The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is a hearty dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or meal prep for the week, this chili is packed with flavor and nutrients. The combination of ground beef and beans creates a satisfying texture, while the spices give it a kick that will delight your taste buds. Easy to prepare and even easier to customize, this chili recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under two hours.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The blend of spices and fire-roasted tomatoes gives this chili a rich, robust flavor.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your bowl with toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs for added flair.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze portions for later.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for any family gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. For this chili recipe, you’ll need some essential equipment to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or heavy pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chopping board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or heavy pot: Ideal for even cooking and simmering your chili until it’s perfectly thickened.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware.
• Chopping board and chef’s knife: Essential for quickly chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.

this recipe

Ingredients

Protein and Broth

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 ¾ cups beef broth

Vegetables

• 1 medium yellow onion chopped
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic minced

Legumes

• 15 oz can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 oz can pinto beans (rinsed and drained)

Canned Goods

• 28 oz can fire roasted crushed tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

Spices & Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (optional for a hotter chili)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Toppings (Optional)

For topping:
* shredded cheddar cheese
* (sour cream, green onions, cilantro, or anything else you like!)

How to Make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

Warm the olive oil in your Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté for about 2 minutes until it begins to soften.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Introduce the ground beef into the pot. Cook while breaking it up until it browns, which should take roughly 5 minutes.

Step 4: Drain Excess Fat

Drain any excess fat from the pot. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Mix in Spices

Mix in chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 6: Add Broth

Pour in the beef broth while scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Step 7: Stir in Tomatoes and Beans

Incorporate crushed tomatoes along with red kidney beans and pinto beans. Bring this mixture to a boil.

Step 8: Simmer

Lower the heat after boiling. Let it simmer gently for 1-2 hours while stirring occasionally. Keep covered for most of this time but uncover during the last 30 minutes to thicken as needed.

Step 9: Serve

Serve hot with your preferred toppings like shredded cheese or fresh herbs!

How to Serve The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Serving chili is all about enhancing its rich flavors and comforting texture. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy your homemade stovetop chili.

Classic Toppings

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A generous sprinkle of cheese adds creaminess and flavor.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the heat and richness of the chili.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a fresh crunch that complements the dish.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Soft and sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up the chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips add a fun texture and are great for scooping.
• Rice: Serve over fluffy rice for an easy, hearty meal.

Additional Ideas

• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brightens the dish with its fresh flavor.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and a cool contrast to spicy chili.

How to Perfect The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Perfecting your stovetop chili can elevate it from good to unforgettable. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.

• Bold Flavors: Use quality spices like cumin and chili powder for deeper flavor.
• Simmer Time: Allow the chili to simmer longer for richer tastes; 1-2 hours is ideal.
• Bean Variety: Mix different beans like black beans or chickpeas for added texture.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and onions to brighten up the flavor profile.
• Adjust Consistency: If it’s too thick, add more broth; if too thin, let it simmer uncovered.
• Taste Test: Continuously taste your chili while cooking to adjust seasonings as needed.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Pairing side dishes with your homemade stovetop chili can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into chili.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm chili.
3. Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the hearty dish well.
4. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with chili for a filling meal.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your plate.
6. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with spicy chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some tips to ensure your chili turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the Sautéing: Not sautéing the onions and garlic properly can lead to a bland base. Always take the time to sauté until they’re fragrant and softened.
• Overcooking the Beans: Adding beans too early can result in mushy textures. To avoid this, add them later in the cooking process once the meat is browned.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your chili flat. Always taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor quality tomatoes or broth can ruin your chili’s flavor. Opt for high-quality fire-roasted tomatoes and rich beef broth for the best results.
• Not Letting it Simmer Long Enough: Rushing the cooking time won’t develop deep flavors. Allow your chili to simmer for at least an hour for maximum flavor development.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes or until hot.
• Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour chili into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili.

Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb for a different flavor profile while still enjoying a hearty chili.

How spicy is The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

The spice level depends on how much chili powder you add. For milder flavors, you can reduce or omit it altogether.

What toppings work best for this chili?

Traditional toppings include shredded cheese, green onions, sour cream, and cilantro. Feel free to get creative with your favorite garnishes!

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili, simply replace ground beef with lentils or additional beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Final Thoughts

The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is not only delicious but also highly customizable. You can adjust ingredients and flavors based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Whether you enjoy it mild or spicy, topped with cheese or served plain, this chili recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike. Give it a try today!

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The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

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• Author: Madison
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is a satisfying and flavorful dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. This hearty chili combines ground beef and a variety of beans, simmered with spices and fire-roasted tomatoes to create a rich and robust flavor that warms you from the inside out. Easy to prepare in under two hours, this recipe allows for customization with your favorite toppings, making it a versatile meal everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a game day gathering, this chili is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 ¾ cups beef broth
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
• 15 oz can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 28 oz can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (optional for a hotter chili)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté chopped onion for about 2 minutes until softened.
3. Add ground beef; cook until browned (about 5 minutes). Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in minced garlic; sauté for another 30 seconds.
5. Mix in tomato paste and spices (cumin, chili powder, brown sugar, oregano, salt, pepper).
6. Pour in beef broth; scrape up any bits from the pot.
7. Stir in crushed tomatoes and both types of beans; bring to a boil.
8. Reduce heat; let simmer for 1-2 hours with lid on (uncover last 30 minutes to thicken).

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 760mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Customize your chili by adding different beans or vegetables like bell peppers. Adjust spice levels by modifying the amount of chili powder used. Serve with toppings like shredded cheese or fresh herbs for added flair.