Searching for the best homemade stovetop chili? Look no further! This recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful chili, simmered to perfection on your stovetop for a quick and satisfying meal. It’s packed with rich spices, tender beef (or your favorite protein), and a blend of beans that will warm you up from the inside out!
What is The Best Stovetop Chili?
Have you ever wondered how a dish as simple as chili could spark so much debate? The name “The Best Stovetop Chili” might seem boastful, but honestly, after one bite, you’ll understand why we call it that! Some say it’s the perfect balance of smoky spices and rich tomato flavor, while others insist it’s the generous helping of beans that makes it so irresistible.
Legend has it, a particularly picky chili judge declared this recipe the victor after just one spoonful, proclaiming, “This is it! The Best!” Is it true? Maybe not exactly, but we like the story. They say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and we believe the same holds true for a really incredible bowl of chili. So, go ahead, whip up a batch and see if you agree! It might just become your “Best” too.
Why You’ll Love This The Best Stovetop Chili:
This chili isn’t just good; it’s seriously crave-worthy. The main highlight? It’s ready in under an hour, perfect for those busy weeknights when cravings strike. Forget takeout! Making chili at home is incredibly budget-friendly, letting you control the quality of ingredients and avoid those hefty restaurant prices.
What truly sets this chili apart is the customizability – imagine topping it with creamy sour cream, melty cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. For a spicier kick, try a dollop of Greek yogurt swirled with some hot sauce! If you love comfort food with a bit of heat, you might also want to try our Spicy Sausage Pasta, but for classic, deeply comforting flavors, this chili reigns supreme. Ready to warm up your kitchen? Give this recipe a try and experience chili perfection!
Key Ingredients for The Best Stovetop Chili:
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Stovetop Chili:
- Ground Beef: 1 pound. Use 80/20 for a richer flavor or 90/10 for a leaner option.
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onion works best.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Freshly minced is preferred for the best flavor.
- Bell Pepper: 1 medium, chopped. Red, green, or yellow—whatever you prefer!
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: 28 ounces. Diced tomatoes provide a good base.
- Tomato Paste: 6 ounces. Adds richness and thickens the chili.
- Kidney Beans: 1 (15-ounce) can, drained and rinsed.
- Pinto Beans: 1 (15-ounce) can, drained and rinsed. Feel free to use black beans too.
- Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons. This is the backbone of the chili flavor.
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon. Adds warmth and earthiness.
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon, dried. Complements the other spices.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Enhances the flavors.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste.
- Beef Broth: 1 cup. Adds moisture and depth of flavor.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. For sautéing the vegetables.
- Optional Toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, cilantro.
How to Make The Best Stovetop Chili:
This chili is wonderfully easy to make, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort! With simple steps and a short simmer time, you’ll be enjoying a bowl of warm, comforting chili in just about 45 minutes. It’s the perfect quick and easy weeknight meal that will satisfy the whole family. So let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add Spices & Tomato Paste: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute more to toast the spices and enhance their flavor. Add the tomato paste and stir well to coat the beef and vegetables.
- Add Tomatoes, Beans & Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors will become.
- Taste & Adjust: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your preferences.
What to Serve The Best Stovetop Chili With:
- Cornbread: A classic pairing! The sweetness of cornbread complements the savory chili perfectly. You can even crumble the cornbread into your chili for added texture and flavor.
- Tortilla Chips: For scooping up every last drop of chili. Add some guacamole and salsa for a complete Tex-Mex experience.
- Baked Potato: Top a baked potato with a generous scoop of chili for a hearty and filling meal or try putting chili on top of your favorite fries.
- **Cinnamon Rolls:**A controversial but surprisingly popular combination! The sweet and spicy contrast is surprisingly delightful.
- Green Salad: A light and refreshing salad can balance the richness of the chili. Opt for a simple vinaigrette dressing.
Top Tips for Perfecting The Best Stovetop Chili:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the heat. For a milder chili, use less chili powder. For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Bean Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans. Black beans, great northern beans, or cannellini beans all work well in chili.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or add more vegetables like corn, zucchini, or sweet potatoes. Also consider using vegetable broth instead
- Thickening the Chili: If your chili is too thin, remove the lid during the last 15 minutes of simmering to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the chili during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spice it up: For a smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika when you add the other spices.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Allow the chili to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth if the chili has thickened too much during storage.
- Reheating After Freezing: Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. You can also use the defrost setting on your microwave, but monitor closely to prevent overheating.
Final Thoughts:
This “Best Stovetop Chili” recipe is designed to be your go-to for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. It’s easy to customize, budget-friendly, and perfect for those cozy nights in. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to enjoy a truly fantastic bowl of homemade chili that will win over your taste buds and become a family favorite! Enjoy!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest