Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe
If there’s one dish that never fails to bring comfort, excitement, and a whole lot of flavor to your weeknight table, it’s Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili. This hearty, one-pot wonder comes together in just over half an hour, yet simmers with such rich taste you’d swear it spent all day on the stove. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want to curl up with a big bowl, this chili puts smiles on faces and keeps dinnertime simple and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili lies in its approachable, everyday ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen for a reason—think tender protein, velvety beans, and a parade of spices—all ready to create a deeply satisfying pot of chili magic.
- Ground Beef or Ground Turkey: The backbone of your chili, bringing hearty flavor and plenty of satisfying protein. Choose whichever you prefer for flavor or a lighter touch.
- Onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when cooked down with the meat—don’t skip it!
- Garlic (minced): A quick sauté brings out its savory fragrance, which lingers in every bite.
- Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed): This classic chili bean soaks up seasonings beautifully and adds a creamy-mild texture.
- Black Beans (drained and rinsed): With their distinctive flavor and rich color, these round out the bean medley for heartiness and balance.
- Diced Tomatoes (with juices): No need for fresh tomatoes—canned varieties provide natural sweetness and body.
- Tomato Sauce: Helps to create the luscious, thick texture that clings to every spoonful.
- Chili Powder: Essential for that signature, smoky chili kick—dial up or down as you like.
- Ground Cumin: Brings warmth and earthiness to the pot for that unmistakable chili flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Just a hint deepens the smoky undertone and adds gorgeous color.
- Salt: To pull all the flavors together without being overpowering.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle bite, rounding out all the richer flavors.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional): For a little heat! Add more if you like it spicy, less if not.
- Water or Beef Broth: Adds moisture; broth will intensify the savory notes, but water keeps things lighter if you prefer.
How to Make Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Onion
Start by heating up your favorite heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and diced onion together, letting them cook until the meat has lost its pinkness and the onion turns tender and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. If you find a lot of extra grease, feel free to drain it off for a lighter chili.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Toast the Spices
Sprinkle in the minced garlic and stir for about one minute, just until you catch that lovely garlicky aroma. Then, add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if you’re feeling spicy! Let the spices toast for 30 seconds—this quick step deepens their flavor and packs the dish with cozy warmth.
Step 3: Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Sauce
Now it’s time for the heart of the chili. Gently stir in the drained kidney beans and black beans, the full can of diced tomatoes (juices included!), tomato sauce, and your choice of water or beef broth. Everything comes together in a beautiful medley of comfort and color.
Step 4: Simmer and Stir
Bring your chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Leave the pot uncovered and let everything bubble away for 20 to 25 minutes, giving it a stir every so often. This is where the flavors meld and the chili thickens to perfection. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed!
Step 5: Serve It Up
Spoon your piping hot Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili into bowls and let everyone top theirs however they please. From shredded cheese and sour cream to scallions and tortilla chips, this chili welcomes all kinds of delicious finishing touches.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili
Garnishes
The toppings can truly make your Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili feel special. Sprinkling on sharp cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, a handful of green onions, or crunchy tortilla chips gives each bowl its own personality. Chopped fresh cilantro or jalapeños are perfect for a fresh, zesty kick.
Side Dishes
There’s plenty of fun to be had with side dishes! Serve this chili with pillowy cornbread, fluffy white rice, or even spooned over a baked potato for the ultimate cozy meal. For lighter sides, a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette nicely counterbalances the chili’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, try serving your Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili in bread bowls or as part of a DIY chili bar with toppings galore. Turn leftovers into nachos, burrito fillings, or even chili dogs for a playful twist that’s guaranteed to keep everyone coming back for more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This chili only gets better as it sits! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep beautifully for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more irresistible.
Freezing
Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili is a meal prep dream. It freezes like a charm: just let the chili cool completely, then ladle into freezer-safe containers (leaving a little space for expansion). Label and freeze for up to three months—future you will thank you!
Reheating
To reheat, simply scoop what you need into a saucepan and warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, for the best texture. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens up a bit too much.
FAQs
Can I make Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the ground meat and add an extra can of beans or swap in some drained lentils. You’ll keep all the hearty flavor and protein, just in plant-based form.
How can I make this chili spicier?
It’s all about the heat! Add more cayenne pepper, toss in a diced jalapeño, or drizzle your favorite hot sauce over individual servings. Tasting as you go makes it easy to hit your personal sweet (or spicy) spot.
Can I use different kinds of beans?
Definitely! Pinto beans, cannellinis, or even chickpeas can join the party. Mixing up the beans gives your Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili a unique texture each time you make it.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
No worries—regular paprika will still provide lovely color, or just omit it altogether. If you’re craving smokiness, a tiny dash of liquid smoke added near the end can work, too.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check any store-bought ingredient labels to be certain.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a crowd-pleasing, weeknight-friendly recipe, you can’t go wrong with Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili. With its bold flavors and effortless prep, this dish is sure to become one of your go-tos for family meals or cozy weekends. Try it once and you’ll want to keep this easy chili recipe in your back pocket forever!
Print
Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili is a flavorful and hearty dish that can be whipped up in no time. Perfect for a cozy dinner or to feed a crowd, this chili is a classic comfort food that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Ground Beef or Turkey:
1 pound
Onion (diced):
1 small
Garlic (minced):
2 cloves
Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed):
1 can (15 ounces)
Black Beans (drained and rinsed):
1 can (15 ounces)
Diced Tomatoes (with juices):
1 can (15 ounces)
Tomato Sauce:
1 can (8 ounces)
Chili Powder:
2 tablespoons
Ground Cumin:
1 teaspoon
Smoked Paprika:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper (optional):
1/4 teaspoon
Water or Beef Broth:
1/2 cup
Instructions
- Cook the Beef and Onion: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned and onion is soft.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Cook to toast the spices.
- Combine Ingredients: Add beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and liquid. Simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with toppings.
Notes
- This chili tastes even better the next day.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra beans or lentils.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
