When the crisp air calls for a hearty meal, nothing quite delivers like a rich, comforting bowl of homemade chili. This easy stovetop chili recipe is your ultimate answer for a quick, satisfying, and flavorful dinner that comes together effortlessly in just one pot. Forget complicated steps and long ingredient lists; our simple Dutch oven chili focuses on robust flavors from minimal pantry staples, making it perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or cozy family meals.
Crafted with lean ground beef, a blend of savory beans, and zesty diced tomatoes, this classic chili is designed to be both straightforward and profoundly delicious. Its versatility means you can easily customize it to your liking, adding extra vegetables, spices, or toppings to create a unique culinary experience every time. Get ready to embrace the warmth and rich aromas that will fill your kitchen as this easy stovetop chili simmers to perfection, promising a deeply satisfying meal that will become a cherished part of your recipe collection.
Making a comforting pot of chili doesn’t have to be complicated. This easy stovetop chili recipe keeps things simple while still delivering that rich, hearty taste everyone loves. By using pantry staples like ground beef, beans, and diced tomatoes with green chiles, you can pull this meal together fast — no fancy ingredients required. If you’re short on time but still want something satisfying, this is the go-to easy chili recipe stovetop fans will turn to again and again. It’s also easy to customize. Add in bell peppers, celery, or swap the beans to make it your own.
Add your favorite toppings and serve the Dutch oven chili with milk-free cornbread or in a recipe for sourdough bread bowls.
Why We Love This Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe
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Perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy, family-friendly dishes can often feel time-consuming to prepare. Fortunately, this 30-minute recipe solves that problem! From start to finish, you can have a delicious, warm meal on the table, minimizing kitchen time without compromising on flavor. It’s the ideal solution for those evenings when you need a quick, hearty meal without the fuss. -
Only requires a few ingredients.
You’ll be amazed at the depth of flavor achieved with just four core ingredients for the base of this dish. This simplicity makes it incredibly budget-friendly and accessible, as most items are likely already in your pantry. Plus, we share our “secret” ingredient below that elevates this easy chili recipe to new heights! -
Feeds a crowd and can be made ahead.
This recipe is easily scalable, making it fantastic for entertaining or meal prepping throughout the week. Make a generous batch in advance to save yourself valuable time; it conveniently keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. It’s also an excellent choice for hosting. Invite friends over for a game day party and set up a fun chili bar, letting everyone customize their bowls with their favorite toppings! -
Incredibly versatile and customizable.
While the base recipe is simple, it’s also a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast, a vegetable lover, or prefer a richer texture, this chili can be easily adapted. Add your preferred spices, incorporate seasonal vegetables, or experiment with different meats and beans to tailor it perfectly to your family’s tastes. -
A true comfort food classic.
There’s something inherently comforting about a warm bowl of chili, especially on a cold day. This stovetop version captures that classic, soul-satisfying essence, making it a beloved dish that brings warmth and happiness to any mealtime. It’s a taste of home that everyone can appreciate.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Lean ground beef: For the best balance of flavor and lower fat content, we recommend using 85/15 or 80/20 lean ground beef. The small amount of fat renders down to create a rich base for the chili. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent leaner substitutes, though they may require a touch more oil for browning. For a plant-based option, consider using plant-based ground meat or even a mix of mushrooms and lentils.
- Canned chili beans: A diverse mixture of beans truly makes the best chili. This recipe leverages the convenience and flavor of canned beans. If you can’t find specific “chili beans” (which often come in a mild chili sauce), kidney beans are a fantastic substitute, offering a creamy texture and robust flavor. Other great options include pinto beans, black beans, or a combination. Remember to drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly, unless they are packed in a seasoned chili sauce which you might want to keep for extra flavor. If you prefer to cook from scratch, our tutorial on how to cook dried beans can guide you.
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chiles: Brands like Rotel or Del Monte Zesty Diced Tomatoes are perfect for this recipe, adding a spicy kick and a tangy brightness. These diced tomatoes bring a unique depth that plain diced tomatoes can’t replicate alone. If these aren’t available, simply use regular canned diced tomatoes and supplement with a small can of diced green chiles for that essential flavor profile. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes can also add a delightful smoky note.
