This stovetop chili is a warm and hearty dish, packed with delicious beans, ground meat, and spices. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or game day!
I love how easy it is to make—just throw everything in one pot! Plus, it warms you up like a comfy blanket on a chilly evening. 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using ground beef for its richness, but ground turkey is a great leaner option. You could also use plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
Beans: Kidney and pinto beans add great texture. Feel free to mix it up with black beans or chickpeas if those are your favorites. Use canned for convenience!
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes bring acidity. If you prefer fresh, around 2 cups of chopped tomatoes works well. You can also use crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture.
Spices: Chili powder is essential for flavor. If you’re out, a mix of paprika, cumin, and cayenne works too. Adjust these based on your spice level preference!
How Do I Properly Build the Flavors in My Chili?
Building up flavor in chili is all about layering ingredients and cooking them just right. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in oil, which gives the base a delicious aroma. The key is not to rush this process.
- Cook onions until they are soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then add garlic for just a minute.
- Add the ground meat and break it into smaller pieces while browning. This builds flavor from the meat itself.
- Be sure to toast your spices in the meat mixture—this enhances their flavors. Just a couple of minutes is enough.
Letting the chili simmer is important; it allows everything to meld together beautifully. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to suit your preference!
Stovetop Chili
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Toppings (optional but recommended):
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions or cilantro
- Tortilla chips for serving
Time Needed
This hearty stovetop chili will take about 15 minutes for prep and around 30 minutes to cook. With an hour total, it’s a quick, satisfying meal that can warm you up on a chilly day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become tender and slightly translucent. This step helps to build a flavorful base for your chili.
2. Adding Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir it around and cook for about 1 minute, just until you can smell its delicious aroma. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Browning the Meat:
Now it’s time to add the ground beef (or turkey). Break it into smaller pieces with a spoon and cook until it’s fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. This helps to develop a rich flavor and ensures the meat is fully cooked.
4. Seasoning It Up:
Once the meat is cooked, stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook these spices with the meat for about 1-2 minutes. This toasting process enhances the spices and adds depth to your chili.
5. Mixing in the Beans and Tomatoes:
Now, it’s time to add all the fun ingredients! Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth (or water), kidney beans, and pinto beans. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Simmering:
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot loosely, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you let it simmer, the better the flavors will blend!
7. Final Touches:
After simmering, taste your chili. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder according to your preference. You want it to taste just right!
8. Serving:
Serve the hot chili in bowls topped with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Feel free to add any of your other favorite toppings too!
9. Enjoying:
Serve with crunchy tortilla chips on the side for dipping or crumbling on top. Dig in and enjoy your warm, comforting stovetop chili!
This stovetop chili is rich, mildly spicy, and full of comforting flavors. Perfect for a cozy meal with family or friends. Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that it may have a slightly different flavor and texture, but it will still be delicious in the chili!
How Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply replace the ground meat with a plant-based meat substitute or use extra beans and lentils. Also, substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth for a fuller flavor.
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can! About 2 cups of fresh, chopped tomatoes will work well. Just remember you’ll need to add a bit more cooking time to help break them down, as canned tomatoes are already softened.
How Can I Store Leftover Chili?
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in individual portions! To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, and stir occasionally for even heating.
