The Best Stove Top Chili Recipe: Cozy, Hearty & Homemade

Chili has always been a comfort food that warms the soul, and this quick easy chili recipe on stove top delivers pure deliciousness in under an hour.

Robust flavors mingle effortlessly with tender meat and hearty beans.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet satisfying meal.

Home cooks can whip up this classic dish faster than ordering takeout.

The secret lies in using quality ingredients and letting them simmer together perfectly.

Bold spices create a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab a bowl and get ready to enjoy a chili that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Quick Easy Chili: Fast Flavor Fix

• Whip Up Comfort: Dive into a hearty, soul-warming meal that hugs your taste buds with rich, bold flavors and zero fuss.
• Master One-Pot Wonder: Create a delicious dinner using a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor with simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen.
• Customize Your Culinary Canvas: Personalize this classic chili by adding your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro, making it a crowd-pleaser for every palate.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Enjoy a nutritious, protein-packed meal that satisfies everyone from kids to adults, perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Chili Fixings You’ll Need Right Now

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main protein for the chili.

• Onion, Garlic: These aromatic vegetables add depth and savory notes to the chili's base flavor.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Cayenne: A blend of spices that creates the classic chili warmth and complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: These tomato products create a rich, tangy sauce and provide moisture to the chili.
• Beans: A classic chili ingredient that adds protein, texture, and heartiness to the dish.
• Water, Beef Broth: Liquid components that help create the perfect chili consistency and add extra flavor.

Simmer & Stir: Chili In A Flash

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Grab a large pot and toss in the ground beef over medium heat.

Break up the meat with a wooden spoon, letting it brown beautifully while releasing those delicious meaty flavors.

Step 2: Infuse with Aromatic Vegetables

Sprinkle in the diced onions and minced garlic.

Let them dance around the beef, softening and releasing their incredible fragrance until they turn translucent and tender.

Step 3: Build Flavor with Spices

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper (optional for heat lovers)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir these spices into the meat and vegetables, allowing them to bloom and intensify their rich, complex flavors.

Step 4: Create Liquid Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beans (kidney or black beans work great)
• Water or beef broth

Stir everything together, creating a harmonious blend of ingredients that will transform into a luxurious chili.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Depth

Let the chili bubble gently on low heat for 15-20 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 6: Taste and Personalize

Give your chili a quick taste.

Adjust seasonings if needed.

Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Make Your Chili Shine: Simple Tricks

• Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavors and prevent watery chili.
• Toast spices briefly before adding liquids to enhance their aromatic qualities and intensify overall taste profile.
• Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and prevent excess starchiness, ensuring a cleaner chili consistency.
• Let chili cook uncovered to allow liquid reduction and allow spices to meld together for maximum taste depth.
• Add fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to brighten and personalize your dish.

Chili Remix: Fun Flavor Twists

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced portobello mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
• Turkey Chili: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey to reduce fat content and create a lighter protein option.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer ingredients after browning meat and sautéing vegetables to a slow cooker, cooking on low for 6-8 hours for deeper flavor development.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add diced green chilies, increase cayenne pepper, and top with fresh jalapeños for an extra heat-packed meal.

Bowls, Chips, Or Nachos: Chili Serving Ideas

• Hearty Game Night Feast: Serve this chili during sports events like football or basketball watch parties, perfect for gathering friends and enjoying comfort food together.
• Topping Extravaganza: Create a DIY chili topping bar with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro for customizable flavor experiences.
• Meal Transformation: Turn leftover chili into stuffed peppers by filling bell peppers with the chili, topping with cheese, and baking until peppers are tender and cheese melts beautifully.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair the chili with cornbread, buttered rice, or warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce and create a complete, satisfying meal that warms the soul.

Chill Out – Storing Your Quick Chili

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chili stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Chili freezes perfectly for up to 4 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm chili in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and maintain moisture. Heat until steaming hot throughout.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this chili recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• How spicy is this chili?

The recipe allows you to control the heat level. If you want mild chili, skip the cayenne pepper. For more heat, add extra cayenne or include some diced jalapeños during cooking.

• Do I need to soak the beans beforehand?

No, this recipe uses canned beans which are already cooked and ready to use. Simply drain and rinse them before adding to the chili for the best texture and flavor.

Quick Easy Chili Recipe on Stove Top

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chili con carne simmers with robust flavors, promising comfort in every spoonful. Packed with ground beef, beans, and zesty spices, you’ll savor this classic one-pot wonder that warms both body and soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground turkey

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced

Canned Ingredients and Liquids:

• 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounces) can kidney beans
• 1 (15 ounces) can black beans
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Avocado

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious pot over medium-high temperature and thoroughly brown the ground beef, fragmenting the meat while stirring continuously.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and aromatic.
3. Generously sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution.
4. Pour diced tomatoes, rich tomato sauce, kidney and black beans, and beef broth into the pot, gently mixing all components together.
5. Allow the chili to reach a gentle bubbling state, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for approximately 20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
6. Taste and fine-tune the seasoning with additional spices or salt, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
7. Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop deeper complexity.
8. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with preferred toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier chili base.
• For vegetarian options, swap ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or extra beans like black beans and kidney beans.
• Control heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity or using mild chili powder for sensitive palates.
• Let chili simmer longer than recommended for deeper, richer flavor development and more tender meat texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 255 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg