As the days grow shorter and a comforting chill fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a hearty, homemade chili simmering on the stovetop. In our home, chili night is a cherished tradition, a signal that it’s time to gather close and savor the simple joys of togetherness. This homestyle chili recipe has become a family favorite for good reason. It’s robust, deeply flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, even on busy weeknights. The blend of savory ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and warming spices creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. From the moment the first spoonful warms you from the inside out, you’ll understand why this is, in our opinion, the best stovetop chili you’ll ever taste. It’s the kind of meal that brings smiles to faces, sparks conversation, and leaves everyone feeling utterly content and satisfied. Get ready to transform your cozy nights in with this chili that’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen, just as it has in ours.

Ingredients for the Best Homestyle Stovetop Chili

Crafting the perfect chili starts with selecting quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the depth of flavor and satisfying texture we crave. This recipe uses a combination of fresh vegetables, lean protein, aromatic spices, and canned goods to create a chili that’s both convenient and exceptionally delicious. Let’s delve into each ingredient and understand its contribution to this homestyle masterpiece:

1 TBSP Olive Oil: Olive oil serves as the foundation for sautéing our vegetables, adding a subtle fruity note and preventing sticking. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for its richer flavor and health benefits. While olive oil is preferred, you can substitute with other cooking oils like avocado oil, canola oil, or even coconut oil depending on your preference and what you have on hand. The key is to have a healthy fat to initiate the cooking process and help release the flavors from the vegetables and spices.
2 Bell Peppers, Diced: Bell peppers bring a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the chili. You can use any color bell pepper – green, red, yellow, or orange – or a mix for visual appeal and a slightly nuanced flavor profile. Red and yellow bell peppers tend to be sweeter, while green bell peppers offer a slightly more herbaceous taste. Dicing the peppers ensures they cook evenly and become tender, contributing to the overall texture of the chili without overpowering it. For a smokier flavor, consider roasting the bell peppers before dicing and adding them to the chili.
1 Onion, Diced: Onion is an aromatic cornerstone of countless savory dishes, and chili is no exception. Diced onion provides a foundational savory depth and slightly sweet undertone as it caramelizes while sautéing. Yellow or white onions are excellent choices for chili, offering a balanced flavor that complements the other ingredients. For a milder onion flavor, you can use shallots or sweet onions. Ensure the onion is diced uniformly to ensure even cooking and avoid any large, undercooked pieces in the final chili.
2 Cloves Garlic, Crushed: Garlic is a powerhouse of flavor, adding pungency and warmth to the chili. Crushing the garlic releases its aromatic oils more effectively than mincing, infusing the chili with a robust garlic flavor. Fresh garlic is highly recommended for the best taste, but in a pinch, you can use pre-minced garlic from a jar. If you are a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two to amplify the garlicky notes in your chili. Roasting garlic before crushing it can also bring a sweeter, mellower garlic flavor to the dish.
1 lb Extra Lean Ground Beef: Ground beef is the protein heart of this chili, providing a satisfyingly meaty texture and rich, savory flavor. Using extra lean ground beef helps to minimize excess grease, resulting in a healthier chili. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground bison for variations in flavor and fat content. For a vegetarian or vegan chili, consider using plant-based ground meat alternatives or increasing the amount of beans and vegetables. Browning the ground beef thoroughly is crucial for developing deep, savory flavors that are essential to a great chili.
1 TBSP Chili Powder: Chili powder is the spice blend that defines the characteristic flavor of chili. It typically contains a mix of dried chili peppers, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and other spices. The exact composition and heat level can vary between brands, so adjust the amount to your preference. If you prefer a milder chili, start with a smaller amount of chili powder and add more to taste. For a deeper, more complex chili flavor, consider using a high-quality chili powder blend or making your own homemade chili powder blend.
