Easy One-Pot Cumin and Pepper Beef and Bean Chili
A hearty and flavorful one-pot chili combining ground beef, two types of beans, and warm cumin and black pepper spices. Perfect for a comforting American dinner with minimal prep and cooking time.

Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Main
- Base
- Spices
- Liquids
- Beans
- Liquids
- Base
- Spices
- Garnish
Let’s make it
Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Base
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Main
Add ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7–8 minutes, or until the ground beef reaches an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C). Drain excess fat if necessary.
Spices
Stir in ground cumin, black pepper, chili powder and salt to taste. Cook spices with the beef for 1-2 minutes to enhance flavor.
Liquids
Add canned diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine everything evenly.
Cooking
Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finishing
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed. Remove from heat and let chili rest covered for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving
Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess and flavor.
Tips & notes
When browning the beef, make sure to break it into small pieces for an even texture. Letting the chili simmer gently helps develop deep flavors. Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or fresh diced jalapeños for heat.
Saving it for later
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3 to 4 days for best quality. This chili also freezes well; transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C) in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if chili has thickened too much during storage to restore desired consistency.






