The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms the heart and fills the belly, look no further than The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili. This is one of those recipes that brings friends and family together, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering. The aroma of simmering chili wafting through your home is simply irresistible, and every bowl is packed with flavor and love. Plus, it’s so easy to make that even the busiest cooks can whip it up in no time!

What makes this chili special? It’s not just about the rich flavors; it’s also about the memories made around the table while sharing a hearty meal. So grab your favorite toppings and let’s dive into this delicious journey together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes of prep! Perfect for those nights when you need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good chili! It’s a dish that kids enjoy and adults appreciate equally, making it ideal for family dinners.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare this chili ahead of time. It actually tastes even better the next day, making leftovers something to look forward to!
• Customizable: Whether you like it spicy or mild, you can easily adjust the heat level or swap ingredients to suit your taste.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with beans and ground beef, this chili is sure to keep everyone satisfied.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delightful chili. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store!

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 Topping

You can add any of these toppings to elevate your chili:
* shredded cheddar cheese
* sour cream
* green onions
* cilantro

Variations

One of the best things about The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is how adaptable it is! You can switch things up based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving.

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace the meat with additional beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Change up the spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick!

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 over medium-high heat. This step is essential as it helps create a nice base for your flavors.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Add your chopped onion to the pot. Sauté for about 2 minutes until they start to soften. This brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to your chili.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Next, introduce your ground beef into the pot. Cook it while breaking it apart until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 5 minutes. Browning adds rich flavor that makes this chili unforgettable.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Drain Fat

Once your beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the pot. Stir in minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this step elevates all those wonderful flavors!

Step 5: Mix in Spices

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add chili powder, ground cumin, brown sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine—these spices are what make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili truly special.

Step 6: Pour in Broth

Pour in your beef broth next. Give everything a good stir while scraping up any bits stuck at the bottom of the pot; these add even more flavor!

Step 7: Incorporate Tomatoes and Beans

Add those delicious fire-roasted crushed tomatoes along with the red kidney beans and pinto beans. Bring this mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently for about 1-2 hours while stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Cover and Simmer

Keep your pot covered during most of that cooking time but uncover it during the last 30 minutes. This helps thicken up your chili beautifully.

Step 9: Serve with Toppings

Finally, serve your warm chili with all your favorite toppings! Get creative—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this comforting dish.

And there you have it—The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili ready to warm hearts! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Making chili is all about personal flair and a few simple techniques that can elevate your dish. Here are some tips to ensure your stovetop chili turns out perfectly every time!

• Brown the meat properly: Taking the time to brown the ground beef well adds depth of flavor through caramelization, enhancing the overall taste of your chili.

• Don’t skip the simmering: Allowing your chili to simmer for at least an hour lets the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish that everyone will love.

• Taste as you go: Adjusting seasoning during cooking can make all the difference. A little extra salt or spice might be just what your chili needs for that perfect punch of flavor.

• Experiment with beans: While kidney and pinto beans are classic choices, feel free to mix it up with black beans or chickpeas for added texture and taste.

• Add acidity last: If you find your chili could use a bright note, squeeze in some lime juice or add a splash of vinegar at the end. This little trick can elevate flavors without overpowering them.

How to Serve The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Serving chili is as much about presentation as it is about flavor. Here are some fabulous ways to present this hearty dish that will impress your family and friends!

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: These add a fresh crunch and a pop of color that contrasts beautifully with the rich chili.
• Shredded cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar melts into the warm chili, providing creamy goodness that complements each hearty spoonful.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This classic pairing brings a sweet, buttery contrast to the spicy notes in your chili. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop!
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips offer a delightful texture and can be used for dipping or crumbling on top of each bowl.
• Simple salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides refreshing balance, cutting through the richness of the chili while adding nutrients.
• Rice or quinoa: Serving your chili over rice or quinoa makes it heartier and adds another layer of flavor and texture.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to creating an unforgettable meal that brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table! Enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade stovetop chili!

Make Ahead and Storage

This homemade stovetop chili is perfect for meal prep! It not only tastes better the next day as the flavors meld, but it also makes busy weeknights a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the chili cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Allow the chili to cool completely.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Heat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious chili recipe!

What makes The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili so special?

The best homemade stovetop chili is special because it combines hearty ingredients like ground beef and beans with rich spices and tomatoes, creating a comforting dish that’s full of flavor. It’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings too!

Can I use different beans in The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

Absolutely! You can substitute any beans you prefer, such as black beans or chickpeas. Just make sure they’re drained and rinsed before adding them to your pot.

How can I make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili spicier?

To add more heat to your chili, consider increasing the amount of chili powder or adding diced jalapeños. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra spice!

Can I make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or use lentils. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.

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

The total time for making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is about 110 minutes, which includes both prep and cooking time. However, it’s worth every minute for that rich flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this comforting bowl of The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili! It’s perfect for cozy nights in or sharing with friends and family. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite toppings, and don’t forget to savor every bite! Happy cooking!