This hearty stove top chili is packed with bold flavors, tender ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Made with simple pantry staples and simmered to perfection, this one-pot meal is perfect for cozy nights, game days, or meal prep. It’s easy to customize and ready in under an hour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy One-Pot Meal – Simple ingredients and minimal cleanup.
- Rich & Hearty – A deep, savory flavor that develops quickly.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level and add your favorite beans or veggies.
- Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
- Canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- Canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Olive oil
Directions
- Sauté the Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Brown the Meat – Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Tomatoes & Broth – Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth.
- Season the Chili – Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- Add Beans & Simmer – Mix in the kidney beans and black beans. Lower the heat and let the chili simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve – Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Chili – Add extra red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.
- Meat Lovers Chili – Use a mix of ground beef, sausage, or even shredded beef.
- Vegetarian Chili – Swap the meat for extra beans, lentils, or mushrooms.
- Sweeter Chili – Add a small amount of brown sugar or cocoa powder for depth.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze – Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat – Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
How do I make my chili thicker?
Let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 extra minutes, or mash some of the beans for a thicker consistency.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge.
What toppings go well with chili?
Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro are great options.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you may need to cook them longer to break them down properly.
How do I make chili less spicy?
Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and chili powder.
What’s the best meat for chili?
Ground beef is classic, but ground turkey, pork, or even shredded chicken work well.
Can I use different beans?
Absolutely! Try pinto beans, navy beans, or chickpeas for a twist.
How do I prevent chili from burning?
Stir occasionally and keep the heat on low while simmering.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
What should I serve with chili?
Cornbread, rice, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad make great pairings.
Conclusion
This stove top chili is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it mild or spicy, with meat or vegetarian, this hearty chili will keep you warm and satisfied. Try it today and enjoy a homemade classic!
PrintStove Top Chili Recipe
This stove top chili is thick, hearty, and packed with bold flavors! Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices, it’s the perfect one-pot comfort food for chilly days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For the Chili Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
-
Cook the Meat & Aromatics:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned (about 5 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened.
-
Build the Flavor:
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce, stirring well.
-
Simmer the Chili:
- Pour in beef broth, then add kidney beans and black beans.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Taste & Serve:
- Adjust seasoning if needed. If you like it thicker, let it simmer uncovered for 5-10 more minutes.
- Serve hot with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or cornbread!
Notes
- Make it spicier by adding extra cayenne, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
- For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of chipotle powder.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap beef for extra beans and use veggie broth.