If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that’s unbelievably easy to throw together, you’re absolutely going to love The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili. This comforting classic is brimming with savory ground beef, two kinds of beans, tomatoes, and a signature blend of spices that fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a game day gathering, this chili is always met with cheers, and it only gets better with time. Trust me, once you try a bowlful of The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand for every comfort food emergency!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients list for The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is simple on purpose: each element brings its own flavor, texture, and pop of color to the pot. With a handful of pantry staples and one or two fresh additions, this chili becomes a powerhouse of flavor that’s impossible to resist.
- Olive oil: A little olive oil gets everything started and helps brown your beef beautifully without sticking.
- Ground beef (or ground turkey): Choose your favorite—this is your protein base and the heart of the chili’s savory flavor.
- Onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and a soft, comforting bite once cooked down.
- Garlic (minced): Don’t skip it! Garlic deepens the flavor and adds irresistible aroma.
- Kidney beans (canned, rinsed and drained): These tender beans soak up chili flavor while adding heartiness and color.
- Black beans (canned, rinsed and drained): Their creaminess and earthy flavor balance the other beans perfectly.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): They bring freshness and just the right amount of acidity to round out the chili.
- Tomato sauce: This thickens the chili and adds a lovely, rich tomato base.
- Tomato paste: Just a touch intensifies the tomato flavor for an extra savory backbone.
- Beef broth: Adds moisture and rich, meaty depth to every spoonful.
- Chili powder: The star seasoning—choose a good-quality blend for the best flavor impact.
- Ground cumin: Warm, earthy notes that give chili its unmistakable depth.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness, making each bite extra cozy.
- Dried oregano: For a subtle herbal touch that rounds out the spice blend.
- Salt: Just enough to brighten all the flavors and make everything pop.
- Black pepper: A little zing for gentle heat and complexity.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like it hot, this is where you add your kick—taste as you go!
How to Make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your ground beef (or turkey if you prefer) and let it cook, breaking it up with a spoon as it begins to brown. The goal is to get it nicely caramelized for maximum flavor—don’t rush this step! If there’s extra grease, drain it off so your chili won’t be oily later.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
When your meat is browned, add the diced onion and let it soften for 3 to 4 minutes. The onion’s sweetness emerges as it cooks. Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir just until it becomes fragrant (about 30 seconds). That incredible aroma tells you it’s time for the next stage.
Step 3: Build the Base
This is where things get fun. Pour in the rinsed kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Give everything a good stir—this combination lays the foundation for the classic chili texture and guarantees you’ll have plenty of chunky bits in every bite.
Step 4: Spice It Up!
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if you’re feeling spicy). Pour in the beef broth, then stir until your chili is well mixed and the spices are evenly distributed. The warm, fragrant steam rising from the pot will tell you you’re on the right track.
Step 5: Simmer and Savor
Bring your chili to a gentle boil, then immediately lower the heat to let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. This is where magic happens—your chili thickens and the flavors meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally and soak up the incredible scent that fills your kitchen. The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is officially in the works!
How to Serve The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
Garnishes
The right toppings make this chili unforgettable! Classic options like a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, some sliced green onion, or a big handful of chopped cilantro bring color and an explosion of flavor to every bowl. For a little crunch, pile on crushed tortilla chips or cornbread croutons.
Side Dishes
Looking to round out your meal? A side of honeyed cornbread, fluffy rice, or warm crusty bread is always welcome. Sometimes, I love a crisp green salad or even baked potatoes as a hearty match for The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, serve your chili in hollowed-out bread bowls or ladle it over hot dogs or baked potatoes for a fun twist. For parties, offer a chili bar with small bowls of toppings so everyone can craft their ultimate bowl of The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chili gets even better as it sits! Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and mingle, making for truly next-level leftovers.
Freezing
This dish is a freezer’s best friend. Pack cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags (leave room for expansion), label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and you’ll have the best homemade stovetop chili ready whenever you crave it.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your chili gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of broth if it’s gotten a bit thick—it’ll be just as delicious as the first day, promise!
FAQs
Can I make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms and use vegetable broth in place of beef broth. You’ll still get all that bold, comforting flavor—no one will even miss the meat.
Can I double this chili recipe?
Definitely. This recipe doubles beautifully if you have a big enough pot! Perfect for meal prepping, freezer meals, or feeding a hungry crowd at game day or family gatherings.
How do I make the chili spicier or milder?
For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or dice in a fresh jalapeño with the onions. To keep it mild, simply omit or halve the cayenne and use mild chili powder. You get to choose your chili adventure!
Can I use different beans or add more veggies?
Feel free to swap in pinto beans, white beans, or even chickpeas. Adding bell pepper, corn, or even diced carrots is a fantastic way to sneak in more color, crunch, and nutrition.
How do I thicken or thin my chili?
If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer, or mash a small portion of beans against the side of the pot. If it’s too thick, just stir in a little more beef broth until you find your perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
Bringing The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili to your table is like sharing a big pot of joy with everyone you love. Whether you’re huddled up on a chilly night or celebrating with friends, this chili promises flavor, comfort, and plenty of smiles. Don’t hesitate—give it a try and discover why it’s earned its place as my go-to chili recipe!
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The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of the best homemade stovetop chili. This easy-to-follow recipe yields a hearty and flavorful chili that’s perfect for a cozy night in or feeding a hungry crowd. Packed with protein and fiber, this classic dish is a surefire hit every time!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot, cook ground beef in olive oil until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Saute Aromatics: Add onion and garlic, cook until fragrant.
- Add Ingredients: Combine beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and seasonings. Simmer for 30–40 minutes.
- Serve: Top with favorite garnishes and enjoy!
Notes
- This chili tastes even better the next day.
- You can double the batch for meal prep or freezing.
- Adjust spice level to taste by adding more cayenne or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
