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
Scale
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.