- Secret ingredient: Ground cinnamon: This might sound unusual for chili, but trust us! A mere half teaspoon of ground cinnamon adds a warm, subtle sweetness and complexity that perfectly balances the savory and spicy elements of the chili. It’s a secret weapon that deepens the overall flavor without making the chili taste overtly sweet. If you don’t have ground cinnamon on hand, or prefer to omit it, the chili will still be delicious, but you’ll miss that intriguing background note.
- Optional Aromatics: While not in the core four, adding a diced yellow onion and a couple of cloves of minced garlic (sautéed with the beef) can significantly enhance the chili’s base flavor. They build a fundamental layer of savory goodness that is truly foundational for many great chilis.
Recipe Variations for Your Perfect Chili
- Boost the flavor with additional spices: For those who love a bold and complex flavor profile, consider stirring in a teaspoon of cumin, a generous pinch of extra salt (to taste), a teaspoon of dried oregano, a handful of fresh chopped cilantro, and a dash of red pepper flakes while the chili simmers. These simple additions will not only deepen the savory notes but also introduce a touch of heat, transforming this classic chili recipe into an even more dynamic dish. Experiment with smoked paprika for an added smoky depth.
- Incorporate more vegetables for color and texture: To enhance both the nutritional value and visual appeal of your chili, dice a bell pepper (any color works beautifully) and sauté it alongside the ground beef. You can also add other diced vegetables like celery, carrots, or even zucchini during the simmering stage. This easy step adds freshness, vibrant color, and an extra satisfying texture to each spoonful.
- Make it rich and smoky with bacon: For an incredibly indulgent and deeply savory upgrade, mix in some crispy, crumbled bacon. Cook the bacon first, then use a tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat to brown your ground beef for an extra layer of flavor. Bacon pairs exceptionally well with the robust beans and tangy tomatoes, giving your easy stovetop chili a truly hearty and irresistibly smoky dimension.
- Create a thicker, richer base: If you prefer a chili with a denser, more concentrated sauce, stir in a spoonful or two of tomato paste after browning the beef and before adding the canned tomatoes. Allow it to cook for a minute or two to deepen its flavor. This simple addition will create a wonderfully thick and rich base. To balance these rich, comforting flavors, consider serving your chili with a crisp green salad on the side.
- Add a touch of sweetness: A tablespoon of brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the overall warmth of the chili, especially if you’re using more intense spices.
- Spice it up with heat: For those who crave more heat, incorporate finely diced jalapeños or serrano peppers (seeds in for maximum heat), a dash of cayenne pepper, or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce into the simmering mixture.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
This easy chili recipe can be tailored to your liking. We like to include beans, but you can add green peppers, celery, or any other vegetables you like. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit dietary needs or simply personal preference.
Equipment Used in This Recipe
- Dutch oven: A sturdy Dutch oven is our top recommendation for making stovetop chili. Its heavy bottom ensures even heat distribution, preventing sticking and burning, while its excellent heat retention keeps your chili simmering gently and developing deep flavors. The size is also perfect for handling the volume of ingredients in this recipe, making it an ideal one-pot cooking vessel for this comforting dish. A large heavy-bottomed pot or stockpot can also work if a Dutch oven isn’t available.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Essential for browning the beef and stirring the ingredients.
- Ladle: For serving your delicious chili into bowls.
How to Make Easy Chili Recipe Stovetop
Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and hearty stovetop chili in no time:
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Cook the ground beef.
Begin by adding your lean ground beef to a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Using a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula, break the meat apart as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. Continue cooking until no pink remains. Then, carefully drain off any excess grease from the cooked ground beef, leaving approximately one tablespoon of fat behind in the pot. This small amount of rendered fat is crucial for adding a rich, savory depth to your stovetop chili without making it greasy. A good browning creates flavorful fond (the browned bits at the bottom of the pan) which will be incorporated into the sauce.
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Stir in the chili beans and diced tomatoes.
Once the beef is browned and drained, place the Dutch oven back on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add the canned chili beans and diced tomatoes with green chiles to the pot. Using a large spoon, stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring all components are heated through and flavors begin to meld. Be sure to drain any regular canned beans before adding them. However, if using chili beans packed in a seasoned chili sauce, you may want to add the entire contents of the can for extra flavor.
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Taste and season as it cooks, then simmer.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the ground cinnamon. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for about 20 minutes. Simmering is key for the flavors to fully develop and deepen. The ground beef chili will taste different at various points in the cooking process, so make sure to taste as you go. This allows you to adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding extra salt, pepper, or other spices if desired. The longer you let it simmer, the more complex and rich the flavors will become, making it a truly satisfying meal. -
Serve warm.
Once the chili has simmered to your desired consistency and flavor, ladle it into bowls and serve warm. It’s the perfect canvas for your favorite chili toppings, transforming a simple meal into a personalized culinary delight.
Serving Suggestions for Your Stovetop Chili
This easy stovetop chili recipe is packed with hearty flavors and is just as enjoyable on its own as it is topped with extras. For added richness and a burst of complementary textures, try garnishing each bowl with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt, finely chopped green onions, creamy diced avocado, or thinly sliced fresh or roasted jalapeños for a spicy kick. Crushed tortilla chips or corn chips also add a satisfying crunch that chili lovers adore. For those who enjoy an extra layer of heat, a sprinkle of chili powder, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce can elevate the spice level. This comforting dish pairs perfectly with other hearty additions like extra black beans, pinto beans, or classic red kidney beans. Beyond a simple weeknight meal, it also works beautifully as part of your Cinco de Mayo recipe ideas alongside fun appetizers like wonton cups, cheesy quesadillas, or savory pulled pork street tacos.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
To make serving easy and enjoyable for everyone, arrange various chili toppings in small serving bowls, then let your guests help themselves to whatever toppings they like. This “chili bar” approach is always a crowd-pleaser!
To round out this delicious 30-minute meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad for freshness and garlic toasted sourdough bread or garlic toast for dipping and soaking up every last bit of that rich chili goodness. Classic cornbread, biscuits, or even a simple side of rice are also excellent accompaniments.
Recipe FAQs
For optimal flavor development, cook your stovetop chili with the lid on, set to a gentle simmer, for at least 20 minutes. However, for a more profound depth of flavor, you can let it simmer for up to 2 hours. The longer the chili gently simmers, the more time the ingredients have to meld and create a rich, complex taste.
Absolutely! Chili is an excellent candidate for freezing, making it perfect for meal prep. If you’re planning to store this meal for longer than a few days, simply transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. When properly stored, frozen chili will keep beautifully in the freezer for 4 to 6 months, ready for a quick and convenient meal anytime.
The consistency of chili is largely a matter of personal preference; it can be thin and soupy or rich and thick. For a thicker consistency, simmer the chili with the lid off for the last 10-15 minutes, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. If you prefer a more soupy chili, or find it has become too thick, you can easily adjust it by adding chicken broth, beef broth, or water, approximately ¼ cup at a time, until your perfect consistency is reached.
If you’re only storing the Dutch oven chili for a few days, simply transfer it to a sealed, airtight container and keep it in the fridge. For longer storage, freezing is highly recommended (as described above). Always let frozen chili thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To reheat this easy chili on the stove, place it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures it’s thoroughly heated. To reheat in a microwave, place a single serving in a heat-safe container, cover loosely, and cook on high power for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
Make-Ahead Tips and Alternative Cooking Methods
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare in advance: This stovetop chili is an ideal make-ahead meal. You can cook a large batch up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen and improve overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
- Entertaining made easy: Preparing chili ahead of time frees you up to enjoy your guests. Simply reheat the chili gently on the stove or in a slow cooker before serving. This makes it perfect for game day parties, casual get-togethers, or even a simple family dinner where you want to minimize last-minute cooking stress. Consider setting up a chili bar with various toppings for a fun, interactive meal.
