Easy One-pot Chili

Easy One-pot Chili Recipe - The Perfect American Comfort Food

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chili is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. This easy one-pot chili recipe is a crowd-pleaser and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

History

Chili has a long history in American cuisine, with roots in the Southwest and Mexican culinary traditions. It is believed to have originated in the early 19th century, when Mexican immigrants living in Texas would make a stew with dried beef, chili peppers, and spices. Over time, the recipe evolved to include ingredients like tomatoes, beans, and ground beef.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) of ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 can of tomato juice (not v-8)
1 large can of diced tomatoes
3 cans of dark red kidney beans
chili powder
salt and pepper

How to prepare

Brown the ground beef with salt, pepper, and chopped onion; drain the excess fat.
Add tomato juice, tomatoes (including the juice from the cans), and beans (including the liquid).
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add chili powder until it reaches a rich, reddish-brown color.
Allow it to simmer for a while longer, then taste it.
If it lacks spiciness, add more chili powder or a few splashes of habanero sauce.
If the flavor is dominated by tomatoes, add a little more salt or a few pinches of table sugar.

Variations

For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground beef with diced mushrooms or tofu.
For a smokier flavor, you can add a few dashes of liquid smoke to the chili.
For a healthier option, you can use lean ground turkey instead of ground beef.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of cumin to the chili.

- For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans with a fork before adding them to the pot.

- If you prefer a spicier chili, you can add diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chili with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It pairs well with cornbread or a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

This chili recipe is cooked in one pot, making it a convenient and easy meal to prepare. The key is to let the flavors meld together by simmering the chili for at least 30 minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have V-8 juice on hand, you can use tomato juice or beef broth as a substitute. You can also use different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, in place of kidney beans.

Make Ahead Tips

This chili recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this chili in a bowl garnished with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a slice of avocado. You can also serve it in a bread bowl for a fun twist.

Pairing Recommendations

This chili pairs well with a cold beer or a glass of red wine. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this chili recipe contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this chili recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this chili recipe contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this chili recipe contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This chili recipe is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This chili recipe contains beef and may not be suitable for individuals with beef allergies.

Summary

This chili recipe is a hearty and satisfying dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a great option for a balanced meal.

Summary

This easy one-pot chili recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it is a great option for a quick and flavorful dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. It was a cold winter day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my mother. As I flipped through the pages, a recipe for Easy One-pot Chili caught my eye. The ingredients were simple and the instructions were straightforward - just my kind of recipe.

I decided to give it a try that very night. I gathered all the ingredients - ground beef, onions, peppers, tomatoes, beans, and spices - and got to work. As the chili simmered on the stove, the aroma filled the kitchen and I knew I was in for a treat.

The first spoonful of chili was a revelation. The flavors were perfectly balanced, the meat was tender, and the spices added just the right amount of heat. I couldn't believe how easy it was to make something so delicious.

I immediately knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen. I made it for friends and family, who all raved about how good it was. I even brought it to potlucks and parties, where it was always a hit.

Over the years, I've made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there. I've experimented with different types of beans, tried out various spice combinations, and even added some unexpected ingredients like chocolate or coffee to give the chili an extra depth of flavor.

But no matter how many variations I've tried, the Easy One-pot Chili remains a favorite. It's comfort food at its finest - hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. It warms you up on a cold day and fills you up when you need a hearty meal. It's the kind of dish that brings people together around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter over steaming bowls of chili.

I've shared the recipe with countless people over the years, passing it on to friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have tasted it and asked for the recipe. I'm always happy to share it, knowing that it will bring joy and warmth to someone else's kitchen.

One of my favorite memories involving this recipe was when my granddaughter, who always had a knack for cooking, asked me to teach her how to make the Easy One-pot Chili. I was thrilled to pass on the recipe to her, knowing that she would carry on the tradition of making this delicious dish for years to come.

As we stood side by side in the kitchen, chopping vegetables and browning the meat, I shared with her the story of how I first discovered the recipe and how it had become a beloved part of my culinary repertoire. I watched with pride as she followed the instructions, tasting and adjusting the seasonings until the chili was perfect.

When we sat down to eat, the chili was just as delicious as I remembered. But more than that, it was a moment of connection between generations, a passing of knowledge and tradition from grandmother to granddaughter.

And so, the Easy One-pot Chili continues to be a staple in our family, a dish that brings us together and reminds us of the power of good food and shared memories. I'm grateful for the day I first saw that recipe in my old cookbook, and for all the joy and warmth it has brought into my life ever since.