Quick Easy Chili Recipe on Stove Top

If you're looking for a quick and easy chili recipe that's packed with flavor but doesn't require hours of simmering, you're in the right place! This stove-top chili comes together in just 30 minutes and uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients like ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals when you need something warm, comforting, and delicious. You can also easily customize this chili with your favorite toppings or add-ins.

Let’s dive into the recipe and get ready to enjoy a bowl of hearty chili that’s ready in no time!

this Recipe

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What is Quick and Easy Chili?

This Quick and Easy Chili is a simplified version of classic chili, featuring ground beef (or your choice of protein), beans, tomatoes, and bold spices. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s designed to be fast without sacrificing flavor. Unlike traditional chili, which simmers for hours to develop deep flavors, this version relies on pantry staples and ground spices to bring bold, hearty flavors in a fraction of the time. Plus, you can easily adjust the heat level and toppings to suit your taste!

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Ingredients List for Quick and Easy Chili

Here’s what you’ll need to make this quick and satisfying chili:

• 1 pound ground beef (80-85% lean, or substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor if available)
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth (or water, to adjust consistency)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Sliced jalapeños (for extra heat)
• Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro
• Tortilla chips or crackers
• Avocado slices or guacamole

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Substitutions and Variations

This quick chili recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with the ingredients or adjust based on what you have in your pantry. Here are some easy swaps and variations:

• Protein: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter option. You can also use a plant-based meat substitute to make this chili vegetarian or vegan.
• Beans: Use any combination of beans you like! Black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas work well in chili. If you prefer a beanless chili, simply omit the beans.
• Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice level based on your preference. For a spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper or throw in some chopped jalapeños while cooking. For a milder version, use less chili powder and omit the cayenne.
• Liquid: You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water. For extra depth, add a splash of beer or red wine while cooking.
• Tomatoes: If you prefer a thicker chili, use crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes. You can also use a combination of both for extra texture.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot with the onions and garlic. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and half of the chili powder as the beef cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it off before continuing.

3. Add the Spices

Stir in the remaining chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their flavors.

4. Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.

5. Adjust Consistency and Seasoning

If the chili is too thick for your liking, you can add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed.

6. Serve with Toppings

Once the chili is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Ladle it into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, or green onions. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers on the side, if desired.

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How to Make Quick and Easy Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Browning the Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in the pot. This step is important because it builds flavor for the chili. Be sure to cook the beef until it’s fully browned, and if there’s too much fat in the pot, drain some of it before adding the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Adding the Spices Early

Toasting the spices in the pan with the beef and onions helps to release their flavors and infuse the entire dish. Adding the chili powder and cumin at this stage makes a huge difference in the depth of flavor.

Step 3: Simmering the Chili

Even though this is a quick chili, giving it at least 15-20 minutes to simmer will allow the flavors to meld and intensify. If you have more time, you can simmer it longer (up to an hour) for an even deeper flavor.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Draining Excess Fat: If your ground beef has a lot of fat, be sure to drain it before adding the other ingredients. Too much fat can make the chili greasy.
2. Overcrowding the Pot: When browning the beef, don’t overcrowd the pot. If the beef is too crowded, it will steam instead of brown, leading to less flavor.
3. Underseasoning: Chili relies on bold flavors, so don’t be shy with the spices. Taste the chili as it cooks and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Skipping the Simmer: Even though this is a quick chili, it’s important to give it time to simmer so the flavors can meld. A short 15-20 minute simmer will make a big difference.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Quick and Easy Chili is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting your chili:

How to Serve Quick and Easy Chili

• Toppings: Set up a chili toppings bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, avocado slices, and tortilla chips. Let everyone customize their bowls to their liking.
• Side Dishes: Serve chili with cornbread, crusty bread, or a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the dish. Corn tortillas or crackers are also great options for dipping.
• Chili Dogs: Use this chili as a topping for hot dogs to make chili dogs. Just add a sprinkle of cheese and chopped onions on top.
• Over Rice: Serve the chili over steamed rice or mashed potatoes for an extra hearty meal.

Presentation Ideas for Quick and Easy Chili

• Rustic Bowls: Serve the chili in rustic, ceramic bowls to give it a cozy, homemade feel.
• Garnish with Color: Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, green onions, or jalapeños for a pop of color and added flavor.
• Family-Style: Serve the chili in a large pot or Dutch oven in the center of the table with a variety of toppings so everyone can help themselves.

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Quick and Easy Chili Recipe Tips

• Adjust the Spice: If you’re making this chili for a crowd and need to adjust the heat level, start with less chili powder and cayenne, and let people add more spice with hot sauce or extra chili powder at the table.
• Make It Thicker or Thinner: For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to reduce the liquid. For a thinner chili, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• Leftovers: Chili tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes! This chili actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. You can make it ahead of time and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Can I freeze this chili?

Absolutely! Let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stovetop or microwave.

How can I make this chili vegetarian?

To make this chili vegetarian, simply swap out the ground beef for plant-based meat or use additional beans and vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

What can I serve with this chili?

Chili pairs well with cornbread, crackers, or tortilla chips. You can also serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for an extra filling meal.

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Conclusion

This Quick and Easy Chili recipe is the perfect solution for when you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices, this chili comes together in just 30 minutes on the stovetop, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable, so you can adjust the heat, add your favorite toppings, or even make it vegetarian. So grab your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of comforting chili in no time!

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