The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms your heart and fills your home with mouthwatering aromas, you’ve come to the right place! The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights or family gatherings. There’s something magical about simmering a pot of chili on the stove, letting the flavors meld together while you catch up with loved ones.

This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s also flexible and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a game night or just need a comforting bowl to curl up with on the couch, this chili is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can whip this up without stress.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves a good bowl of chili! It’s hearty and sure to please both kids and adults.
• Make-ahead convenience: Chili tastes even better the next day, so feel free to prepare it in advance for busy days.
• Packed with flavor: The combination of spices and beans creates a rich taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this chili. Let’s gather what we 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 Topping

• Shredded cheddar cheese (or any favorite toppings like sour cream, green onions, or cilantro)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Add some heat: If you love spice, toss in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
• Veggie boost: Add bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for more veggies and color in your chili.
• Different beans: Mix it up by using black beans or white beans instead of kidney and pinto beans.

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

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Next, introduce the ground beef into the pot. Cook it while breaking it up until it’s browned, roughly 5 minutes. Browning adds depth of flavor through caramelization, which is key to making your chili robust.

Step 3: Add Garlic & Spices

Drain any excess fat from the pot. Then add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds—this releases its fragrant oils. Now mix in chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine; each spice adds its unique character to your dish.

Step 4: Pour in Broth & Tomatoes

Pour in the beef broth and stir. Make sure to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom—those bits are packed with flavor! Next, incorporate the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes along with your rinsed beans.

Step 5: Simmer Away

Bring everything to a boil before lowering the heat. Let your chili simmer gently for about 1-2 hours while stirring occasionally. Keeping it covered at first allows all those flavors to meld beautifully; uncovering it near the end helps thicken it as needed.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Once it’s done cooking and you’ve let those flavors develop fully, serve it hot with your favorite toppings! Whether you sprinkle on shredded cheese or add creamy options like sour cream or avocado slices, enjoy every hearty bite!

This recipe truly embodies comfort food at its finest. Enjoy making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili—it’s bound to be loved by all who share it!

Pro Tips for Making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Making chili is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure your stovetop chili turns out amazing every time!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your chili. They release more essential oils and aromas, making every bite more delicious.

• Let it simmer longer: While the recipe suggests 1-2 hours, allowing your chili to simmer even longer will deepen the flavors. The longer it cooks, the more the ingredients meld together, creating a richer taste.

• Taste as you go: Don’t forget to sample your chili throughout the cooking process. Adjusting seasonings based on your preferences can make all the difference in achieving that perfect balance of flavor.

• Experiment with beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans in your chili. Black beans or cannellini beans can add unique textures and flavors that complement the dish beautifully.

• Save some for later: Chili often tastes better the next day! Make a larger batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How to Serve The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Serving chili is all about enhancing its comforting nature! You can create a hearty meal that’s visually appealing and full of flavor with just a few thoughtful touches.

Garnishes

• Shredded cheddar cheese: A classic topping that adds creaminess and richness to each bowl.
• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a cooling contrast to the spicy flavors of chili while adding a nice creaminess.
• Chopped green onions: Fresh green onions add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that brightens up each serving.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This sweet, buttery bread complements spicy chili perfectly and is ideal for soaking up those delicious juices.
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips offer a great texture contrast, making them perfect for scooping up chili or enjoying on their own.
• Rice: Serving your chili over fluffy rice can help balance out the heat and make it even heartier.
• Simple salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of the chili, helping to cleanse your palate.

Enjoy presenting your homemade stovetop chili in style!

Make Ahead and Storage

This stovetop chili is perfect for meal prep! It not only saves time on busy weeknights but also intensifies in flavor as it sits. Here’s how to store and enjoy your delicious chili.

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 the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Pour the cooled chili into a freezer-safe bag or container, leaving some space for expansion.
• Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For easy serving, consider portioning out individual servings before freezing.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• You can also reheat in the microwave; just be sure to cover it to prevent splatter.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili.

Can I make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef with your favorite plant-based protein or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

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

To make your chili milder, reduce or omit the chili powder. For more heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.

What can I serve with The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.

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

Stored properly in an airtight container, your chili will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator without losing any of its delicious flavor!

Can I add other vegetables to The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor. Just chop them finely and sauté them with the onions at the beginning.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili! This recipe is not just a delightful dish; it’s a warm hug on a cold day. Packed with robust flavors and easy enough for any night of the week, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every spoonful and don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings! Happy cooking!