The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms your heart and fills your belly, you’ve come to the right place! The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is a cherished recipe in my house. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone together, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering on the weekend. The aroma of spices and simmering tomatoes will have everyone clamoring for seconds!

This chili is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep handy for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple: You can whip this up in about two hours with minimal effort.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves a warm bowl of chili, making it perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead magic: This chili tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time!
• Versatile toppings: Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings like cheese or green onions for extra flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather the ingredients! These are simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully to create a hearty dish.

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

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences or what you have on hand!

• Swap the protein: If you’re looking for something different, try ground turkey or lentils for a vegetarian option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini during the sautéing step for extra nutrition.
• Spice it up: For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper while cooking.
• Use different beans: Feel free to mix and match beans based on what you love—black beans or chickpeas work great too!

How to Make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Warm the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add in the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until they start to soften. This step is essential because sautéing releases the sweetness from the onions, creating a delicious base for your chili.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Now it’s time to introduce the ground beef into the pot! Cook it while breaking it up until it’s browned—this should take about 5 minutes. Browning adds depth and flavor to our chili that makes every spoonful delightful.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

After draining any excess fat from the pot, add in minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds. Then mix in chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine everything—the spices will infuse their flavors into the beef and onions.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Tomatoes

Next up! Pour in the beef broth and give it all a good stir. Be sure to scrape any bits stuck at the bottom of the pot; these add tons of flavor! Then incorporate your fire-roasted crushed tomatoes along with all those lovely beans.

Step 5: Simmer Away

Bring your mixture to a boil before lowering the heat. Let it simmer gently for 1-2 hours while occasionally stirring. Keeping it covered at first helps retain moisture; then uncover during the last half hour so it can thicken nicely.

Step 6: Serve with Toppings

Finally! Once your chili has reached that perfect consistency and flavor balance, serve it hot in bowls topped with shredded cheddar cheese or whatever toppings make you smile. Enjoy every bite!

With this guide to making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili, I hope you’ll create many delicious memories around your table!

Pro Tips for Making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Making the perfect chili is all about balancing flavors and textures, so here are some pro tips to elevate your stovetop chili game!

• Choose Quality Ground Beef: Opt for ground beef with a higher fat content (like 80/20) for richer flavor. The fat helps keep the chili juicy and enhances the overall taste.

• Don’t Rush the Simmering: Allowing your chili to simmer for at least an hour deepens the flavors. The longer it cooks, the more the spices meld together, resulting in a hearty and flavorful dish.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels! If you like it spicy, add more chili powder or toss in some diced jalapeños. You can also experiment with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a unique twist.

• Add Fresh Ingredients Last: If you’re including any fresh herbs or delicate veggies (like bell peppers), add them during the last 15 minutes of cooking to maintain their freshness and crunch.

• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your chili before serving. If it needs more depth, a splash of vinegar can brighten up the flavors, while extra salt or sugar can balance out acidity.

How to Serve The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Serving your homemade chili is as important as making it! Here are some delightful ways to present this comforting dish that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A classic topping that melts beautifully into warm chili, adding creaminess and richness.
• Chopped Green Onions: These provide a fresh crunch that contrasts nicely with the warm chili.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of color and an aromatic touch that brightens up each bowl.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This sweet and crumbly bread complements chili perfectly, soaking up its rich flavors while offering a delicious contrast in texture.
• Rice: Serving your chili over fluffy white or brown rice makes for a hearty meal. The rice absorbs some of the sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips add a fun texture and are perfect for dipping into your chili or enjoying on the side.
• Salad: A crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the chili. Consider adding avocado slices for creaminess.

Enjoy creating your own version of The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili! With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re set to impress at any dinner gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch of chili and enjoy it throughout the week or store it for a cozy night in.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Let the chili cool completely before freezing.
• Place it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from the refrigerator, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For frozen chili, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or reheat directly from frozen over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

FAQs

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

Can I use turkey instead of ground beef in The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and will work beautifully in this recipe. Just follow the same cooking instructions, and you’ll have a delicious turkey chili.

How do I make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with extra beans or lentils. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and texture.

Can I adjust the spice level in The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

Yes! You can easily customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding fresh jalapeños. Start with less and add more as needed until you reach your desired heat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili! This hearty dish is perfect for gatherings or a comforting dinner at home. It’s not just about satisfying hunger—it’s about sharing warmth and love through food. Enjoy every delightful spoonful, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings. Happy cooking!