The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

This recipe for The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights and gatherings. Packed with seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, and rich fire-roasted tomatoes, this chili delivers a depth of flavor that warms your soul. It’s versatile enough for casual dinners or festive occasions, sure to please family and friends alike.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chili Base
• For Seasoning
• Optional Toppings
• How to Make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
• Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
• Step 2: Sauté the Onion
• Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
• Step 4: Add Garlic and Spices
• Step 5: Pour in Broth
• Step 6: Add Tomatoes and Beans
• Step 7: Simmer
• Tip:
• Step 8: Serve
• How to Serve The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
• Toppings
• Accompaniments
• How to Perfect The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
• Best Side Dishes for The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
• Reheating The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili special?
• Can I customize The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?
• How do I make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili less spicy?
• What side dishes pair well with The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and fire-roasted tomatoes creates a deep, smoky flavor profile that elevates traditional chili.
• Hearty Ingredients: Ground beef and beans make this dish filling and satisfying, perfect for a cozy dinner.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can have this delicious chili ready in under two hours.
• Customizable Toppings: Elevate your chili experience with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This chili keeps well in the fridge or can be frozen, making it great for easy meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili, you’ll need some essential tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chopping board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch Oven: This tool is essential for even cooking and allows you to simmer your chili perfectly without burning.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface while helping to break up the ground beef efficiently.

Ingredients

For the Chili Base

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 ¾ cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (28 oz) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic, minced

For Seasoning

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

Optional Toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Green onions
• Cilantro

How to Make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns, for about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Spices

Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.

Step 5: Pour in Broth

Pour in the beef broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes and Beans

Stir in the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes along with both types of beans.

Step 7: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 1–2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Tip:

Keep the pot covered during most of the cooking time but uncover it during the last 30 minutes to allow the chili to thicken as desired.

Step 8: Serve

Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, or cilantro. Enjoy!

How to Serve The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Serving The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili can elevate your meal experience. This chili is not only delicious on its own but also pairs wonderfully with various toppings and sides that enhance its flavor.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A classic choice that adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Sour Cream: Provides a cool contrast to the spicy heat of the chili.
• Chopped Green Onions: Adds freshness and a bit of crunch.
• Cilantro: Offers a burst of herbal flavor, brightening up each bite.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Sweet and buttery, it’s perfect for dipping into the chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are great for scooping up chili or enjoying on the side.
• Rice: Serve over white or brown rice for a heartier meal option.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the spiciness of the chili beautifully.

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How to Perfect The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

To achieve the ultimate version of The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions and garlic will enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of chili powder based on your heat preference.
• Simmer Longer for Depth: Letting your chili simmer longer can deepen the flavors even further.
• Experiment with Beans: Try different types of beans or omit them for a different texture.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Pairing side dishes with The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted with butter and garlic, it’s ideal for sopping up leftover chili.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy side that adds freshness to balance the richness of the chili.
3. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy potatoes can be topped with chili for a hearty twist.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful charred sweetness when grilled alongside your meal.
5. Salad Greens: A light salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of chili.
6. Potato Chips: Crunchy snacks that add texture and are great for munching on while enjoying your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili can be a fun experience, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your dish. Here are some tips to ensure you get it right.

• Skipping the browning step: Failing to properly brown the meat can lead to a less flavorful chili. Always cook the beef until it’s well browned before adding other ingredients.
• Not using enough seasoning: Under-seasoning is a common mistake. Taste your chili as it cooks and adjust the spices accordingly for optimal flavor.
• Overcooking or undercooking beans: If you use dried beans, ensure they are cooked properly before adding them to the chili. Canned beans should be added towards the end to avoid mushiness.
• Ignoring simmer time: Rushing the cooking process can affect flavor development. Allow your chili to simmer for at least an hour for the best results.
• Neglecting toppings: Toppings add texture and flavor. Don’t forget to include options like shredded cheese or sour cream when serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

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

Reheating The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili special?

This chili is rich and hearty, featuring seasoned ground beef, beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes that create deep flavors perfect for any occasion.

Can I customize The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

Absolutely! You can adjust spices, add more vegetables like bell peppers, or even substitute turkey for beef based on your preferences.

How do I make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili less spicy?

To reduce spiciness, omit chili powder or add more beans and tomatoes to balance out the heat.

What side dishes pair well with The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

Cornbread, rice, or a simple salad make great accompaniments to this comforting dish.

Final Thoughts

The appeal of The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili lies in its rich flavors and comforting nature. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients and toppings. Try making it today for a satisfying meal!