🌶️ Thick Personalized Chili – A One-Pot Wonder for Every Craving

This one-pot meal is a total keeper. It’s hearty, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make your own — because chili should never be a one-flavor-fits-all situation.

You can switch up the ingredients to match your mood, what’s in your fridge, or who’s coming over. (Translation: everyone gets the chili they love without you losing your mind.)

It’s perfect for meal prep, freezer storage, or feeding a hungry crowd. Honestly, I could eat this every day. ❤️

🍲 Ingredients

Here’s what makes the perfect chili base — plus how to make it your way.

Protein (pick one or mix it up):

• 1 lb ground beef (or chicken, turkey, or sausage)

Veggies:

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 tbsp crushed garlic

• 1 green pepper, chopped

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 4–6 sliced mushrooms (optional, but great texture)

Beans & Base:

• 1 can black beans, rinsed

• 1 can kidney beans, rinsed

• 1 large can baked beans (try “sweet heat” style for a flavor twist)

• 1 can diced tomatoes

Seasoning Magic:

• 4 tbsp chili seasoning mix

• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (deepens flavor — trust me on this one)

• 1 tsp turmeric (adds warmth and color)

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp cumin (optional, but gives that smoky depth)

🔥 Directions

1. Brown the meat. In a large pot, cook the ground beef (or chosen meat) until fully browned. Drain excess fat and break into small pieces.

2. Add the veggies. Toss in the onions, green peppers, celery, and mushrooms. Cook for a few minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Mix in the base. Add the diced tomatoes and all three kinds of beans. Stir well.

4. Spice it up. In a small bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Slowly stir them into the chili pot.

5. Simmer and marry the flavors. Let it cook on low for about an hour, stirring occasionally. (The longer it simmers, the better the flavor.)

6. Serve it your way. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, scallions, or avocado. Pair with tortilla chips, toast, or a spoon — whatever makes you happy.

🥄 Yummy Notes

This chili is personal. Want more kick? Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños. Need it sweeter? Use BBQ baked beans. Going veggie? Skip the meat and double the beans.

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s flexible — like your favorite pair of stretchy pants after two bowls.

Make a big batch, portion it for lunches, or freeze it for lazy days.

However you stir it, this chili’s going to hit the spot. 🌶️

❤️ Serving Ideas

• Over rice or quinoa for a hearty dinner

• On top of baked potatoes for a loaded chili bowl

• With cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping

• As a next-day lunch — tastes even better after the flavors mingle overnight