1 TBSP Paprika: Paprika adds a smoky, slightly sweet depth of flavor and vibrant red color to the chili. There are different types of paprika, including sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and hot paprika. Smoked paprika is particularly recommended for chili as it enhances the smoky notes and adds complexity. Hot paprika can be used in combination with sweet or smoked paprika for those who prefer a spicier chili. Paprika also helps to round out the flavors of the other spices and create a more balanced chili.
1 tsp Salt: Salt is essential for enhancing the flavors of all the other ingredients in the chili. It balances the sweetness, acidity, and spice, bringing all the elements together in harmony. Start with the recommended amount of salt and adjust to taste throughout the cooking process. Different types of salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, can be used. Taste the chili towards the end of cooking and add more salt if needed to achieve the desired flavor profile.
2 tsp Cumin: Cumin is a warm, earthy spice that is a staple in chili recipes. It provides a distinctive aroma and depth of flavor that complements the other spices and ingredients. Ground cumin is readily available and easy to use. For a more intense cumin flavor, you can toast cumin seeds in a dry pan before grinding them and adding them to the chili. Cumin is a key spice in chili, contributing to its signature taste and aroma.
1 tsp Oregano: Oregano adds a slightly peppery, herbaceous note to the chili. Dried oregano is commonly used in chili recipes and provides a robust, earthy flavor that complements the other spices. Mexican oregano is often preferred for chili as it has a slightly stronger and more citrusy flavor compared to Mediterranean oregano. Oregano contributes to the overall complexity of the spice blend and adds a touch of freshness to the chili.
1 tsp Garlic Powder: Garlic powder enhances the garlic flavor in the chili and provides a different dimension of garlic taste compared to fresh garlic. It’s a convenient way to add garlic flavor and complements the fresh garlic cloves. Garlic powder is a versatile spice that is commonly used in chili and other savory dishes. It provides a consistent garlic flavor throughout the chili.
¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a touch of heat to the chili, providing a pleasant warmth without being overwhelmingly spicy. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your spice preference. If you prefer a spicier chili, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add other sources of heat, such as chipotle powder or diced jalapeños. For a milder chili, you can omit the cayenne pepper altogether or use a very small pinch. Cayenne pepper adds a welcome kick and complexity to the chili’s flavor profile.
2 15 oz Cans of Mixed Chili Beans in Chili Sauce: Chili beans in chili sauce provide a convenient and flavorful bean base for the chili. Mixed chili beans typically contain a variety of beans, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans, in a pre-seasoned chili sauce. This simplifies the process and adds extra flavor to the chili. You can also use plain canned beans and adjust the seasoning yourself, or use dried beans that have been soaked and cooked. The beans contribute protein, fiber, and a creamy texture to the chili, making it more hearty and satisfying.
1 Cup of Beer: Beer adds a unique depth of flavor to the chili, contributing a slightly malty, subtly bitter, and complex note that enhances the overall taste. Choose a dark beer like a stout or porter for a richer flavor, or a lighter beer like a lager or ale for a milder taste. Non-alcoholic beer can also be used as a substitute. The alcohol cooks off during simmering, leaving behind the flavorful essence of the beer. If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute with beef broth or chicken broth for added liquid and savory flavor.
28 oz Can of Petite Diced Tomatoes: Petite diced tomatoes provide a tangy, slightly sweet, and juicy tomato base for the chili. Petite diced tomatoes are preferred over regular diced tomatoes as they break down more easily during cooking, creating a smoother chili texture. You can also use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce for variations in texture. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes can add a smoky depth of flavor. Tomatoes are essential for chili, contributing acidity, moisture, and a vibrant red color.
Suggested Toppings:
- Cheese: Shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack, adds a creamy, melty, and savory topping that complements the chili perfectly.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a cool, tangy, and creamy contrast to the warm, spicy chili.
- Corn Chips: Crunchy corn chips offer a satisfying textural contrast and a salty, corn flavor that pairs well with chili.
- Green Onion: Chopped green onions add a fresh, mild oniony flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.

