Easy Stovetop Chili in Under 30 Minutes Recipe

Introduction

This easy stovetop chili recipe delivers rich, hearty flavor in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights. Made with simple ingredients and cooked in one pot, it’s both delicious and fuss-free. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit a variety of tastes, including picky eaters.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (white or sweet onion works too)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (90% lean sirloin, or substitute ground turkey or chicken)
• 2 tablespoons chili seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water (or chicken/beef stock for richer flavor)
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce (unsalted preferred)
• 1 (15 oz) can chili beans (pinto, black, kidney, or white beans are good substitutes)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until soft and translucent but not browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in chili seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, water, and tomato sauce. Mix well to combine.
4. Step 4: Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the chili starts sticking, add a splash of water to deglaze the pot.
5. Step 5: Add the chili beans to the pot, stirring gently. Simmer an additional 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings and sides.

Tips & Variations

• Try swapping chili beans for pinto, white chili beans, black beans, or kidney beans to change up the texture and flavor.
• Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Replace water with chicken or beef stock to deepen the flavor.
• Add more heat by increasing chili powder, or adding chipotle peppers or cayenne pepper if you like it spicy.
• If the chili gets too thick, thin it with a little water or broth, especially after refrigerating.
• Use lean meat to avoid greasy chili.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze chili for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If thickened after storage, add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use extra beans and vegetables for a delicious meatless chili.

How can I make this chili spicier?

Add additional chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, diced chipotle peppers, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste. Start with small amounts and adjust to your heat preference.

Easy Stovetop Chili in Under 30 Minutes Recipe

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4.6 from 51 reviews

This easy stovetop chili recipe delivers rich, hearty flavor in under an hour using simple ingredients and one pot. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features ground beef, onions, tomato sauce, chili beans, and a blend of chili seasonings, simmered together to create a comforting dish that’s kid-friendly and versatile.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chili Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (90% lean ground sirloin recommended)
• 2 tablespoons chili seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup water (or chicken/beef stock for richer flavor)
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce (unsalted preferred)
• 1 (15 oz) can chili beans (such as Bush’s chili beans)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out all spices and liquids to have them ready before cooking.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions become soft and translucent but not browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot with the onions and garlic. Break up the meat with a spoon, stirring frequently, and cook until no longer pink and evenly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in chili seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, water (or stock), and tomato sauce. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
5. Simmer the Chili: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chili starts to stick to the pot, add a splash of water to deglaze.
6. Add Beans and Continue Simmering: Stir in the chili beans and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
7. Final Taste and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot topped with your choice of shredded cheese, chopped onions, sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, or sliced avocados. Pair with classic or cheesy cornbread for a complete meal.

Notes

• Use different types of beans like pinto, black, or kidney beans for variety.
• Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce calories and fat.
• Use chicken or beef broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
• Adjust spice levels with additional chili powder, chipotle peppers, or cayenne pepper for heat.
• If chili thickens too much after refrigeration, thin it with a little water or broth before reheating.
• Deglaze the pot with water when ingredients stick while cooking to prevent burning and add flavor.
• Make sure not to over-brown onions to keep a balanced flavor without bitterness.

Keywords: easy chili recipe, stovetop chili, quick chili, ground beef chili, one pot chili, weeknight chili, kid-friendly chili