Food & Cooking

How to Make an Easy Chili (One Pot)

A warming, budget-friendly one-pot chili that's perfect for cold nights and freezes beautifully.

Editorial TeamNovember 6, 20261 min read

Chili is the ultimate winter comfort food: cheap, filling and easy to make in a big batch.

Ingredients (serves 6)

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 500 g (1 lb) minced beef, turkey or plant-based mince
  • 1–2 teaspoons chilli powder, plus cumin and paprika
  • 2 cans chopped tomatoes
  • 2 cans beans (kidney, black or pinto), drained
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • Salt and pepper

Method

  1. Heat oil in a large pot and soften the onion for 5 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and mince; cook until browned.
  3. Stir in spices and tomato paste for 1 minute.
  4. Add tomatoes and beans.
  5. Simmer gently for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Season to taste.
Deeper flavourA square of dark chocolate or a splash of coffee stirred in at the end adds richness.

Toppings

Sour cream, grated cheese, avocado, spring onions, lime wedges and tortilla chips.

Store and freeze

Chili tastes even better the next day. Keep it in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze in portions for up to three months.

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