Hearty Stove Top Chili Recipe

Hearty Homestyle Stove Top Chili Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Chili simmers with bold flavors that dance across your palate, creating a hearty stove top chili recipe that warms the soul on chilly evenings.

Robust spices mingle with tender meat and rich tomatoes in this classic comfort dish.

Each spoonful promises a depth of flavor that speaks to traditional cooking techniques.

The pot bubbles with a symphony of ingredients that blend seamlessly into a meal worth savoring.

Beans and ground beef create a satisfying texture that fills hungry bellies with pure deliciousness.

Simple ingredients transform into a remarkable meal that takes less than an hour to prepare.

This chili will become your go-to recipe for quick, delectable dinners that everyone at the table will love.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

What To Get For Stove Top Chili Recipe

For Meat and Aromatics:
  • Ground Beef: Rich protein base that provides hearty texture and deep meaty flavor, choose lean cuts for less grease.
  • Onion: Aromatic foundation that adds sweetness and depth, select firm, glossy yellow onions for best results.
  • Garlic: Intense flavor enhancer that creates robust base notes, pick plump, firm cloves without sprouts.
For Spices and Seasonings:
  • Chili Powder: Warm, complex spice blend that delivers classic chili flavor, look for fresh, vibrant red color.
  • Cumin: Earthy, smoky undertone that adds authentic southwestern character, choose whole seeds and grind for maximum potency.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds rich, smoky dimension with subtle heat, opt for high-quality Spanish varieties.
  • Oregano: Herbaceous note that complements other spices, select dried Mexican oregano for most authentic taste.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne: Essential seasoning trio that balances and intensifies overall flavor profile.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Umami-rich liquid that deepens meat's savory qualities, choose traditional brands.
For Liquid and Bean Base:
  • Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and enriches sauce, select dark, deep red paste.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Provide texture and bright acidity, choose fire-roasted for extra complexity.
  • Tomato Sauce: Smooth base that binds ingredients, pick high-quality, low-sodium varieties.
  • Beef Broth: Adds moisture and enhances meaty flavor, select low-sodium for better control.

Useful Tools For Stove Top Chili Recipe

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for browning meat and cooking the entire chili, with high sides to prevent splattering.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring meat, breaking it up, and mixing ingredients without scratching the pot.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients before cooking.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for dicing onions and garlic with precision.
  • Measuring Spoons: Help accurately add spices and seasonings for balanced flavor.
  • Colander or Strainer: Useful for draining excess grease from ground beef if needed.

How To Put Together Stove Top Chili Recipe

  • Brown Protein Like a Pro

Heat a hefty pot and sizzle ground beef until it transforms into crispy, golden bits. Drain away any extra fat, then toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they turn soft and fragrant.

  • Unleash Spicy Magic

Sprinkle a dance of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Let these spices waltz together for a quick minute. Splash in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce, stirring to create a bold, rich base.

  • Slow Simmer to Deliciousness

Pour beef broth into the pot, then gently fold in kidney and black beans. Bring the mixture to a playful bubble, then lower the heat and let everything mingle and develop deep, complex flavors. Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, occasionally giving a gentle stir to prevent sticking and ensure every bite is packed with incredible taste.

Helpful Add-Ons For Stove Top Chili Recipe

  • Flavor Boosting Trick: Toast whole spices before grinding to enhance their depth and release more intense aromatics for a more complex chili experience.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chili a day in advance, as flavors develop and intensify overnight in the refrigerator, creating an even more delicious meal.
  • Protein Power Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version that maintains great taste and texture.
  • Dietary Modifications: For gluten-free diets, ensure all canned ingredients and spices are certified gluten-free and replace Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free alternative or coconut aminos.
  • Heat Level Control: Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper, or add diced jalapeños for extra heat. For a milder version, remove seeds from peppers or omit spicy ingredients completely.

Nice Ways To Serve Stove Top Chili Recipe

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this hearty chili in deep ceramic bowls that keep the meal warm and inviting, perfect for chilly evenings.
  • Toppings Galore: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, dollop sour cream, scatter chopped green onions, and add fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
  • Bread Buddy Pairing: Accompany the chili with warm cornbread, crusty sourdough, or buttered texas toast to soak up the rich, spicy sauce and add delightful texture.
  • Game Day Champion: Present the chili in a large serving pot for casual gatherings, allowing friends to serve themselves with ladles and enjoy a communal meal during sports events or movie nights.

Keep Stove Top Chili Recipe Stored Safely

  • Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store cooled chili in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated chili stays tasty for 3-4 days, maintaining its rich flavor and hearty texture.
  • Freezer Batch Prep: Freeze chili in sealed freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Properly stored, it keeps excellent quality for 4-6 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain taste.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Thaw refrigerated or frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the mixture seems dry to restore original consistency.
  • Portion Control Trick: Divide chili into individual serving sizes before freezing. This allows easy defrosting of exactly the amount needed, reducing waste and providing quick meal solutions for busy days.
Print
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Hearty Stove Top Chili Recipe

Hearty Stove Top Chili Recipe


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4.9 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Spicy stove top chili delivers hearty comfort with robust flavors of ground beef, beans, and tomatoes. Simmered slowly, this classic American dish promises warmth and satisfaction for hungry families seeking a satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb/454 g ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 1 (15 oz/425 g) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz/425 g) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 oz/425 g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz/425 g) can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Instructions

  1. Searing Meat: Crumble ground beef in a heated pot over medium-high flame, caramelizing thoroughly and draining excess fat to create a clean, flavorful base.
  2. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté onions and garlic until translucent, infusing the meat with a fragrant, savory essence that forms the chili’s core flavor profile.
  3. Spice Transformation: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano directly into the meat mixture, toasting briefly to unlock their intense, complex aromatics and create a robust flavor foundation.
  4. Flavor Layering: Integrate tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, stirring vigorously to develop a deep, rich umami character that elevates the dish’s overall complexity.
  5. Liquid Integration: Combine diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth, then gently fold in kidney and black beans, creating a vibrant, hearty base that melds all ingredients into a cohesive, textured blend.
  6. Simmering Perfection: Reduce heat and allow the chili to simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution, transforming the mixture into a soul-warming, flavor-packed meal with incredible depth and richness.

Notes

  • Meat Caramelization Technique: Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavor profiles and eliminate excess grease for a cleaner, more concentrated taste.
  • Spice Toasting Trick: Toast spices directly in the meat mixture briefly to release essential oils and enhance their aromatic complexity, creating a more robust flavor foundation.
  • Simmering Strategy: Maintain low, gentle heat during the final cooking stage to allow ingredients to meld seamlessly, preventing burning and ensuring a harmonious flavor development.
  • Bean Texture Management: Avoid overcooking beans to preserve their structural integrity and prevent mushy consistency, maintaining a pleasant textural contrast in the chili.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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