute: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, brown 1 lb ground beef over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon. Once cooked through and no longer pink, drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook for 5-7 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. (If it looks dry, add a splash of broth to prevent sticking.)
- Spice It Up: Stir in the 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 0.5 tsp dried oregano, and the optional pinch of cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until the spices are wonderfully fragrant and toasted.
- Simmer & Savor: Pour in the 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained), the rinsed kidney beans, rinsed pinto beans, and 1 cup beef or vegetable broth. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. (Optional: add a small square of dark chocolate here to deepen richness.)
- Taste & Serve: Uncover and taste the chili. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking, adjusting until the flavors truly pop. Ladle out generous bowls of your comforting chili.
Notes
For deeper flavor, simmer the chili for up to 2 hours. Consider adding a small square of dark chocolate during simmering for added richness. If using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles, adjust cooking time as needed. Choose low-sodium broth and gluten-free chili powder for dietary adjustments.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380 calories
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: easy chili, stove, one pot, brick red, ground beef, healthy, quick dinner, family friendly, hearty