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Cozy One-Pot Chili with Ground Beef

cozy one-pot chili with ground beef - featured image
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A quick, comforting, and easy weeknight dinner made in a single pot. This hearty chili combines ground beef, beans, and rich spices for a flavorful meal that improves with leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary, but leave some for flavor.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to the pot with the beef. Cook until softened and translucent (3-4 minutes).
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their oils.
  6. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  7. Stir in the rinsed black and kidney beans. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
  8. Cover partially and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  9. Taste the chili and add salt and black pepper as needed. If too thin, simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes. If too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
  10. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

The flavors improve significantly the next day. For a vegetarian option, swap beef for lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth. To thicken, simmer uncovered or mash some beans against the side of the pot. Avoid non-stick pots for browning meat.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili, ground beef, one pot meal, weeknight dinner, comfort food, easy recipe, bean chili, slow cooker alternative

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/cozy-one-pot-chili-with-ground-beef-easy-weeknight-dinner/