This Homemade Stovetop Chili is rich, hearty, and packed with bold flavors! Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a smoky spice blend, this comfort food classic is perfect for a cozy dinner, game day, or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot meal – Easy cleanup and full of flavor!
- Bold & hearty – A perfect balance of spices, beans, and meat.
- Quick & easy – Ready in 45 minutes (but tastes like it simmered for hours!).
- Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!
- Customizable – Make it spicy, mild, thick, or soupy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chili:
- Ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Bell pepper, chopped
- Diced tomatoes (canned)
- Tomato sauce
- Tomato paste (adds depth)
- Beef broth (or water)
- Kidney beans (or black beans, drained & rinsed)
- Pinto beans (optional, for extra heartiness)
Seasoning Blend:
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Paprika (smoked or regular)
- Oregano
- Salt & black pepper
- Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Brown sugar (balances acidity)
Optional Toppings:
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Green onions, chopped
- Jalapeños, sliced
- Crushed tortilla chips
Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Chili
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Stir in kidney beans and pinto beans.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings.
- Serve hot with cornbread, crackers, or rice.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Chili – Add extra cayenne, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
- Thicker Chili – Simmer longer or mash some beans.
- Bean-Free (Texas-Style) – Omit beans for a meaty version.
- Slow Cooker Chili – Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
- Vegetarian Chili – Use lentils or mushrooms instead of beef.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pot over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version.
What’s the best way to thicken chili?
Let it simmer uncovered or mash some of the beans.
Can I make this chili in advance?
Yes! Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
What can I serve with chili?
Try cornbread, rice, baked potatoes, or tortilla chips.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Brown the meat on Sauté mode, then pressure cook on High for 10 minutes.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Use 4-5 diced fresh tomatoes instead of canned.
How do I make chili less spicy?
Reduce chili powder and cayenne, and add a little extra brown sugar.
Can I add beer for extra flavor?
Yes! Replace ½ cup broth with beer for a deep, malty flavor.
What’s the best meat for chili?
Ground beef (80/20), chuck roast, or ground turkey all work well.
Can I add cocoa powder to chili?
Yes! A teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder enhances the depth of flavor.
Conclusion
This Homemade Stovetop Chili is bold, hearty, and absolutely delicious! Whether you love it spicy, mild, thick, or loaded with toppings, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a favorite. Make it tonight and enjoy a bowl of cozy, comforting chili!
Print
The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Description
This homemade stovetop chili is rich, hearty, and packed with bold flavors! Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices, it’s the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. Ready in under an hour, this chili is thick, meaty, and full of smoky, savory goodness—ideal for meal prep, game day, or a simple family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner version)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red, green, or yellow for sweetness and color)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth (or water for a lighter version)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (adds depth of flavor)
For the Chili Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Diced avocado
- Sliced green onions
- Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Step 3: Add Seasonings & Tomatoes
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.
- Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well.
Step 4: Simmer the Chili
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Stir in kidney beans and black beans.
- Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Ladle chili into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, avocado, and green onions.
- Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or rice for a complete meal!
Serving Suggestions
- Over Rice: Serve over white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
- In a Bread Bowl: Hollow out a bread roll and fill it with chili.
- With Cornbread: A perfect classic pairing!
- As Chili Dogs: Spoon over hot dogs for an easy chili dog recipe.
Notes
- Want it spicier? Add extra cayenne or chopped jalapeños.
- Thicker Chili? Simmer longer to reduce liquid, or mash some beans.
- Sweeter Touch? Add 1 tsp brown sugar to balance flavors.
- Vegetarian Option? Use plant-based meat or mushrooms and swap beef broth for veggie broth.