If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that warms you from the inside out, then you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe! The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is my go-to meal for everything from busy weeknights to family gatherings. There’s just something magical about a big pot of chili simmering on the stove, filling your home with its savory aroma. This recipe is not only delicious but also super easy to whip up—perfect for anyone who loves hearty meals without a fuss.

What I love most about this chili is how it brings everyone together. Whether it’s game day or a casual dinner, this dish never fails to satisfy and impress. And trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This chili comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Family-Friendly: With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, everyone at your table will enjoy this meal.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance and reheat for an even richer taste the next day!
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or tweak the ingredients to suit your taste.
Nutritious and Filling: Packed with beans and lean beef, this chili keeps you full and satisfied.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is simple and straightforward. You’ll find these wholesome items at any grocery store. Here’s what you 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

Feel free to get creative! Some popular choices include:
* Shredded cheddar cheese
* Sour cream
* Chopped green onions
* Fresh cilantro

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Swap the protein: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this classic dish.
Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or extra beans for a hearty meatless option.
Change the beans: Use black beans or chickpeas if you’re feeling adventurous!

How to Make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Step 1: Warm the Olive Oil

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

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Cooking them slowly brings out their natural sweetness, which adds great depth to your chili.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Introduce the ground beef next. Cook it while breaking it up until it’s nicely browned—this should take around 5 minutes. Browning adds flavor and creates those delightful little bits at the bottom of your pot that enhance your dish.

Step 4: Add Garlic

Once browned, drain any excess fat from the pot if necessary. Then add in minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. Garlic gives your chili that aromatic kick we all love!

Step 5: Mix in Spices and Tomato Paste

Now it’s time to bring all those wonderful flavors together! Stir in chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Mixing these spices ensures every bite will be bursting with flavor.

Step 6: Pour in Broth

Pour in your beef broth while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck at the bottom of the pot. This step adds richness to your chili that you don’t want to miss!

Step 7: Add Tomatoes and Beans

Incorporate both crushed tomatoes as well as both types of beans into the mix. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to let it simmer gently for 1-2 hours—yes, patience is key here! Stir occasionally so nothing sticks.

Step 8: Let It Thicken

Keep your pot covered during most of cooking time but uncover during the last 30 minutes. This allows some liquid to evaporate so that you achieve that thick consistency we all crave in a good chili.

Step 9: Serve with Toppings

Finally, serve up your delicious homemade chili hot from the stove with whatever toppings tickle your fancy! Enjoy every warm spoonful surrounded by friends or family—it’s truly comfort food at its finest!

Pro Tips for Making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Making chili is a delightful experience, and with the right tips, you can elevate your dish to the next level!

Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients can significantly impact the flavor of your chili. Opt for fresh herbs and spices whenever possible to enhance the taste.
Let it Simmer: Allowing your chili to simmer for a longer time helps deepen the flavors. The longer it cooks, the more the ingredients meld together, creating a rich and hearty dish.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re unsure about spice levels, start with less chili powder and taste as you go. You can always add more, but it’s tough to tone down the heat once it’s in!
Experiment with Beans: While kidney and pinto beans are classic, feel free to mix in other varieties like black beans or chickpeas for added texture and flavor.
Make it Ahead: Chili tends to taste even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and let it chill overnight in the fridge; simply reheat when ready to serve for an even more developed flavor.

How to Serve The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Serving your homemade stovetop chili is just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present this comforting dish that will wow your family or guests.

Garnishes

Shredded cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar on top adds a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the spice of the chili.
Green onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and vibrant color that brightens up each bowl.
Cilantro: A handful of fresh cilantro offers a burst of herbal flavor that lifts the chili wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy cornbread complements chili perfectly. Its slight sweetness balances out the spiciness while providing a delightful texture.
Tortilla Chips: Crispy tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up chili. They add an enjoyable crunch and make for a fun eating experience!
Rice: A simple side of white or brown rice allows you to soak up all those delicious flavors from your chili, making every bite satisfying.
Side Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of your chili, keeping things balanced on your plate.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re well on your way to enjoying The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili—perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This homemade stovetop chili is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge and the flavors only get better over time, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeks.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Label your container with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Freezing

Portion out the chili into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Leave some space at the top of the container as the chili will expand when frozen.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili!

Can I use turkey instead of ground beef in this stovetop chili recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well in this recipe. Just follow the same cooking instructions for a delicious twist.

How long does The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your stovetop chili will last about 4 days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for leftovers!

Can I make this stovetop chili vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace ground beef with a plant-based alternative or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. You can also add more beans to enhance protein.

Is there any way to make this chili spicier?

If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or increasing the amount of chili powder. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili as much as I do! This recipe is not just about filling your belly; it’s about creating warm memories with family and friends gathered around a hearty pot of goodness. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy night in or serving a crowd, this chili is sure to impress! Happy cooking!

The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

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Author: Amelia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the warm comfort of The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili, a classic dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This hearty chili is packed with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients like lean ground beef and an array of beans, making it a satisfying meal that everyone will love. With its simple preparation and customizable toppings, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Whether it’s game day or a cozy night in, this chili fills your home with its enticing aroma and brings friends and family together for a delightful dining experience. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of comfort that you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 ¾ cups beef broth
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

In a large pot over medium-high heat, warm olive oil.
Sauté chopped onions for about 2 minutes until softened.
Add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking it into pieces (about 5 minutes).
Stir in minced garlic; cook for another 30 seconds.
Mix in spices and tomato paste until well combined.
Pour in beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release flavorful bits.
Add crushed tomatoes and both types of beans; bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer gently for 1-2 hours.
Cover most of the cooking time but uncover during the last 30 minutes to thicken.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings.