Easy One-Pot Beef Chili Recipe for Beginners with 5 Simple Steps
A quick and hearty beef chili made with just five simple ingredients in one pot, perfect for busy weeknights and beginners.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
- 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 15 oz canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the beef over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add canned diced tomatoes (with juices) and drained kidney beans. Stir gently to combine.
- Sprinkle chili powder and onion powder evenly over the mixture and stir to distribute spices.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove lid, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional heat like cayenne or hot sauce as desired.
Notes
Brown the beef well for best flavor but avoid overcooking to prevent dryness. Stir gently during simmering to keep beans intact. Add a splash of water or broth if chili thickens too much. Chili tastes better the next day as flavors deepen. Can be adapted for slow cooker or vegetarian versions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 25
Keywords: beef chili, one-pot chili, easy chili recipe, beginner chili, quick dinner, simple chili, weeknight meal