The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

This is The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili, a dish that warms the heart and soul. Perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or chilly evenings, it combines seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes for that classic comfort food experience. The rich flavors and smoky aroma will make this chili a standout at any table.

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

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 Garnish
• How to Make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
• Step 1: Heat the 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
• Step 8: Final Touches
• Step 9: Serve
• How to Serve The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
• Toppings
• Accompaniments
• Drinks
• 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
• How can I customize The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?
• What type of beans are best for stovetop chili?
• Can I make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili vegetarian?
• What should I serve with The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?
• How do I thicken my stovetop chili?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal cooking in no time.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and fire-roasted tomatoes delivers deep, smoky flavors in every bite.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings to make this chili your own.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, this chili makes for a satisfying dinner that keeps you full.
• Great for Meal Prep: This stovetop chili stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for quick meals during the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make all the difference when making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and simmering, preventing sticking while enhancing flavor development.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

This rich and flavorful stovetop chili is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy dinner. It features seasoned ground beef, beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes, creating a classic, comforting meal with deep, smoky flavors.

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

For Garnish

• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro

PIN THIS!

How to Make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Step 1: Heat the Oil

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

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté for about 2 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook while breaking it up as it browns for about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat afterward.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Spices

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add chili powder (if using), cumin, brown sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 5: Pour in Broth

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

Step 6: Add Tomatoes and Beans

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

Step 7: Simmer

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

Step 8: Final Touches

Tip: Cover the pot during the first part of cooking. Uncover during the last 30 minutes to allow chili to thicken as desired.

Step 9: Serve

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

How to Serve The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Serving The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili can elevate your meal experience, making it even more enjoyable. Consider these creative suggestions to complement your chili and satisfy your guests.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – A classic choice, it adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Sour Cream – This provides a cool contrast that balances the spice of the chili.
• Green Onions – Freshly sliced green onions add a nice crunch and bright flavor.
• Cilantro – Chopped cilantro gives an aromatic touch that enhances the overall taste.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread – A sweet and buttery cornbread pairs perfectly with spicy chili.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy chips offer a great textural contrast and are perfect for dipping.
• Rice – Serve over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the flavors of the chili.

Drinks

• Beer – A cold beer complements the hearty flavors of chili wonderfully.
• Lemonade – The tartness of lemonade can refresh your palate after each bite.

How to Perfect The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Creating The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your chili is fantastic every time.

• Use Quality Meat – Choosing high-quality ground beef will enhance the flavor and richness of your chili.
• Let It Simmer Longer – Allowing your chili to simmer for extra time deepens the flavors; 1–2 hours is ideal.
• Adjust Seasonings as Needed – Taste your chili periodically and adjust seasonings like salt or spices according to your preference.
• Add Fresh Ingredients Last – To maintain their freshness, stir in ingredients like cilantro or green onions just before serving.

PIN THIS!

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 excellent options:

1. Cornbread – Soft, sweet cornbread complements chili beautifully and is easy to make.
2. Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes serve as a hearty base for spooning on chili.
3. Salad – A fresh garden salad provides a light counterbalance to the richness of chili.
4. Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.
5. Coleslaw – The crunchiness of coleslaw adds texture while the creaminess balances the spice.
6. Rice Pilaf – Flavored rice adds another layer of taste alongside your chili dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili, it’s easy to overlook small details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skip the seasoning: Not seasoning the ground beef can lead to bland chili. Always season your meat while it’s cooking for maximum flavor.
• Overcrowding the pot: Adding too many ingredients at once can prevent even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary, especially when browning the meat.
• Neglecting simmer time: Rushing the cooking process can lead to a less flavorful dish. Allow your chili to simmer as long as possible for deep flavors.
• Ignoring texture: Using only one type of bean can make your chili one-dimensional. Mix different beans for a variety of textures and tastes.
• Forgetting about toppings: Toppings can elevate your chili experience. Don’t skip on garnishes like cheese or cilantro for added flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept for up to 4 days.

Freezing The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if too thick.

PIN THIS!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How can I customize The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

You can customize your chili by adding different vegetables like bell peppers or corn. Adjust spices based on your heat preference as well.

What type of beans are best for stovetop chili?

A mix of red kidney beans and pinto beans works well, but feel free to use black beans or garbanzo beans for variety.

Can I make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What should I serve with The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

Serve with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for a complete meal that complements the flavors of the chili.

How do I thicken my stovetop chili?

To thicken your chili, allow it to simmer uncovered during the last stages of cooking or add a bit of cornmeal or masa harina while stirring.

Final Thoughts

The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily adjust ingredients and spices to suit your taste preferences. This recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings—give it a try and enjoy its comforting flavors!