The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is a comforting dish that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite. Perfect for chilly evenings, game day, or casual gatherings, this chili features rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Its flexibility allows you to customize toppings to your liking, while the simple stovetop method makes it easy to prepare. With its robust taste and inviting aroma, this chili is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep time and straightforward steps, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
• Rich Flavor: Combining beef, beans, and spices creates a depth of flavor that will impress your family and friends.
• Versatile Toppings: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs for a dish that can be customized to your preference.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe serves six people, making it great for family dinners or potlucks.

Tools and Preparation

To make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili effectively, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process and enhance your overall experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven: Ideal for slow simmering; it retains heat well and allows even cooking for rich flavors.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware; helps combine ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts for consistent results every time.

Ingredients

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
• 28 oz can fire roasted crushed tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

For the Beans

• 15 oz can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 oz can pinto beans (rinsed and drained)

For Seasoning

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

For Topping

• Shredded cheddar cheese (sour cream, green onions, cilantro, or anything else you like!)

How to Make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Step 1: Warm the Olive Oil

Begin by warming the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 2 minutes until it begins to soften.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Introduce the ground beef into the pot. Cook while breaking it up until browned, which should take roughly 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Garlic

Drain any excess fat from the pot. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Mix in Spices

Stir in chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste until well combined.

Step 6: Add Broth

Pour in beef broth. Stir thoroughly while scraping any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Step 7: Incorporate Tomatoes and Beans

Mix in crushed tomatoes along with both types of beans. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to simmer gently.

Step 8: Simmer

Cover the pot during the first part of cooking. Uncover it during the last 30 minutes to allow thickening as needed.

Step 9: Serve

Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese or fresh herbs. Enjoy!

How to Serve The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Serving The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is all about enhancing its rich flavors and making the meal enjoyable. Here are some delicious serving suggestions that can elevate your chili experience.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A classic addition that melts beautifully over hot chili, adding creaminess.
• Sour Cream: Adds a cool and tangy contrast to the warm spices in the chili.
• Green Onions: Fresh and crunchy, they provide a burst of flavor and color.
• Cilantro: Offers a refreshing herbal note that brightens each bite.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy cornbread pairs well with the hearty texture of chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Perfect for scooping up chili or enjoying as a crunchy side.
• Rice: Serving chili over rice can make it more filling and create a wonderful combination of flavors.

Drinks

• Lemonade: A refreshing, zesty drink that balances the spiciness of the chili.
• Herbal Tea: A warm cup can enhance the cozy vibe of your chili dinner.

How to Perfect The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

To achieve the best results with your chili, keep these tips in mind. They can help you enhance flavors and improve texture.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t be shy with spices. Adjust amounts based on your taste preferences for a more flavorful dish.
• Brown the meat properly: Ensure you brown the ground beef well for added depth of flavor.
• Use quality broth: A good beef broth elevates the overall taste of your chili.
• Simmer longer: Letting it simmer for 1-2 hours allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Taste as you go: Make adjustments to seasoning throughout cooking to get it just right before serving.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Pairing side dishes with your chili can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cornbread: This sweet bread complements the savory notes in chili perfectly.
2. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds richness and a fresh element to each bite.
3. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw provides texture contrast and a refreshing taste.
4. Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes topped with chili for a hearty twist.
5. Rice Pilaf: Lightly seasoned rice serves as a great base for soaking up delicious chili juices.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Add variety by serving stuffed peppers filled with grains or veggies alongside your bowl of chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chili can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish. Here are some errors to watch for:

• Not browning the meat properly: This step adds depth of flavor. Cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned before adding other ingredients.
• Skipping the sautéing of vegetables: Sautéing the onions and garlic enhances their flavors. Always start with these basics to build a rich base for your chili.
• Using canned beans without rinsing: Canned beans often have excess sodium and additives. Rinse them well to improve flavor and reduce saltiness.
• Overcrowding the pot: Adding too many ingredients at once can lower cooking temperature. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust spices according to your preference for heat and flavor throughout the cooking process.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.

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: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili so special?

The combination of spices and hearty ingredients creates a robust flavor profile that is satisfying and comforting.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that still provides a delicious base for your chili.

How spicy is The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

The spice level can be adjusted by adding more or less chili powder or including hot peppers based on your taste preferences.

Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or more beans and vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different meats, beans, or spices based on what you enjoy. Whether served solo or topped with cheese, sour cream, or green onions, it’s sure to satisfy!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

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• Author: Lucille
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 6 servings 1x

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Description

The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is a hearty and satisfying dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or cozy evenings at home, this chili features a rich blend of ground beef, beans, and spices that create a robust flavor profile. With its customizable toppings and simple stovetop preparation, it’s an ideal recipe for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Serve it up hot with your favorite garnishes for a deliciously inviting meal that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic (minced)
• 1 ¾ cups beef broth
• 28 oz can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
• 15 oz can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 oz can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (optional for a hotter chili)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté chopped onion for about 2 minutes until softened.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Drain excess fat; add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
5. Stir in chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste.
6. Pour in beef broth; mix well while scraping the pot's bottom.
7. Add crushed tomatoes and both types of beans; bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer.
8. Cover initially; uncover during the last 30 minutes to thicken.
9. Serve hot with preferred toppings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg