If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's quick to prepare, this easy chili recipe cooked right on the stovetop is just what you need! Packed with protein, vegetables, and spices, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Follow this recipe, and you’ll have a delicious bowl of chili in under an hour. Stay tuned for tips on ingredients, variations, and ways to serve your chili to impress!

What is Chili?
Chili is a savory stew-like dish that typically features ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. It's a popular comfort food in many households due to its versatility and ability to feed a crowd. Traditionally, chili is cooked slowly over low heat, but in this recipe, we’re going to show you how to make a quicker version without sacrificing flavor. Whether you prefer it mild or fiery, this stovetop chili recipe can be customized to your tastes.
Ingredients List for Quick and Easy Chili
Here’s what you’ll need for this tasty and simple chili recipe:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color, but red or green works best)
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Additional Ingredients for Flavor Boost
For those looking to enhance the flavor profile even more, consider adding some of these ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky taste
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened) to add richness
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a unique depth of flavor
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for umami
- 1 jalapeño, diced (for those who love extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about chili is how adaptable it is. You can swap out ingredients depending on dietary needs, personal preferences, or what's available in your pantry. Here are a few popular substitutions and variations:
- Meat Substitutes: You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative like crumbled tofu or soy-based meat crumbles. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add extra beans or a meat substitute.
- Beans: If you don’t have kidney beans, feel free to use pinto, navy, or even chickpeas. Canned beans are the easiest, but you can also use dried beans if you have time to cook them beforehand.
- Spice Levels: Tailor the heat to your liking by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper, adding in diced jalapeños, or omitting spicy ingredients altogether for a milder chili.
- Tomatoes: If you don’t have canned diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes or even fresh tomatoes will work as a substitute. Tomato sauce can also be used, but you might need to adjust the seasoning.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking this chili on the stovetop is straightforward and requires minimal preparation. In just a few steps, you’ll have a pot of flavorful chili ready to serve!
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or your meat substitute) and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the diced onions, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot with the browned meat. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook the spices with the meat and vegetables for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Beans
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Stir well to combine. Add the kidney beans and black beans to the pot, ensuring everything is mixed evenly.
Step 5: Simmer
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors meld.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
- After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add salt, pepper, or more spices based on your preference.
How to Cook Quick and Easy Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide
To summarize the stovetop chili-making process:
- Brown your meat or meat substitute in a large pot.
- Sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
- Add your spices and let them cook for a minute to enhance their flavor.
- Mix in your tomatoes, beans, and broth.
- Simmer for 20-30 minutes until the chili thickens and the flavors come together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
With these steps, you’ll have a pot of delicious chili ready to serve in no time!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not browning the meat properly: This step builds flavor. Make sure the meat is browned well before moving on to the next step.
- Overcrowding the pot: If you're doubling the recipe, make sure your pot is big enough to accommodate all the ingredients without overflowing.
- Under-seasoning: Chili is all about the spices, so be generous! If your chili tastes bland, it likely needs more salt or spices.
- Not letting the chili simmer long enough: Even though this is a quick chili recipe, giving it at least 20 minutes to simmer will allow the flavors to develop.
Serving and Presentation Tips
A great bowl of chili is not only about the taste but also how you serve and present it. Here are some tips to elevate your chili to the next level:
- Serve in individual bowls: Top each bowl with a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
- Offer a side of cornbread: Cornbread is a classic pairing with chili, adding a slightly sweet contrast to the spiciness.
- Serve with tortilla chips: Add some crunch by serving your chili with tortilla chips on the side or crumbled on top.
- Add a dollop of guacamole: Guacamole adds a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of the chili.
Presentation Ideas for Quick and Easy Chili
Presentation matters! Try some of these creative ways to serve your chili:
- Bread bowls: Hollow out a round loaf of bread and ladle your chili inside for a fun, edible serving dish.
- Taco shells or tortillas: Use the chili as a filling for tacos or burritos.
- Layer in a casserole: Spread the chili in a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake until bubbly. Serve it like a chili lasagna!
Quick and Easy Chili Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: Chili often tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance and store it in the fridge.
- Freeze leftovers: This chili freezes beautifully. Store it in individual containers for a quick meal later on.
- Double the batch: Chili is perfect for meal prep, so consider doubling the recipe to have leftovers for the week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker after browning the meat and sautéing the veggies. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes work well, though you may need to cook the chili a little longer to break them down properly.
How can I make this chili spicier?
Increase the amount of cayenne pepper, or add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers for extra heat.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all your ingredients (especially the broth and spices) are gluten-free, this chili is naturally gluten-free.
How long can I store chili in the fridge?
Chili can be stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This quick and easy chili recipe cooked on the stovetop is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With customizable ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a bowl of chili that’s sure to satisfy. Don’t forget to experiment with variations, toppings, and serving ideas to make it your own. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing meals for the week, this stovetop chili will become a go-to recipe in your household! Enjoy!
PrintQuick Easy Chili Recipe on Stove Top
This quick and easy chili recipe is a perfect stovetop dish, featuring hearty beans, ground beef, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a simple one-pot meal that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. Great for those who crave a filling and flavorful dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef (1 lb)
- Kidney beans (1 can)
- Diced tomatoes (1 can)
- Onion (1, diced)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Chili powder (2 tbsp)
- Cumin (1 tsp)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (1 tbsp)
- Water or broth (1 cup)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and garlic, cook until softened.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and broth or water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasonings to taste, and serve with desired toppings.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For extra heat, add crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños.
- This chili can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
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