There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a pot of chili simmering on the stove, is there? As the weather cools down, I find myself craving hearty meals that warm the soul. This Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe is not only delicious but also perfect for quick family dinners. With just a couple of hours, you can whip up a batch that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a fantastic alternative to those easy pasta recipes we often rely on during busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers taste even better!
- Customizable to suit your family’s taste preferences.
- Pairs wonderfully with cornbread or over rice for a filling meal.
Ingredients
To make this delicious stovetop chili, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 jalapenos (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
- 28 oz can of diced tomatoes
- 15 oz can of tomato sauce
- 27 oz can of chile beans
- 1/2 cup of water
- 2 tbsp of ground cumin
- 2 1/2 tbsp of chili powder
- 1/4 tsp of dried oregano leaves
- 1-2 tbsp of brown sugar
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering chili:
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Drain the browned beef on a paper towel-lined bowl to remove excess grease.
- Leave about 2 tablespoons of grease in the pot for flavor.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, jalapenos, and minced garlic to the pot with the grease. Sauté for a couple of minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Return the beef to the pot.
- Dump in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chile beans, water, cumin, chili powder, oregano leaves, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and beef bouillon cubes.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once done, garnish with grated cheddar cheese and chopped green onions for an extra touch!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your chili turns out perfectly:
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapenos.
- For a richer flavor, let the chili simmer longer than 2 hours if you have the time.
- Try adding a splash of beer or a tablespoon of cocoa powder for depth.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving!
How to Serve
This chili is incredibly versatile! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve it in bowls topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
- Pair it with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal.
- Use it as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos for a fun twist.
- For a lighter option, serve it with a side salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
This chili is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- It also freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
- To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.
So there you have it! A delicious, hearty chili that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner idea. If you’re looking for more chili inspiration, check out my Ground Beef Stovetop Chili or the Best Ever Beef Chili. And if you’re in the mood for something different, don’t miss my Classic Slow Cooker Chili. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious stovetop chili!
Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, then drain on paper towels.
- Leave about 2 tbsp of grease, then sauté onion, bell pepper, jalapenos, and garlic for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return beef to the pot, add tomatoes, beans, water, spices, sugar, Worcestershire, and bouillon cubes. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2 hours.
- Garnish with cheese and green onions before serving.