The BEST Stovetop Chili: Rich, Hearty, and Packed with Flavor
1 days ago
Need a down-the-pipe, great chili recipe? One that is made with pantry ingredients, is flavorful enough for adults, but not too spicy for kids? Our easy Stovetop Chili checks all the boxes and more. Or try our easy Instant Pot Chili instead.
About This Recipe
This easy, homemade chili recipe originally came from my mother-in-law. It was handed down from her mother!
As with most recipes, adaptations have been made over the years. But, I’m convinced the tweaks and changes have resulted in the BEST Stovetop Chili recipe.
Great chili has to have depth of flavor. That doesn’t come with just a few ingredients. Don’t be intimidated by this long list, though. You likely have the majority in your pantry!
Ingredient Notes:
Ground beef – You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken.
Petite diced tomatoes – You can substitute regular diced or crushed tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes for even more flavor.
Seasonings: Chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Here is a quick overview on how to make chili on the stove.
Saute the onions and garlic and brown the ground beef.
Add remaining ingredients.
Simmer chili.
Topping & Side Dish Ideas
When it comes to what to serve with chili, it feels like the options are endless! Some even go as far as creating a chili bar. However, unless I am serving a group of people, I tend to keep things pretty simple in my house. Here are some fixings that go great with chili.
Topping Ideas:
Diced avocado
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Shredded cheddar cheese
Crushed corn tortilla chips
Thinly sliced green onions
Lime wedges, to squeeze on top
Tip: My friend, Leigh, finely chops baby gherkin pickles and puts them on top. It’s actually really delicious!
Freezing soups is one of my favorite ways to save my future self time. Chili is no different. Here’s how to make it a freezer meal:
Freeze For Later: Follow Steps 1-3. Freeze the uncooked chili in large freezer bag(s) or container(s). Alternatively, you can fully cook and cool the soup and then freeze.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw completely. Follow Steps 4-5. If the soup was fully cooked, then all you need to do is thaw it and warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Need a no-brainer, great chili recipe? One that is made with pantry ingredients, is flavorful enough for adults, but not too spicy for kids? Our Stovetop Chili checks all the boxes and more.
Ingredients
1–2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground beef (sub: ground turkey or chicken)
*This is canned tomato puree with a little bit of seasoning. Find it next to canned diced tomatoes.
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Instructions
In a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Once the oil is shimmery, add in the onions and saute until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add in the garlic and saute another 30-60 seconds.
Add ground beef to the pot and cook until no more pink is visible. Drain excess fat if desired. (Tip: Place a metal colander over a large bowl and drain the meat. Then discard the cooled grease into the trash later.)
Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, stirring almost constantly, and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring regularly to avoid scorching the bottom.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper amounts. Serve warm in bowls topped with your favorite chili toppings.
Freeze For Later:
Method 1 (Uncooked):Follow Steps 1-3. Freeze the uncooked chili in large freezer bag(s) or container(s).
Method 2 (Fully Cooked):Thaw in the fridge overnight or using the defrost setting on the microwave. Warm it up on the stovetop, in the microwave, or a in slow cooker.
Need a down-the-pipe, great chili recipe? One that is made with pantry ingredients, is flavorful enough for adults, but not too spicy for kids? Our easy Stovetop Chili checks all the boxes and more.
Slow Cooker Version: If you’d like to make this same recipe in a crock pot, you’ll first need to follow Steps 1 and 2 in the recipe, sauteeing the onions, garlic, and the ground beef in a pot on the stovetop. Add those ingredients along with all the other ingredients from Step 3 to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
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