The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

This rich and flavorful The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners with family or friends. With seasoned ground beef, beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes, this chili delivers a comforting meal packed with deep, smoky flavors. Whether it’s game day or a chilly evening, this stovetop chili is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

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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 Flavoring
• Optional Toppings
• How to Make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
• Step 1: Heat the Oil
• Step 2: Sauté the Onion
• Step 3: Brown the Beef
• Step 4: Add Garlic and Spices
• Step 5: Incorporate Broth and Tomatoes
• Step 6: Simmer Your Chili
• Tip:
• Step 7: Serve Hot
• How to Serve The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
• Toppings
• Accompaniments
• Presentation Ideas
• 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?
• Can I make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili vegetarian?
• What beans should I use in The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?
• How do I thicken The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a rich flavor that warms the soul.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice levels and toppings to suit your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze leftovers for later.
• Great for Entertaining: Serve this chili at parties or gatherings for an easy dish everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools for making the best homemade stovetop chili. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven or heavy pot: Ideal for even heating and preventing burning while simmering your chili.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.

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

For Flavoring

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic, minced
• 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 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: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef. Cook while breaking it up as it browns, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Spices

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

Step 5: Incorporate Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the beef broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Stir in fire-roasted crushed tomatoes along with both types of beans.

Step 6: Simmer Your Chili

Bring the mixture to a boil. 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 cooking; uncover it during the last 30 minutes to thicken as desired.

Step 7: Serve Hot

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 dining experience. This hearty dish is versatile, making it easy to pair with various toppings and sides for a complete meal.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A classic topping that melts beautifully into the chili.
• Sour Cream: Adds a creamy texture and balances the spice.
• Green Onions: Fresh and crunchy, they provide a nice contrast to the warm chili.
• Cilantro: Offers a burst of freshness and enhances the overall flavor.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Sweet, fluffy cornbread is perfect for soaking up extra chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips add texture and can be used for dipping or scooping.
• Rice: Serve over rice for a filling twist on this traditional dish.

Presentation Ideas

• In Bowls: Presenting chili in rustic bowls makes for a cozy meal setting.
• With Bread Rolls: Serve alongside soft bread rolls for added warmth and comfort.

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How to Perfect The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

To achieve the best version of this classic dish, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choosing fresh vegetables and high-quality meat enhances flavor.
• Adjust Spices: Experiment with the amount of chili powder based on your heat preference.
• Simmer Longer: A longer simmer allows flavors to meld together beautifully; aim for at least 1 hour.
• Taste as You Go: Regularly taste your chili during cooking to adjust seasoning as needed.
• Keep It Covered Initially: Covering helps retain moisture; uncover towards the end to thicken the chili.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

Pairing side dishes with your chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options.

1. Cornbread: A sweet and crumbly complement that pairs perfectly with spicy chili.
2. Rice: White or brown rice serves as a hearty base that absorbs flavors well.
3. Tortilla Chips: Perfect for crunch; use them to scoop up your flavorful chili.
4. Salad: A fresh green salad adds brightness and balances out the richness of the chili.
5. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip offers a cool contrast to spicy chili flavors.
6. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy potatoes serve as an alternative base; top with chili for a filling meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the best homemade stovetop chili is easier when you steer clear of common mistakes.

• Skipping the Sautéing Step: Not sautéing the onions and garlic can lead to a bland flavor. Always take the time to soften them before adding other ingredients.
• Overcooking the Meat: Cooking ground beef for too long can make it tough. Brown it just until it’s no longer pink, then drain excess fat and continue with the recipe.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Each ingredient has its own flavor strength. Taste as you go and adjust spices accordingly to achieve the best homemade stovetop chili.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap canned tomatoes or broth can affect overall taste. Opt for high-quality fire-roasted tomatoes and a good beef broth for maximum flavor.
• Not Allowing Enough Simmer Time: Rushing the simmering process can lead to a watery chili. Allow at least an hour for flavors to meld and the chili to thicken properly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
• Allow chili to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Chili can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for reference.

Reheating The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until hot, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stovetop: Pour chili into a pot over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How can I customize The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

You can add bell peppers, corn, or even switch up the meats like turkey or chicken for variation. Spice levels can also be adjusted with more or less chili powder.

Can I make The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives, use vegetable broth, and keep beans as your protein source.

What beans should I use in The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

Red kidney beans and pinto beans are classic choices, but black beans or white beans also work well for different flavors and textures.

How do I thicken The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili?

If your chili is too thin, let it simmer uncovered longer. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the pot.

Final Thoughts

The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili is not only rich and flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Customize it with your preferred toppings or ingredients to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting bowl of deliciousness!