The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is a perfect dish for cozy nights or casual gatherings. This chili is rich in flavor, loaded with protein from ground beef and beans, and enhanced by fire-roasted tomatoes. It’s an easy recipe that brings everyone together, making it ideal for family dinners or game day parties. You can customize it to suit your spice level, ensuring that every bite is just right for you!

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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 Base
• For the Liquids
• For the Beans
• For Seasoning
• Optional Toppings
• How to Make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
• Step 1: Heat Olive Oil
• Step 2: Sauté Onion
• Step 3: Brown Ground Beef
• Step 4: Add Garlic
• Step 5: Mix in Spices
• Step 6: Pour in Broth
• Step 7: Add Tomatoes and Beans
• Step 8: Simmer
• How to Serve The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
• With Toppings
• In a Bread Bowl
• With Cornbread
• As Leftovers
• 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
• Can I make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili vegetarian?
• What toppings work best with this chili?
• How spicy is The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?
• Can I make this chili ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious chili cooking while you relax.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices, brown sugar, and fire-roasted tomatoes creates a mouthwatering depth of flavor.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as-is or with toppings like cheese and sour cream for added richness.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili stores well, making it great for leftovers or making ahead of time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, this recipe makes enough to feed a group without breaking the bank.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools can make cooking The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili easier and more enjoyable. Having everything on hand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or heavy pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution for perfect simmering.
• Cutting board: Protects your counters while preparing ingredients safely.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures efficient chopping of onions and garlic for maximum flavor release.

Ingredients

A hearty and flavorful chili made with ground beef, beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Simmered on the stovetop with aromatic spices and a touch of brown sugar, this is a meal that warms you from the inside out!

For the Base

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic (minced)

For the Liquids

• 1 ¾ cups beef broth
• 1 28 oz can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

For the Beans

• 1 15 oz can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

For Seasoning

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

Optional Toppings

• shredded cheddar cheese
• sour cream
• green onions
• cilantro

How to Make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Step 1: Heat Olive Oil

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

Step 2: Sauté Onion

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

Step 3: Brown Ground Beef

Add the ground beef and cook while breaking it up as it browns, which takes about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat afterward.

Step 4: Add Garlic

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

Step 5: Mix in Spices

Add the chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Step 6: Pour in Broth

Pour in the beef broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

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 heat to low and let simmer gently for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally. Enjoy!

How to Serve The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Serving The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili can elevate your meal experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these serving suggestions will add flair and flavor.

With Toppings

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle on top for a creamy, rich flavor that complements the chili.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can balance the spices and add a cool, refreshing touch.
• Chopped Green Onions: Add some crunch and freshness with chopped green onions scattered on top.
• Fresh Cilantro: For an herby burst of flavor, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

In a Bread Bowl

• Crusty Bread Bowl: Serve the chili in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and edible presentation. It soaks up the flavors perfectly!

With Cornbread

• Sweet Cornbread: Pairing chili with sweet cornbread creates a delightful contrast of flavors. The sweetness enhances the savory notes in the chili.

As Leftovers

• Next-Day Lunch: Chili often tastes even better the next day. Reheat and enjoy it as a hearty lunch with your favorite toppings.

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How to Perfect The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

To ensure your homemade stovetop chili is absolutely perfect, consider these helpful tips.

• Spices: Use fresh spices. Freshness enhances flavors significantly, making your chili more aromatic and tasty.
• Simmer Longer: Allowing the chili to simmer longer deepens its flavor. Aim for at least 90 minutes for best results.
• Balance Sweetness: Adjust the brown sugar to fine-tune sweetness levels according to your taste preferences.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and texture without overpowering the dish.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Pairing side dishes with The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Cornbread: A classic choice that complements chili’s robust flavors; serve warm with butter.
2. Rice: White or brown rice serves as a great base to soak up the chili’s sauce.
3. Tortilla Chips: Crispy tortilla chips provide a crunchy contrast and are perfect for dipping into your chili.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the richness of the chili.
5. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness and pairs well with spice, enhancing each bite.
6. Salad: A light green salad can provide freshness; dress it simply with olive oil and lemon juice.

These suggestions are sure to make your meal featuring The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili even more enjoyable!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the perfect chili.

• Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the beef can lead to a bland chili. Always take the time to brown your meat properly for rich flavor.
• Ignoring Spice Measurements: Too much or too little spice can ruin your dish. Follow the recipe closely and adjust spices based on personal preference gradually.
• Not Using Enough Liquid: Chili can become too thick if not enough liquid is added. Ensure you have adequate broth for a hearty consistency without being dry.
• Overcooking or Undercooking Beans: Cooking beans wrong can affect texture and taste. If using canned beans, add them towards the end of cooking to keep them intact.
• Forgetting to Taste as You Go: Not tasting during cooking can lead to imbalances in flavor. Regularly taste your chili and adjust seasoning as needed.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely. Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.

What toppings work best with this chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, and fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.

How spicy is The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

The spiciness depends on the chili powder you use. Omit it or reduce the amount for a milder flavor.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making chili a day ahead enhances its flavors as it sits in the fridge overnight.

Final Thoughts

The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience perfect for any occasion. This recipe is versatile—feel free to customize it with different beans, meats, or spices based on your preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy every warm bite!