One Pot Homemade Chili (Print version)

A thick, hearty beef and bean chili made in one pot with tomatoes, spices, peppers, and a bright finish.

# Ingredients:

For the chili base

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) ground beef, 85 to 90 percent lean
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 3 tablespoons chili powder
08 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional

For simmering

14 - 1 can (28 oz or 795 g) diced tomatoes, with juices
15 - 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) tomato sauce
16 - 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
17 - 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
18 - 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium beef broth
19 - 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

For serving

20 - Sliced scallions, cilantro, jalapenos, avocado, or tortilla chips, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles, until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if the pot looks greasy.
02 - Add the onion and bell pepper to the beef. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
03 - Add tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Stir for 1 minute, until the paste darkens slightly and the spices smell toasted.
04 - Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
05 - Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring now and then, until thickened to your liking.
06 - Stir in the apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust salt or heat. Let the chili rest off the heat for 5 minutes, then serve with your favorite toppings.

# Good to know:

01 - Base chili is dairy-free and gluten-free when served without dairy toppings.
02 - Flavor improves after chilling overnight.
03 - Freeze in airtight portions for up to 3 months.