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Pantry Chili With Canned Beans - A Simple, Cozy One-Pot Meal

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Olive oil or neutral oil: For sautéing and blooming the spices.
  • 1 medium onion, diced: Yellow or white both work.
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (optional): Any color; adds sweetness and texture.
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
  • 1–2 tablespoons chili powder: Use a blend you like.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (up to 2 teaspoons for a deeper flavor).
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but great for smokiness).
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional, adjust to taste).
  • 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes.
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce or an extra can of diced tomatoes.
  • 2 cans (14–15 oz each) beans, drained and rinsed: Kidney, black, pinto, or a mix.
  • 1–1.5 cups broth or water: Vegetable or chicken broth preferred.
  • 1–2 teaspoons brown sugar or maple syrup (optional, balances acidity).
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1–2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or lime juice (for finishing).
  • Optional add-ins: 1 small can diced green chiles, a few drops of hot sauce, frozen corn, or a pinch of cocoa powder for depth.
  • Toppings (optional): Shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, crushed tortilla chips, avocado.

Method
 

  1. Warm the pot: Set a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1–2 tablespoons of oil and let it heat until it shimmers.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until softened and lightly golden, about 5–7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds more, just until fragrant.
  3. Bloom the spices: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Stir for 30–60 seconds. This step wakes up the spices and builds flavor fast.
  4. Add tomatoes and liquid: Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add broth or water to reach your desired thickness. Stir to combine.
  5. Season and sweeten: Add salt, black pepper, and the brown sugar or maple syrup if using. Taste the liquid; it should be robust and a touch spicy.
  6. Stir in the beans: Add the rinsed beans. If using green chiles, corn, hot sauce, or a pinch of cocoa powder, add them now.
  7. Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 15–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash more liquid if it gets too thick.
  8. Finish with acid: Off the heat, stir in the vinegar or lime juice. This brightens the flavor. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or heat as needed.
  9. Serve: Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings. It’s great with warm cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips.