Weeknight One Pot Chili

Making chili is always a big event in my house and usually is a whole day event. I have a few different styles of chili that I like to make for different occasions. I'll obviously share them as I go here. But this is a quick go-to chili when I want all the flavor but I don't have the time to sit around the kitchen all day.

Ingredients

• 8 oz ground beef (or minced protein of choice)

• 1/2 yellow onion

• 1 poblano pepper or jalapeno pepper

• 1 16oz can of black beans (or beans of your choice)

• 2 TBSP Tomato Paste

• 1 TBSP Chili Powder of choice

• Smoked Paprika

• 4 tomatoes diced (about 16 oz total if using canned)

• Shredded Cheese for Garnish

• 1 Green Onion (Optional)

• Sour Cream (Optional)

• Jalapeno Slices for garnish (Optional)

Preparation

1. Prep Ingredients: Dice onion and poblano pepper. Dice the tomatoes if you're using fresh tomatoes. If using jalapeños for garnish, slice it thinly and you can use any unwanted slices for the chili if you like some additional spice.

2. Cook Protein: Heat a large pot on medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil and add your protein of choice. Leave undisturbed until it gets some golden brown color.

3. Add Veggies: Add in your onions and diced pepper. Allow the onions and peppers to soften.  Once softened, add in spices and tomato paste. Allow to cook for a minute or two until it's fragrant and the tomato paste is a deep brick red color. Add tomatoes. Once combined, mix throughout and scrape off any fond from the bottom of the pan.

4. Add Beans and Simmer: Add in beans and water to the pot and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly reduced and chili is a consistency you like.

5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions, jalapeños, sour cream, and cheese. Serve with chips if desired.

Tips and Best Practices

• I like making my own spicy mayo, but if you prefer to use a certain brand, that is okay!