Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together in a snap, this Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It boasts a rich medley of spices, tender beans, and hearty ground meat all simmered to perfection in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re after a weeknight dinner that satisfies or a crowd-pleaser for game day, this chili delivers deep, warming flavors without fuss or long cooking times. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be your go-to for those busy evenings when you want something cozy, spicy, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element plays a crucial role—onions and garlic build the aromatic base, spices bring the warming heat, and beans add both texture and protein that make this chili hearty and satisfying. Here’s everything you’ll want to gather before diving in:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey): Choose your favorite ground meat for a juicy, savory foundation.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic gives that signature punch and wonderful fragrance.
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Brings creamy texture and fiber.
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds earthy flavor and hearty body.
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes: A tangy and juicy base for the chili sauce.
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce: Enriches the broth and helps meld all the flavors together.
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth: Keeps the chili moist and flavorful while simmering.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: The star spice that delivers classic chili heat.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds smoky warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle smoky sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle peppery kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like it spicy, this amps up the heat just right.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing onions and garlic without sticking.
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado—simply make it your own.
How to Make Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them gently for about 2 minutes. This step unlocks their wonderful flavors and creates a fragrant base that will carry your chili.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks until it’s fully browned and beautifully crumbly. If you notice excess grease, drain it off to keep the chili hearty but not greasy.
Step 3: Toast the Spices
Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you want a bit more heat. Stir everything together and let the spices toast for about a minute. This short step amps up their flavor, making your chili truly vibrant.
Step 4: Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Broth
Mix in the drained kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir everything until the ingredients are well combined. This rich mixture will soon transform into a hearty, flavorful chili.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the pot to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time lets all the flavors meld nicely, the beans soften, and the chili develop a deeply satisfying taste.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Give your chili a taste and tweak the seasoning as needed. You can add a bit more salt or spice, depending on your preference. That’s the beauty of this dish—make it just the way you like it!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once seasoned to perfection, scoop your chili into bowls and get ready to dig in. The best part about this Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe is how effortlessly you can customize it with your favorite toppings and sides.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your chili adds texture, color, and that final wow factor. Try a sprinkle of shredded cheese melting on top, a dollop of sour cream for creaminess, fresh chopped green onions for brightness, or slices of creamy avocado for a buttery contrast. Each garnish makes every bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs exceptionally well with cornbread, which adds a pleasant sweetness and crumbly texture. A simple green salad can bring freshness to the plate, while tortilla chips lend a satisfying crunch. Rice is also a great base if you want to stretch the meal and soak up the delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your chili in hearty bread bowls for a fun twist that doubles as edible serving ware. Or layer it over baked potatoes for a filling meal. If you’re feeling festive, build chili “taco bowls” using large lettuce leaves or tortilla shells filled with your chili and toppings—it’s a party on a plate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe keeps really well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container, and the flavors will continue to deepen, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. It will last up to 3 months frozen, ready to thaw for a quick meal when you need it most.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chili gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings, just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid splatters, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef or turkey for extra beans, lentils, or even chopped vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a satisfying vegetarian version.
How spicy is this Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe?
The recipe has a moderate spice level thanks to chili powder and cumin, but you can adjust the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or including a chopped jalapeño if you like it hotter.
Can I use canned beans without rinsing?
It’s best to drain and rinse canned beans to reduce excess sodium and remove the canning liquid, which can sometimes affect the flavor and texture of your chili.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
You can use crushed tomatoes or even a smooth marinara sauce as a substitute, but keep in mind it might slightly alter the texture and flavor of your chili.
Is it okay to make this chili in advance?
Definitely! In fact, chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Just reheat gently before serving and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe enough if you want a hearty, flavorful meal that’s super simple to make. It’s perfect for busy evenings, casual get-togethers, or whenever you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food staple!
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Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal in just 30 minutes. Made with ground beef or turkey, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, it’s a versatile and satisfying recipe that can be customized with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, and avocado.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Brown Meat: Add ground beef or turkey to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to keep the chili from being too oily.
- Toast Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release the spices’ aroma and deepen their flavor.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Pour in the drained kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef or vegetable broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat if needed. Let it cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili and add more salt, pepper, or spices as desired to suit your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with your favorite optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with turkey for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier chili, increase cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
- For a thicker chili, let it simmer longer uncovered to reduce excess liquid.
- Use vegetable broth to make the chili vegetarian if substituting meat with plant-based protein or extra beans.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
