The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

This rich and flavorful recipe for The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is a cozy dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game night, enjoying a family dinner, or looking for comfort food on a chilly day, this chili is sure to impress. With seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes, it delivers deep and smoky flavors that warm the soul.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chili Base
• For Seasoning
• For Garnish
• How to Make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
• Step 1: Heat the Oil
• Step 2: Sauté the Onion
• Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
• Step 4: Add Garlic
• Step 5: Combine Spices
• Step 6: Pour in Beef Broth
• Step 7: Add Tomatoes and Beans
• Step 8: Simmer
• Step 9: Serve Hot
• How to Serve The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
• Classic Toppings
• Bread Pairings
• Additional Sides
• How to Perfect The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
• Best Side Dishes for The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
• Reheating The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili vegetarian?
• Can I add more beans to The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?
• What toppings go well with The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?
• How spicy is The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?
• Can I double the recipe for The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This chili comes together in just under two hours, perfect for a weeknight meal.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a filling dish that leaves you feeling satisfied.
• Customizable Flavor: Adjust the spice level easily with optional chili powder to suit your taste preferences.
• Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen over time, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it alone or with toppings like cheese and sour cream for added richness.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or heavy pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener
• Chopping board

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or heavy pot: Provides even heat distribution essential for simmering the chili without burning.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient amounts for consistent results.

Ingredients

This rich and flavorful stovetop chili is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy dinner. It features seasoned ground beef, beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes, creating a classic, comforting meal with deep, smoky flavors.

For the Chili Base

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 ¾ cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (28 oz) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

For Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon chili powder (optional, for spicier chili)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish

• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro

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How to Make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it while breaking it up as it browns for about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Spices

Add the optional chili powder, ground cumin, brown sugar, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 6: Pour in Beef Broth

Pour in the beef broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits stuck to it.

Step 7: Add Tomatoes and Beans

Stir in the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes along with both types of beans.

Step 8: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 1–2 hours while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Tip: Keep the pot covered during most of cooking; uncover it during the last 30 minutes to allow thickening as desired.

Step 9: Serve Hot

Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, or cilantro.

How to Serve The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Serving chili is not just about the dish itself but also how you present it on the table. The right toppings and accompaniments can elevate your stovetop chili experience to new heights.

Classic Toppings

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A generous sprinkle of cheddar adds creaminess and a rich flavor.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the heat and adds a tangy touch.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions give a fresh crunch and bright color.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro enhances the dish with its vibrant flavor, perfect for herb lovers.

Bread Pairings

• Cornbread: This sweet bread is an excellent match for chili, soaking up all the delicious juices.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread makes for a perfect side to scoop up every last bite of chili.

Additional Sides

• Rice: Serving chili over rice offers a filling and satisfying base that complements its richness.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are great for dipping into your chili, adding texture to each bite.

How to Perfect The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Perfecting your stovetop chili involves a few key techniques that enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some tips to consider:

• Bold Seasoning: Always taste as you cook, adjusting spices to suit your preference for heat and flavor depth.
• Simmer Longer: Allowing the chili to simmer longer helps meld the flavors, creating a richer taste.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a noticeable difference in flavor; opt for organic beans and fresh herbs when possible.
• Adjust Consistency: If your chili is too thick, add more broth; if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered until it thickens up nicely.

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Best Side Dishes for The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Pairing sides with your homemade stovetop chili can enhance your meal significantly. Here are some delightful options that complement the dish well.

1. Cornbread: This soft and slightly sweet bread pairs perfectly with spicy chili, providing a comforting contrast.
2. Garden Salad: A crisp salad with fresh vegetables adds brightness and balances the hearty nature of chili.
3. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes topped with butter or cheese offer a satisfying starch alongside your meal.
4. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides crunch and coolness, making it a refreshing addition to spicy dishes.
5. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs serves as a great base for chili, soaking up its flavors beautifully.
6. Nachos: Tortilla chips topped with cheese and jalapeños are perfect for scooping up chili while adding extra crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the sauté step: This mistake can lead to bland chili. Always sauté the onions and garlic first to build a strong flavor base.
• Using low-quality meat: Using cheap ground beef can result in greasy chili. Choose higher-quality meat for a richer taste.
• Not letting it simmer long enough: Rushing the cooking process will not develop the flavors fully. Allow your chili to simmer for at least an hour for optimal taste.
• Overloading with beans: While beans are great, too many can overwhelm the dish. Stick to the recipe amounts for balance.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every palate is different. Taste your chili as it cooks and adjust spices as needed for your preferred heat level.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili vegetarian?

You can substitute ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP) and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Can I add more beans to The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

Yes! Feel free to add more beans such as black beans or navy beans, but be cautious not to overpower the other flavors.

What toppings go well with The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, and cilantro are popular toppings that enhance the flavors wonderfully.

How spicy is The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

The spiciness depends on how much chili powder you add. For milder chili, skip the chili powder entirely or reduce its amount.

Can I double the recipe for The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

Absolutely! Just remember to use a larger pot and adjust cooking time if necessary.

Final Thoughts

The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is not only rich and hearty but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting spices according to your taste. Give this comforting dish a try; it’s perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings!

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