Name: The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 ¾ cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 28 oz can fire roasted crushed tomatoes; 15 oz can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed); 15 oz can pinto beans (rinsed and drained); 1 medium yellow onion chopped; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 ½ teaspoons garlic minced; 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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If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that warms both the heart and the belly, then you’ve come to the right place! The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is a recipe that brings friends and family together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lively gatherings. This chili not only packs a punch of flavor but also fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that invites everyone to the table.

What makes this chili extra special is its blend of wholesome ingredients and spices that come together beautifully. Plus, it’s so easy to make! You can whip it up in about 20 minutes of prep time and let it simmer while you relax or tackle other tasks. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you can make this chili even on the busiest days.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the rich flavors and hearty texture—perfect for everyone!
Make-ahead convenience: This chili tastes even better the next day, making leftovers something to look forward to.
Customizable flavors: Adjust the spices or add your favorite toppings to create your perfect bowl of chili.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at the simple and wholesome ingredients that go into making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili. Each item plays a crucial role in creating that deep, comforting flavor we all crave. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chili

1 lb ground beef
1 ¾ cups beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
28 oz can fire roasted crushed tomatoes
15 oz can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
15 oz can pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
1 medium yellow onion chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 ½ teaspoons garlic minced
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

For Toppings

Shredded cheddar cheese (sour cream, green onions, cilantro, or anything else you like!)

Variations

One of the best things about The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
Spice it up: If you love heat, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Go vegetarian: Skip the meat entirely and load up on beans and veggies for a delicious plant-based version.

How to Make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Step 1: Warm Up Your Pot

Start by warming the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or any heavy pot over medium-high heat. This step is essential because it helps create a nice base for sautéing our vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 2 minutes until it begins to soften. This brings out its natural sweetness, which enhances the overall flavor of your chili.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Introduce the ground beef into the pot. Cook it while breaking it apart until it’s browned—this should take around 5 minutes. Browning adds depth to your dish by creating those lovely caramelized bits.

Step 4: Add Garlic & Spices

Once browned, drain any excess fat from the pot. Then add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. Next, mix in chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir well; this combination builds layers of flavor that are simply irresistible.

Step 5: Pour in Broth & Tomatoes

Now pour in your beef broth while stirring gently to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of your pot. Incorporate those fire-roasted crushed tomatoes next—this is where all those delicious flavors start coming together!

Step 6: Add Beans & Simmer

Incorporate both kidney beans and pinto beans into your mixture. Bring everything to a boil before lowering the heat to let it simmer gently for 1-2 hours. Stir occasionally; this allows all those wonderful flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 7: Thicken It Up

Keep your chili covered during most of its cooking time but uncover it during the last 30 minutes. This helps thicken it up just right—nobody likes runny chili!

Step 8: Serve with Love

Once done simmering, serve up your amazing chili with toppings like shredded cheddar cheese or anything else your heart desires! Enjoy every warm bite with family or friends gathered around.

There you have it! The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is now ready to be devoured. Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Making the perfect chili is all about the little details. Here are some handy tips to elevate your stovetop chili game!

Sauté the onions longer: Giving your onions a few extra minutes to caramelize enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor, making your chili even more delicious.
Brown the beef properly: Taking your time to brown the ground beef creates a rich, savory base for your chili. Don’t rush this step; it’s key to developing that hearty taste!
Adjust spice levels: Start with less chili powder if you’re unsure about heat. You can always add more later! This way, you’ll cater to different taste preferences without overwhelming anyone.
Let it simmer: Patience is a virtue when it comes to chili! Letting it simmer for at least an hour allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. The longer, the better!
Experiment with beans: Don’t hesitate to mix and match different types of beans according to your preference or what you have on hand. Each variety brings its unique flavor and texture!

How to Serve The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Serving your homemade stovetop chili can be as fun as cooking it! Here are some delightful ideas to make it even more enjoyable for everyone at the table.

Garnishes

Shredded cheese: A sprinkle of cheddar or Monterey Jack adds creaminess and richness that perfectly balances the chili’s spiciness.
Chopped green onions: These add a fresh crunch and mild onion flavor that brightens up each spoonful.
Fresh cilantro: A handful of chopped cilantro gives a burst of freshness and pairs wonderfully with the robust flavors of the chili.

Side Dishes

Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread is a classic pairing that complements the hearty flavors of chili while providing a delightful contrast in texture.
Rice: Serving chili over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice makes for a satisfying meal that soaks up all those delicious juices.
Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips not only add a wonderful texture but also make for a fun dipping option alongside your bowl of chili.
Simple salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich and spicy elements of the dish, balancing out your meal beautifully.

Enjoy every bite of this warm, hearty bowl of comfort food!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious chili throughout the week. Whether you’re planning a busy week ahead or just want to have a comforting dish ready to go, here are some tips on how to store and enjoy your chili.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chili to cool completely before storing.
Transfer it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Cool the chili completely and transfer it into freezer-safe bags or containers.
Label each bag or container with the date and contents.
Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating

Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful chili.

What makes this the best homemade stovetop chili?

The combination of quality ingredients like fire-roasted tomatoes, hearty beans, and perfectly seasoned ground beef creates a rich and satisfying dish that stands out from other recipes.

Can I make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based alternatives or additional beans like black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version that’s just as tasty.

How long does The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili take to cook?

While the total time is about 110 minutes including prep, most of this is hands-off simmering time, allowing you to focus on other tasks while it develops its flavors.

Can I add more spices to The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

Definitely! Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding more chili powder can increase the heat, while experimenting with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can add unique flavors.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili as much as I do! This recipe not only warms your heart but also fills your home with a delicious aroma that invites everyone to gather. It’s perfect for sharing at family dinners or cozy nights in. Enjoy every bite and feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings. Happy cooking!

The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

If you’re searching for a cozy dish that warms both the heart and the belly, The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is your answer! This hearty chili brings together family and friends, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. With a punch of flavor and an irresistible aroma, this dish can be whipped up in just 20 minutes of prep time, allowing you to relax while it simmers to perfection. Packed with wholesome ingredients like ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and beans, it’s not only delicious but also customizable to suit your taste. Once you try this recipe, it will surely become a beloved staple in your home.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 ¾ cups beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
28 oz can fire roasted crushed tomatoes
15 oz can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
15 oz can pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
1 medium yellow onion chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 ½ teaspoons garlic minced
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

Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Sauté chopped onion for about 2 minutes until softened.
Add ground beef; cook until browned (about 5 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Stir in minced garlic and spices; cook for 30 seconds.
Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes; stir well.
Add kidney beans and pinto beans; bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for 1-2 hours.
Uncover during the last 30 minutes to thicken.