Other Cooking Methods for Chili
- Crockpot Slow Cooker Chili: For a hands-off approach, this chili recipe adapts beautifully to a slow cooker. First, brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain any excess fat. Transfer the browned meat to your crock-pot, along with the canned chili beans and diced tomatoes. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to truly meld and deepen, resulting in an incredibly tender and rich chili with minimal effort.
- Instant Pot Chili: If you need chili even faster, the Instant Pot is your best friend. Start by using the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot to brown the ground beef. Once browned, drain the fat. Add all remaining ingredients to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. After cooking, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure. Stir well and serve. This method locks in moisture and infuses flavors quickly.
- Customizing with seasoning packets: While our recipe uses cinnamon for a unique touch, you can easily substitute the diced tomatoes with green chiles for plain diced tomatoes (without chiles) and use a pre-made chili seasoning packet to spice this to your liking. Follow the packet instructions for the amount to add, tasting as you go to achieve your preferred level of seasoning and heat. This offers a convenient way to achieve a consistent flavor profile if you’re short on individual spices.
No matter how you choose to prepare it, this easy chili recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss, ensuring a satisfying meal every time.
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If you tried this stove top chili recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Stove Top Chili
By Renae Gerhardstein
Make hearty and flavorful stove top chili with simple ingredients in just one pot. Perfect for game day or weeknight dinners, and easy to customize!
Pin Recipe
Entree
American
4 servings
5 minutes
25 minutes
30 minutes
277
Equipment
- Dutch oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (we recommend 85/15 or 80/20)
- 15 ounces canned chili beans (or kidney beans)
- 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel or Del Monte Zesty Diced Tomatoes)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings for Chili
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- jalapenos
- diced avocado
- corn chips or tortilla chips, crushed
Instructions
- Add ground beef to a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, using a wooden spoon to break apart the meat as it cooks.
- Using paper toweling, carefully soak up excess grease in the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon of grease behind, for additional flavor.
- Place the Dutch oven back on the stovetop over medium-high heat and stir in the chili beans and diced tomatoes. Using a large spoon, stir to combine, then bring mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in cinnamon, then let mixture simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls and serve warm, topped with your favorite chili toppings.
Notes
- This easy chili recipe can be tailored to your liking. We like to include beans, but you can add green peppers, celery, or any other vegetables you like.
- Add chili toppings to small serving bowls, then let your guests help themselves to whatever toppings they like.
- To round out this 30-minute meal, consider serving it with a salad and garlic toasted sourdough bread or garlic toast.
Recipe Variations
- Boost the flavor with spices: For a bold twist, stir in cumin, extra salt, dried oregano, fresh cilantro, and a pinch of red pepper flakes while simmering. These simple additions will deepen the flavors and bring a touch of heat to this classic chili recipe.
- Add more vegetables: Dice a bell pepper and sauté it with the ground beef to add color and extra texture. This easy step adds freshness and makes each spoonful even more satisfying.
- Make it rich and smoky: Mix in crispy bacon for added depth and smokiness. Bacon pairs beautifully with the beans and tomatoes, giving your easy chili recipe stovetop a hearty, savory upgrade.
- Create a thicker, richer base: Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste during simmering to create a thicker sauce. Serve the chili with a crisp green salad on the side to balance the rich, comforting flavors.
Storing Instructions
- If you’re only storing the Dutch oven chili for a few days, keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. For longer periods of time, freezing is recommended. Let it thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- To reheat this easy chili on the stove, place it in a saucepan over medium heat and stir it occasionally, until it reaches a temperature of 165°F. To reheat in a microwave, place it in a heat-safe container and cook on high power for 3-5 minutes.
Make Ahead Instructions
- Make a batch in advance to save yourself some time. It keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Then, invite some friends over for a game day party and set up a chili bar!
Other Cooking Methods
- Crockpot Slow Cooker chili: This chili can be made in a crock-pot. First, brown the meat and add it to the crock-pot with the can of chili beans and diced tomatoes. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Instant Pot Chili: To make this easy chili recipe in the Instant Pot, saute the ground beef meat in the Instant Pot. Then, add all ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Let it naturally release for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
- You can substitute diced tomatoes (without chiles) and use a chili seasoning packet to spice this to your liking.