One-Pot Moving Day Chili

Name: One-Pot Moving Day Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb ground beef; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 oz dark chocolate, chopped; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 45 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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One-Pot Moving Day Chili is your ultimate comfort food companion, especially on those hectic days when you’re just settling into a new space. With rich flavors and minimal cleanup, it's a lifesaver that warms the heart and fills the belly.

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Ingredients for One-Pot Moving Day Chili

Start with olive oil to sauté the base flavors. Onion and garlic are essential for depth, while ground beef provides hearty substance and protein. A touch of salt and black pepper helps bring out the natural flavors.

Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper create that classic chili warmth and spice, while green bell pepper and red bell pepper add sweetness and a bit of crunch. Diced tomatoes contribute acidity and juiciness, while kidney beans and black beans bulk up the meal with fiber.

Beef broth forms the base, making everything rich and savory. Corn kernels add bursts of sweetness, and tomato paste thickens the chili. A touch of dark chocolate enhances the depth of flavor, and apple cider vinegar provides a subtle tang to balance everything out.

Tips & Tricks

If you like more heat, add an extra pinch of cayenne or a diced jalapeño.
For a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
Use a potato masher to break down the beans slightly for a creamier texture.
Leftover chili can be frozen in individual portions for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

This chili is perfect with a side of warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. Top with shredded cheese, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. A simple green salad on the side can provide a refreshing contrast to the chili’s warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well if you’re looking for a lighter option.
What if I don't have dark chocolate?: You can omit it or use a tablespoon of cocoa powder as a substitute.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?: Yes, just skip the beef and use vegetable broth instead. Consider adding more beans or a meat substitute.

One-Pot Moving Day Chili Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion turns translucent. This should take about 5 minutes, and it’s a critical foundation for flavor.

Next, add in the ground beef, along with salt and black pepper. Break up the meat using a wooden spoon as it browns. You’re aiming for nicely browned meat with no pink remaining, which should take about 7–8 minutes.

Time to bring in the spices! Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Allow them to cook for about 2 minutes until you can really smell their aroma — this step helps to toast the spices and deepen their flavors.

Now, toss in the diced green and red bell peppers. Cook until they start to soften, which usually takes another 5 minutes. They should still have a bit of crunch, adding texture to your chili.

Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, corn kernels, and tomato paste. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Finally, stir in the dark chocolate and apple cider vinegar. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chocolate to melt and the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then serve hot.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One pot means easy preparation and cleanup.
A perfect balance of savory, spicy, and a hint of sweetness.
Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Rich in protein and fiber to keep you satisfied.
Customizable to fit dietary needs or ingredient availability.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb ground beef

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup beef broth

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 oz dark chocolate, chopped

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until onion is translucent.

2. Add the ground beef, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add the green and red bell peppers, and cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.

5. Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, corn kernels, and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer.

6. Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Stir in dark chocolate and apple cider vinegar, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.

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