This homemade chili recipe only takes about 30 minutes to make and is the perfect cold-weather comfort meal. It’s delicious, heartwarming, and filling.
If you are looking for an easy chili recipe for stovetop or in a slow cooker that is both quick and delicious, boy do I have one for you! We love enjoying a delicious bowl of chili in the fall and winter.
It’s like clockwork.. in September when the temperature drops to around 40 degrees or so at night, everyone wants chili. Chili is just one of those heartwarming comfort meals for us.
I also crave a good warm latte with my morning breakfast during the fall season.
This easy chili recipe can be made in the slow cooker or the stovetop. I usually whip it up last minute since it only takes about 30-35 minutes to make on the stovetop.
Table of Contents show
Easy Chili Recipe Stove Top
Chili Ingredients
I usually make this quick chili recipe for a big crowd or we will make a large batch to enjoy for the rest of the week. If you aren’t wanting to make a large batch, just cut the ingredients to half.
Usually, I don’t even measure, I just add to taste. But the list below is our basic recipe for homemade chili.
The best part about chili is that you can add more spices to get the flavor you want, so feel free to deviate from this too!
You will need:
- 1 1/2 lbs. of ground beef
- 1 can of tomato paste
- 4 (8 oz) cans of tomato sauce OR 2 (15oz) cans
- 2 large cans (40 oz) of Brooks Mild Chili Beans
- 1 c. frozen chopped onions
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1-2 tsp sugar
- 2 tbs chili powder (more if necessary)
How to Make Stovetop Chili The Simple Way
- In a large pot, add the ground beef, chopped onions, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until onions are caramelized and the ground beef is done.
- Drain the ground beef mixture.
- Place the ground beef mixture back into the pot and add the tomato sauce, paste, chili beans, sugar, and cocoa.
- Bring to a low simmer on medium heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the chili is hot.
Simple Homemade Chili in a Slow Cooker
If you are making it in the crockpot, do steps 1-2 but instead of putting everything into a large pot, place it in the crockpot. You can let the chili simmer in the crockpot for about 2 hours on low.
Serve by itself, with crackers, or with cornbread.
My favorite way to eat chili is to put butter on the cornbread so that it melts a little, set it on top of the chili, then dig in.
I don’t like the chili and cornbread mixed in together too much because I like the flavor to be somewhat separate.
Why put cocoa in a chili recipe?
I always add cocoa to the chili because it gives it such a wonderful flavor. If you didn’t know cocoa was in the chili, you would never taste it.
The unsweetened cocoa just brings out the bold flavors of the chili and makes it more delicious and hearty.
Homemade Chili FAQ
Here are some of the top questions we get asked about making chili at home.
What is the key ingredient in chili?
There is no one key ingredient in chili. However, when most people think of chili it is typically a combination of beans, meat, and spices.
What kind of meat can be used in chili?
There are many different types of meat that can be used in chili. The most common type of meat is beef, but pork, lamb, turkey, chicken, and venison are also popular choices.
What are the different types of beans that can be used in chili?
There are many different types of beans that can be used in chili. The most common type of bean is the red kidney bean, but black beans, pinto beans, and white beans are also popular choices.
What are some common spices used in chili?
Some common spices used in chili are cumin, chili powder, garlic, salt, and pepper. However, there are many different types of chili recipes with different spice combinations.
What is the best way to cook chili?
There is no one right way to cook chili. It can be cooked in a pot on the stove, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot. It can also be made in advance and reheated, or frozen for later.
How long does chili take to cook?
Chili typically takes about 30 minutes to cook on the stove, but this will vary depending on the recipe and cooking method.
Does chili get better with age?
Chili does tend to get better with age. The flavors have a chance to meld together and the chili will become more flavorful the longer it sits.
What is the best way to store chili?
Chili can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
What are some common toppings for chili?
Some common toppings for chili are cheese, sour cream, onions, and jalapenos. However, there are many different toppings that can be used depending on personal preference.
What else can be served with chili?
Chili is typically served with rice or cornbread. However, it can also be served with tortilla chips, crackers, or bread.
What is the best way to reheat chili?
Chili can be reheated on the stove, in the microwave, or in a slow cooker. It can also be frozen and then thawed and reheated.
What’s the secret to good chili?
There is no one answer to this question, as there are many different ways to make chili. However, some tips on making delicious chili include using fresh ingredients, taking the time to cook the chili until the flavors have melded together, and adding spice according to your taste preferences.Another key element of good chili is choosing the right type of meat. While you can use any type of ground meat, beef is the most common choice. For a more unique flavor, you could also try using ground lamb or pork.
What gives chili the best flavor?
Adding all the ingredients at once at the beginning of cooking gives the best flavor to chili so they have time to meld together. However, play with the ingredients and cooking style to find your preferred flavor!
What is the best way to thicken chili?
There are a few ways to thicken chili. One way is to cook it uncovered for a while so that some of the liquid evaporates. Another way is to add some flour or cornmeal to it. Finally, you can add some chopped up vegetables such as potatoes or carrots, which will absorb some of the liquid as they cook.
What are some good toppings for chili?
There are many good toppings for chili. Some popular ones include sour cream, cheese, diced onions, and green onions. You could also try something different like avocado or crumbled bacon.
How to make chili without beans?
If you want to make chili without beans, you can replace the beans with another type of protein such as ground beef or tofu. You can also add more vegetables to make up for the lack of beans.
What are some good side dishes for chili?
Some popular side dishes for chili include cornbread, rice, and salad. You could also try something different like roasted potatoes or a quesadilla.
Grab the recipe below and be sure to check out our other favorite quick family meal ideas:
- Easy Summer Recipes with Ground Beef The Family Will Love
- Simple Canned Tuna Recipes That You Can Serve For Dinner
- Meatballs with Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Crockpot Recipe
Easy Homemade Chili Recipe (Stovetop or Slow Cooker)
This simple chili is a breeze to make and tastes delicious, and is easy to adjust flavors to fit your own flavor profile!
- Pot
- Crockpot
- 1.5 lb ground beef
- 1 can tomato paste
- 4 8oz cans tomato sauce ((or two 15oz cans))
- 2 40oz cans mild chili beans
- 1 cup frozen chopped onions (or fresh works too!))
- 2 tsp Onion Powder
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp unsweetened cococa powder
- 1-2 tsp sugar (to taste)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
In a large pot, add the ground beef, chopped onions, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Cook until onions are caramelized and the ground beef is done.
Drain the ground beef mixture.
Place the ground beef mixture back into the pot and add the tomato sauce, paste, chili beans, sugar, and cocoa.
Bring to a low simmer on medium heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the chili is hot.
Crockpot Instructions
If using a crockpot, after browning the ground beef and onions mixture, add to crockpot and add in other ingredients as above.
Simmer on low for 2 hours.
Serve this tasty chili recipe by itself, with crackers, or with cornbread.
It makes a great football chili or quick dinner, and can be stored in the fridge and reheated for simple leftovers.
Main Course
American
Chili, Easy Chili Recipe
