One-Pot Pantry Chili with Canned Beans & Ground Beef – Quick Family Dinner

On one particularly cold evening, I realized I hadn’t done any grocery shopping and dinner options looked bleak. That’s when I turned to my pantry and decided to throw together this chili using all staples I already had. What started as an emergency fix quickly became a beloved family recipe. The aroma of simmering onions, garlic, and beans filled the kitchen and created a sense of comfort that even the most elaborate meals sometimes miss. My kids, who usually eye new dishes critically, dove in with enthusiasm. Topped with melted cheese and served alongside crusty bread, this chili felt like a cozy hug in a bowl. Now, it’s the meal I turn to when life gets busy. It’s reliable, adaptable, perfect with corn or bell peppers, and warms not just the stomach, but the heart. That simple pantry finds meal is now one of our most cherished traditions.

One-Pot Pantry Chili with Canned Beans & Ground Beef – Quick Family Dinner

This one-pot pantry chili blends ground beef (or turkey), canned beans, and tomatoes with savory spices for a hearty, no-fuss family dinner. Ready in just 35 minutes and easily customizable, it’s perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or cozy gatherings. Delightfully warming and always satisfying, it’s a dependable weeknight staple.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Ground beef or turkey
• 1 Onion diced
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 14 oz Canned diced tomatoes
• 14 oz Canned kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 14 oz Canned black beans drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 2 tsp Chili powder
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Paprika optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup Water or broth
• Shredded cheese optional for topping

Get ingredients with

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Stirring spoon
• 1 Can opener

Method

 

1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
2. Add tomatoes, beans, paste, and seasonings. Stir well.
3. Pour in water/broth. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
4. Top with shredded cheese if desired.

Notes

• Add corn or bell pepper for extra veggies.
• Use plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.