Name: Comfort Food
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb ground beef or turkey.; 2 small green peppers (about 2 cups, diced).; 1 small yellow onion (about 1.5 cups, diced).; 2 (15 oz) cans Hunts Diced Tomatoes.; 1 (15 oz) can Hunts Tomato Sauce.; 1 (6 oz) can Hunts Tomato Paste.; 15 oz water.; 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed.; 3 tablespoons chili powder.; 2 tablespoons garlic powder.; 2 tablespoons onion powder.; 3 tablespoons cumin.; 1 tablespoon paprika.; 1 teaspoon chipotle powder.; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper.; ½ tablespoon salt.; 1 teaspoon white pepper.; 1 teaspoon baking soda.

One Pot Homemade Chili is a cozy, flavorful recipe perfect for a simple dinner or to feed a crowd. This easy chili is made with ground meat, kidney beans, and a blend of tomatoes and spices, all simmered together for rich flavor. The addition of baking soda helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a smooth, hearty chili that’s ideal for cold days or game day gatherings.

This One Pot Homemade Chili is a classic comfort food dish, combining ground meat, kidney beans, and tomatoes with a rich blend of spices. Perfectly seasoned and easy to make, this chili recipe is great for cold days or when you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal.

INGREDIENTS

Ground Beef or Turkey: Provides a savory base, with options for a leaner turkey or richer ground beef.
Green Peppers (diced): Adds a slight sweetness and crunch, balancing the richness of the meat.
Yellow Onion (diced): Adds depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness.
Hunts Diced Tomatoes: Forms the base, adding a juicy, fresh tomato flavor to the chili.
Hunts Tomato Sauce: Thickens the chili, giving it a hearty texture and rich flavor.
Hunts Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds thickness to the sauce.
Water: Adds liquid to the chili, helping to simmer all the ingredients together.
Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed): Adds texture and heartiness, making the chili more filling.
Chili Powder: Provides a warm, spicy flavor that’s essential to classic chili.
Garlic Powder: Adds a mild garlic flavor, enhancing the savory taste.
Onion Powder: Boosts the flavor of the diced onions for a more intense taste.
Cumin: Adds an earthy, slightly smoky flavor that complements the other spices.
Paprika: Adds a mild pepper flavor and a rich color to the chili.
Chipotle Powder: Provides a smoky, spicy kick, adding depth to the chili.
Cayenne Pepper: Adds extra heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
Kosher Salt and White Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the flavors.
Baking Soda: Reduces the acidity of the tomatoes, giving the chili a smoother, less tangy flavor.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: In a large Dutch oven, sauté the diced green peppers and onions over medium heat until they become translucent and begin to caramelize.
Step 2:: Add the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, chipotle powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and white pepper to the pot. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices, enhancing their flavors. Be careful not to let them burn.
Step 3:: Add the ground meat to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and just cooked through. It’s okay if there’s a slight pink remaining, as it will continue to cook with the other ingredients.
Step 4:: Pour in the Hunts tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the tomato paste is fully dissolved.
Step 5:: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6:: Add the drained kidney beans and stir to incorporate them into the chili.
Step 7:: Stir in the baking soda. The sauce will start to bubble up as the baking soda neutralizes the acidity of the tomatoes. Continue stirring over medium heat until the bubbles subside.
Step 8:: Remove from heat and serve hot. Garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions for added flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve the chili hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or diced jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
Pair with a side of crusty bread, cornbread, or over a bed of rice for a more filling meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, let the chili cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to restore the desired consistency.

Helpful Notes

To make this chili spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add a chopped jalapeño during cooking.
For a thicker chili, reduce the amount of water or let it simmer uncovered during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
The baking soda helps neutralize the acidity of the tomatoes, giving the chili a smoother flavor.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Chef Rachael Ray recommends adding a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder for depth in chili recipes.
Chef Bobby Flay suggests using a mix of peppers for added complexity in chili.
Chef Guy Fieri advises letting chili sit for a day before serving, as flavors deepen over time.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This chili is packed with bold, savory flavors and a kick of spice, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week.
The unique addition of baking soda reduces acidity, creating a smooth, balanced flavor that’s satisfying and comforting.