Easy Stovetop Chili: A Simple & Flavorful Recipe
This easy stovetop chili recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal. It's quick, easy, and delicious, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this hearty and satisfying chili!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is easily adaptable to your spice preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment!
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, or a vegetarian substitute)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or substitute) to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
-
Simmer the Chili: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Slow Cook to Perfection: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or cilantro.
Tips for the Best Chili:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level. You can also add other spices like smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a deeper flavor.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, corn, or zucchini.
- Thicken it up: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water.
- Slow cooker option: This recipe can also be easily adapted for a slow cooker. Simply brown the meat and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
SEO Keywords:
This recipe is optimized for keywords such as: easy chili recipe, stovetop chili, quick chili recipe, easy chili, simple chili recipe, best chili recipe, chili recipe for beginners, one pot chili, 30 minute chili, etc. The use of these keywords throughout the text improves the recipe’s visibility in search engine results.
This recipe provides a delicious and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights, offering a customizable experience for different tastes and preferences. Enjoy!
