Beef, Pork & Bean Chili 🌶️🍲

One-Pound Version (Beef, Pork, or Both)

A cozy, no-fuss chili recipe made with just 1 lb of meat—perfect for a weeknight meal with a couple of servings to spare. Use beef, pork, or a combo. Add your favorite toppings and call it comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients

• Protein (choose one):

  • 1 lb ground beef or

  • 1 lb ground pork or

  • ½ lb ground beef + ½ lb ground pork 🐄🐖

• Vegetables:

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced 🧅

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄

  • 1 red or orange bell pepper, diced 🫑

• Tomato Base:

  • 1 jar (1½ cups) unsweetened tomato sauce 🍅

  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional for extra texture)

• Beans (choose one):

  • 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans 🫘

  • or 1 (15 oz) can black beans 🖤
    (drained and rinsed)

• Spices & Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano

  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

  • Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste 🧂

• Optional Additions:

  • 2 teaspoons tomato paste (adds depth)

  • Splash of broth or water (to adjust consistency)

Directions

1. Brown & drain the meat:
   In a medium pot, cook your ground meat over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain the fat and return meat to the pot.

2. Sauté aromatics:
   Add onion and bell pepper. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté another 30 seconds.

3. Bloom the spices:
   Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), and tomato paste (if using). Let cook 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor 🌶️.

4. Add sauce & beans:
   Stir in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (if using). Add your choice of beans. Add a splash of broth or water if needed.

5. Simmer:
   Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Taste & serve:
   Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Optional Toppings 🎉

• Shredded cheese 🧀

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Sliced avocado 🥑

• Fresh cilantro 🌿

• Green onions

A warm, satisfying bowl with minimal effort.
Life’ing, one simmering pot at a time. 💫