This quick and easy stovetop chili is a hearty, flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. With simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, I can whip up a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Packed with protein, fiber, and bold spices, this chili is both comforting and nutritious.
Why I Love This Recipe
Fast & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute meal.
Rich & Flavorful – A delicious blend of spices creates deep, savory flavors.
Customizable – I can switch up the beans, protein, or spice level to fit my taste.
Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day.
One-Pot Convenience – Less cleanup means more time to enjoy my meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup beef or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
Add ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
Add drained beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir well to combine.
Bring to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot with my favorite toppings.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Variations
Protein Swap – I can use ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
Different Beans – Instead of kidney and black beans, I sometimes use pinto, white, or even chickpeas.
Spice Level – Adding extra cayenne or chopped jalapeños can turn up the heat, while reducing the chili powder makes it milder.
Thicker Chili – If I want a thicker consistency, I let it simmer longer or mash some of the beans.
Extra Veggies – Diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini add more texture and nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This chili freezes well for up to 3 months. I let it cool completely before storing it in freezer-safe bags or containers.
Reheating: On the stovetop, I warm it over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. In the microwave, I heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Related Recipes:
- The Best Homemade Stovetop Chili
- White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese
- Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
FAQs
How can I make this chili less spicy?
I reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use mild chili powder to keep it on the milder side.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! I brown the meat and sauté the onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
What can I serve with this chili?
I love pairing it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a side of rice. It also goes great with a fresh salad.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! I replace the ground meat with extra beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute.
How do I thicken my chili?
Letting it simmer longer helps, or I mash some of the beans to create a thicker texture. I can also add a bit of tomato paste.
Conclusion
This quick and easy stovetop chili is my go-to recipe for a fast, satisfying meal. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and simple to customize. Whether I’m cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this chili always delivers. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day.
📖 Recipe:
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Quick & Easy Stovetop Chili
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This quick and easy stovetop chili is a hearty, flavorful dish ready in just 30 minutes! Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a comforting, protein-packed dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup beef or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add drained beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For a thicker chili, let it simmer longer or mash some of the beans.
For a milder version, omit cayenne pepper and use mild chili powder.
Make it vegetarian by substituting meat with extra beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
