The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili Recipe
A hearty and flavorful homemade stovetop chili made with ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, beans, and a blend of spices. This classic chili simmers slowly to develop a rich depth of flavor, perfect for cozy dinners or game day gatherings.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Meat and Broth
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 ¾ cups beef broth
Vegetables and Beans
- 28 oz can fire roasted crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 15 oz can pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Heat the Olive Oil: Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté Onions: Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened and translucent, creating a flavorful base.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add 1 lb ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the chili from being greasy.
- Add Garlic: Stir in 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant to deepen the flavor.
- Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Mix in 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon chili powder (optional), 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Combine everything well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Add Liquids and Scrape Pot: Pour in 1 ¾ cups beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits that add extra flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in the 28 oz can fire roasted crushed tomatoes and the drained and rinsed 15 oz cans of red kidney and pinto beans. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors meld.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the chili warm with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Notes
- Simmering time can be adjusted between 1 to 2 hours based on desired thickness and flavor intensity.
- For a spicier chili, increase the chili powder or add cayenne pepper.
- Draining excess fat after browning the beef helps reduce grease but keep some fat for flavor.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky depth, but regular crushed tomatoes work as well.
- This chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Keywords: homemade chili, stovetop chili, beef chili, easy chili recipe, fire roasted tomatoes, kidney beans, comfort food