Delicious Simple Chili Recipe on Stove Top

The Ultimate Chili Recipe: Simmering Stove Top Magic

Spicing up weeknight dinners becomes effortless with this quick easy chili recipe that promises maximum flavor in minimal time.

Comfort arrives swiftly through a single pot of hearty goodness.

Robust ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a warming meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Pantry staples transform into a delectable dish without complicated techniques or endless chopping.

Bold spices dance through tender meat and soft beans, promising satisfaction in every bite.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can create such a deeply satisfying meal.

You’ll want to keep this recipe close for those nights when hunger strikes and time feels short.

Dive into this chili adventure and watch magic happen on your stovetop!

Quick Chili On The Stove Top Guide

  • Boost Flavor Fast: Packed with bold spices and simple ingredients, this chili delivers maximum taste with minimal effort, making it a go-to comfort meal for busy cooks.
  • Master One-Pot Magic: Prepare everything in a single pot, reducing cleanup time and kitchen mess while creating a hearty, satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family gatherings, game days, or casual weeknight dinners, this adaptable recipe welcomes customization with various toppings and can easily feed a hungry group.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add extra beans, or include different spice levels to make this recipe your own personal culinary signature.

Chili Ingredients For Quick Stove-Top

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich protein for the chili.
Aromatics:
  • Onions, Garlic: These ingredients create a deep and savory foundation for the chili's flavor profile.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: A blend of spices that adds warmth, depth, and traditional chili flavor.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Tomato Base:
  • Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provide a tangy, slightly acidic liquid base that helps create the classic chili texture and taste.
Beans:
  • Beans (Drained): Add extra protein, texture, and traditional chili element to the recipe.
Optional Toppings:
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions: Garnishes that add extra flavor, creaminess, and freshness to the chili.
Optional Liquid Adjustment:
  • Water, Beef Broth: Used to adjust the chili's consistency if needed.

Whipping Up Quick Stove-Top Chili

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat up the ground beef over medium flame. Break apart the meat with a wooden spoon, cooking until it turns completely brown and no pink remains.

Drain away any extra grease to keep the chili light and not too oily.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic.

Stir and cook these flavor bombs until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their delicious fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Spice Up the Mixture

Add your spice blend:
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and pre-drained beans.

Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Let the Chili Dance

Lower the heat and let the chili simmer gently.

Allow all the flavors to mingle and become best friends for about 15-20 minutes. If the mixture looks too thick, splash in some water or beef broth to create the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Dress and Serve

Ladle the steaming hot chili into bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes like:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Dollop of sour cream
  • Chopped green onions

Enjoy your hearty, soul-warming meal!

Tricks For Flavor-Packed Quick Chili

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier chili without compromising flavor.
  • Drain and rinse beans before adding to minimize sodium content and improve digestibility for sensitive stomachs.
  • Enhance depth of flavor by toasting spices in the pot for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients, releasing their aromatic oils.
  • Prepare chili a day ahead, as flavors develop and intensify when refrigerated overnight, making the next day's meal even more delicious.
  • Freeze leftover chili in airtight containers for up to 3 months, perfect for quick weeknight meals or unexpected dinner guests.

Remixing Quick Chili On Stove Top

  • Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a protein-packed meatless version.
  • Turkey Chili Lite: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lower-fat alternative that's equally hearty and flavorful.
  • Slow Cooker Adaptation: Transfer ingredients to a slow cooker after browning meat, cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
  • Spicy Southwest Chili: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and increase chili powder for a fiery kick that brings extra heat to the classic recipe.

Best Accompaniments For Quick Chili

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the steaming chili into deep bowls, perfect for a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out.
  • Nacho Party Topping: Spread crispy tortilla chips on a platter, generously cover with the chili, and sprinkle with melted cheese for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
  • Game Day Loaded Fries: Pile crisp french fries with the chili, top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions for an ultimate sports watching snack.
  • Chili Stuffed Baked Potato: Split a hot baked potato and fill with the rich chili, creating a satisfying and filling dinner option that combines two comfort foods.

Keeping Quick Chili Fresh

  • Refrigerate leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days.
  • Portion the chili into smaller containers for easier storage and quicker cooling.
  • Freeze chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
  • Label containers with the date to track storage time, which can be up to 4-6 months in the freezer.

FAQs

  • What type of ground beef works best for this chili?

Lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) provides the best flavor and texture without being too greasy. This ratio ensures the meat stays moist while not leaving excess fat in the pot.

  • Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to increase heat level. Start with small amounts and adjust to your personal spice preference.

  • Is this chili recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop. It can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheats perfectly in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Print
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Delicious Simple Chili Recipe on Stove Top

Delicious Simple Chili Recipe on Stove Top


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty chili con carne brings comfort and warmth to dinner tables across North America. Robust beef, smoky spices, and rich tomato sauce combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave during cooler evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Beans:

  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 ounces / 227 grams) tomato sauce

Spices:

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Liquid:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water or beef broth (optional, for consistency)

Garnish (optional):

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium flame and crumble ground beef, cooking for 6-7 minutes until completely browned and no pink remains visible. Eliminate excess grease through draining.
  2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic into the meat, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become translucent and aromatic.
  3. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper across the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
  4. Pour diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and pre-drained beans into the pot, gently mixing all ingredients to create a uniform consistency.
  5. Reduce heat to low, allowing the chili to simmer uncovered for 18-22 minutes. Periodically stir and monitor thickness, adding water or beef broth if mixture becomes too dense.
  6. Once chili reaches desired consistency and flavors have melded, remove from heat. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, dollop of sour cream, and freshly chopped green onions for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Customize meat by using ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
  • Enhance flavor depth by blooming spices in oil before adding other ingredients, which intensifies their aromatic compounds.
  • Control spice level by adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños or hot sauce gradually for personalized heat.
  • Make ahead and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld, creating a more complex and rich taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 253 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 360 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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