It’s cold outside, so that only means one thing… Chili, Babyyyyy! There’s nothing better than a flavorful, hearty bowl of chili paired with a side of honey butter cornbread. And before you ask… YES, this is a bean chili recipe, okay? Beans belong in chili. *Drops mic*
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Warm up with my One-Pot Chili Recipe, packed with bold flavors, savory spices, and tender beef. Loaded with wholesome ingredients and topped with all the fixings, this hearty dish is not only delicious but the perfect comfort food for any occasion!
What’s Chili?
Chili is a beloved, hearty stew enjoyed across the United States. Originating in Mexico as Chili con carne, this dish has evolved into countless variations. While recipes differ, the core ingredients often include chili peppers, meat mainly beef, tomatoes, and beans, making it a versatile and flavorful favorite.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Chili Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: Cooking everything in one pot makes this recipe a breeze, with minimal effort and cleanup required.
- Hearty and Affordable: Packed with flavor and nutrients, this chili is budget-friendly and can be made for under $20—perfect for feeding a crowd or stretching leftovers for the week.
- Loaded with Protein: A great source of protein, this chili is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
- Customizable: Make it your own! Top this one-pot chili recipe with your favorite toppings for an extra burst of flavor.
Chili Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to make this chili recipe:
- Ground beef: I like using 80/20 ground chuck. Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken.
- Onion: yellow onion or white onion, diced.
- Garlic: you can use garlic cloves or garlic paste.
- Bell pepper: optional.
- Jalapeño: finely diced.
- Diced tomatoes: I like using fire roasted for an extra kick. If you prefer less heat, feel free to use mild diced tomatoes.
- Tomato Paste: when caramelized this creates a deep flavor.
- Beans: I used a variation of kidney and pinto beans.
- Broth: either chicken broth, beef broth or water.
- Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, chile powder, oregano, black pepper smoked paprika
- Roasted beef bouillon base: this elevates things to another level.
- Worcestershire sauce: a few dashes to enhance the flavor.

Topping ideas
- cheese: shredded Colby jack or Mexican blend. I prefer using thick cut.
- sour cream: or plain greek yogurt.
- jalapeños: for the perfect kick.
- cilantro
- tortilla strips
Special Tools?
Not many tools are necessary for this recipe. Just your favorite stock pot or dutch oven and a food wooden spatula/spoon.
Recipe Variations For Chili Recipe
feel free to customize this One-Pot Chili Recipe by adding the following:
- Swap the Protein: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make It White Chicken Chili: Use shredded chicken, white beans, and green chilies. Swap the tomato base for chicken broth, and stir in sour cream or cream cheese for a creamy finish.
- Add Sweet Potato: Dice sweet potatoes and cook them alongside the other ingredients. They add a hint of sweetness and extra heartiness to your chili.

More recipes to enjoy
White Chicken Chili
Stewed Jerk Mushrooms and Grits
Easy One-Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup
The Best 30 min Zuppa Toscana Soup
Easy Homemade Salsa Verde Soup For Fall
If you try this One-Pot Chili Recipe, please be sure to leave a comment, and or tag me on Instagram @cookwithci. I would love to see your recreations and hear your thoughts.
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One-Pot Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 cans red kidney beans
- 1 can pinto beans
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1/2 jalapeño diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 15 oz can of crushed tomatoes optional
- 2 cans rotel diced tomatoes
- 2 cups water or low sodium beef broth
- 1 1/2 tsp roasted beef bouillon
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp all purpose seasoning
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Toppings
- shredded colby jack
- jalapeño slices
- green onions
- sour cream
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once it's about 70% cooked, drain some of the excess oil. Add the onions, white part of the green onions, and diced jalapeño. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Then, add the garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Season the meat mixture with onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, oregano, all purpose seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Next add in tomato paste and cook for about 4 minutes until the tomato paste caramelizes. Pour in the diced and crushed tomatoes, and the drained beans.
- Carefully pour in the water or broth. Stir in the roasted bouillon base, W sauce and brown sugar. Taste and adjust for salt.
- Cover and allow to simmer on medium low for 30-40 minutes or until the beans are tender.
- Ladle the chili into a bowl and top with your favorite toppings.
- Serve with honey butter cornbread and enjoy!
Notes
Did you make it?
Tag @cookwithci on Instagram and hashtag #CookwithCi


