Looking for a comforting meal that’s quick, easy, and delicious? This simple stove-top chili recipe is the perfect solution for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. It’s packed with flavor, hearty ingredients, and ready in under an hour. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie, this guide will walk you through how to make the best chili from scratch. Read on to discover everything you need to know about cooking the ultimate chili that’ll satisfy everyone at the table.

What is Chili?
Chili, short for "chili con carne," is a spicy stew typically made with ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of flavorful seasonings. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. While there are various regional and international versions of chili, this quick and easy recipe uses common ingredients and a straightforward cooking method to deliver a savory, filling meal in no time.
Ingredients List for Quick and Easy Chili
Before you dive into the cooking process, gather all the necessary ingredients to make your chili experience smooth and efficient. Here's a list of what you'll need:
- 1 pound of ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (6 oz) of tomato paste
- 1 cup of beef or chicken broth (or water if you don’t have broth)
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and tortilla chips
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about chili is its flexibility. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
- Ground Meat: You can swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian option.
- Beans: Don’t have kidney or black beans? Use pinto beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas instead. You can also skip beans altogether if you're making a bean-free chili.
- Vegetarian Chili: To make a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more beans or vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Spices: Customize the spice level to your liking by adjusting the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper. You can also add other spices like oregano or crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Liquid: If you don’t have broth, use water, but you can also experiment with adding beer or coffee for a deeper flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Cooking chili on the stove is incredibly easy and straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious pot of chili in just under an hour.

- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Break it apart using a spatula, and cook until it’s browned all the way through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the Seasonings: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and onions evenly with the spices. Let it cook for another minute to allow the flavors to blend.
- Add Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, drained kidney beans, and black beans. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Add Liquid: Pour in the beef or chicken broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts to bubble, lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Simmer and Thicken: Cover the pot with a lid and let the chili simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the chili will thicken as it cooks.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While chili is a pretty forgiving dish, here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Overcooking the meat: Make sure to cook the ground beef or turkey just until it’s no longer pink. Overcooking can lead to dry, tough meat.
- Using too much liquid: Be mindful of how much broth or water you add. Too much liquid can make your chili soupy instead of thick and hearty. If your chili is too watery, let it simmer uncovered for a while to evaporate some of the liquid.
- Undercooking the spices: Allowing your spices to cook with the meat for a minute or two will enhance their flavors. Don’t skip this step!
- Rushing the simmering process: Let the chili simmer for at least 25 minutes to give the flavors time to develop fully. Rushing this step can result in a bland chili.
How to Serve Chili
Chili is delicious on its own, but there are many ways to serve it to elevate the experience:
- With Rice: Serve chili over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a more filling meal.
- With Cornbread: Pair your chili with a side of warm, buttery cornbread to soak up all the flavorful juices.
- With Tortilla Chips: Use tortilla chips for dipping, or crush them on top for added crunch.
- As a Chili Dog: Spoon some chili over hot dogs for an easy and crowd-pleasing meal.
- With Baked Potatoes: Chili makes a great topping for baked potatoes, adding a hearty touch to this classic comfort food.
Presentation Ideas for Chili
Presentation can make a big difference, even with casual dishes like chili. Here are some easy ideas:
- Garnish: Top each bowl of chili with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or cilantro.
- Colorful Toppings: Add sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of color and flavor.
- Chili Bar: If you’re serving chili to a group, set up a chili bar with a variety of toppings, allowing everyone to customize their bowls.
- Serve in Bread Bowls: For a unique twist, serve your chili in edible bread bowls for a fun and satisfying meal.
Chili Recipe Tips
Here are some additional tips to ensure your chili turns out perfect every time:
- Make Ahead: Chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Make it ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.
- Freeze Leftovers: Chili freezes very well. Simply cool it down, portion it into airtight containers, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Adjust the Heat: If you're sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder. On the flip side, if you like it spicier, add hot sauce or chopped fresh jalapeños.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this chili in a slow cooker? A: Yes! Simply brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q: How long does chili last in the fridge? A: Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Q: Can I skip the beans? A: Absolutely! If you're not a fan of beans or following a low-carb diet, you can omit the beans without sacrificing flavor.
Q: What can I do if my chili is too spicy? A: If your chili is too spicy, try adding a bit of sugar, extra tomatoes, or a spoonful of sour cream to balance the heat.
Conclusion
This quick and easy stove-top chili recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend meal. With a handful of pantry staples and a little bit of time, you can create a hearty, flavorful dish that everyone will love. Whether you customize it with different ingredients, serve it with your favorite sides, or freeze the leftovers for later, chili is a versatile meal that’s sure to satisfy. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of chili any time of the year!
PrintQuick Easy Chili Recipe on Stove Top
This quick and easy chili recipe is perfect for those who want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, this stovetop chili delivers bold flavors in just 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights, this simple yet satisfying dish will be a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 cup water
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the beef and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute to release flavors.
- Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and water. Stir to combine.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili powder.
- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
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