Instructions: Crafting Your Perfect Pot of Homestyle Chili

Making this homestyle chili is a straightforward process, even for novice cooks. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a flavorful and satisfying chili that will warm you from the inside out:

Heat Oil in a Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Begin by placing a large pot or a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot and let it heat up for a minute or two until it shimmers. Using a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven helps distribute heat evenly and prevents scorching, especially during the long simmer time. Ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients, as chili is a hearty dish.
Sauté Peppers and Onions: Once the oil is heated, add the diced bell peppers and diced onion to the pot. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become softened and slightly translucent. Sautéing the peppers and onions releases their natural sweetness and enhances their flavor, creating a flavorful base for the chili. Avoid browning them excessively at this stage; you want them softened, not caramelized.
Add Crushed Garlic and Cook 1 More Minute: Add the crushed garlic to the pot with the softened peppers and onions. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can become bitter. Cooking the garlic briefly releases its aromatic oils and infuses the vegetable base with its pungent flavor.
Add Meat and Crumble as it Cooks: Add the 1 pound of extra lean ground beef to the pot with the vegetables and garlic. Using a spatula or spoon, break up the ground beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the meat is no longer pink. Browning the ground beef is crucial for developing rich, savory flavors in the chili. Ensure the beef is cooked through completely before moving on to the next step. Drain off any excess grease from the pot after browning the beef if using ground beef that is not extra lean.
Once the Meat is No Longer Pink, Add Spices, Canned Goods, and Beer: Once the ground beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, it’s time to layer in the flavors. Add the chili powder, paprika, salt, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir well to coat the beef and vegetables with the spices. Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aromas. Then, add the two 15 oz cans of mixed chili beans in chili sauce, the 1 cup of beer, and the 28 oz can of petite diced tomatoes to the pot.
Stir to Combine: Stir all the ingredients in the pot thoroughly to combine everything evenly. Ensure the spices are well distributed, the beans and tomatoes are mixed in, and the beer is incorporated into the mixture. At this stage, the chili will be quite liquidy, but it will thicken as it simmers.
Bring to a Simmer: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the chili to a simmer. Once it starts simmering, reduce the heat to low. Simmering is essential for allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time.
Cover and Reduce Heat: Once the chili is simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer gently.
Simmer for at Least 1 Hour but the Longer, the Better: Allow the chili to simmer, covered, for at least 1 hour. However, for the best flavor, simmer it for 2-3 hours, or even longer if time allows. The longer the chili simmers, the more the flavors will develop and deepen, resulting in a richer, more complex chili. Stir the chili occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If the chili becomes too thick during simmering, you can add a little beef broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: After simmering for at least an hour, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, chili powder, cumin, or cayenne pepper to taste. This is the final opportunity to perfect the flavor profile of your chili before serving.
Serve Hot with Your Favorite Toppings: Once the chili has reached your desired flavor and consistency, it’s ready to serve. Ladle the hot chili into bowls and let everyone customize their bowls with their favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, corn chips, and chopped green onions. Enjoy the comforting warmth and delicious flavors of your homemade homestyle chili!

Nutrition Facts

This homestyle chili recipe, when divided into 6 servings, provides a satisfying and nutritious meal. Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-550 calories

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown per Serving:

Protein: 30-35g
Fat: 20-25g (depending on the leanness of ground beef and toppings)
Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Fiber: 10-15g

This chili is a good source of protein and fiber, contributing to satiety and digestive health. It also provides vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and tomatoes. Keep in mind that adding toppings like cheese and sour cream will increase the calorie and fat content.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour (minimum, longer simmer time recommended)

The active preparation time for this chili is relatively short, making it a great option for weeknight dinners. The majority of the time is spent simmering, allowing the flavors to develop while requiring minimal hands-on attention.

How to Serve Your Homestyle Chili

Chili is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your chili experience:

Classic Bowl of Chili: The most straightforward and satisfying way to enjoy this chili is in a bowl, served hot and generously topped with your favorite fixings.
Chili with Cornbread: Pair your chili with warm, fluffy cornbread for a classic Southern-inspired meal. The sweetness of the cornbread perfectly complements the savory chili.
Chili Cheese Fries: Elevate your french fries by smothering them in chili and melted cheese for a decadent and indulgent treat.
Chili Dogs: Top hot dogs with a generous ladle of chili and your favorite hot dog toppings for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Chili Baked Potatoes: Serve chili over baked potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal. Top with cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
Chili Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a platter, top with chili, cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole for a fun and shareable appetizer or meal.
Chili Mac and Cheese: Stir chili into creamy mac and cheese for a comforting and flavorful twist on a classic dish.

Additional Tips for Chili Perfection

To take your homestyle chili to the next level, consider these helpful tips:

Longer Simmer Time = Deeper Flavor: While a 1-hour simmer is good, simmering the chili for 2-3 hours, or even longer, will significantly enhance the flavor. The longer simmer allows the spices to meld, the flavors to deepen, and the chili to become richer and more complex. If you have the time, let it simmer low and slow for maximum flavor payoff.
Spice it Up (or Down): This recipe provides a moderate spice level. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat. For a spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce. For a milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Experiment with Different Beans: While mixed chili beans are used in this recipe for convenience, feel free to experiment with different types of beans. Kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, cannellini beans, or a combination of your favorites can be used. You can also use dried beans that have been soaked and cooked for an even more authentic flavor.
Add Chocolate for Richness: For a truly decadent chili, try adding a square or two of unsweetened dark chocolate or a tablespoon of cocoa powder during the last 30 minutes of simmering. Chocolate adds a subtle depth of flavor and richness that complements the savory spices and beef beautifully.
Make it Ahead and Freeze: Chili is a fantastic make-ahead meal. The flavors actually improve after a day or two in the refrigerator. You can make a big batch of chili on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week. Chili also freezes exceptionally well. Store leftover chili in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQ Section: Ingredients in Homestyle Chili

Q1: Can I substitute ground beef with another type of meat?
A: Yes, absolutely! You can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, ground bison, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives. Ground turkey and chicken will result in a leaner chili, while bison offers a slightly richer, gamier flavor. For a vegetarian or vegan chili, you can omit the meat entirely and increase the amount of beans and vegetables, or use a plant-based ground meat substitute.

Q2: I don’t have chili beans in chili sauce. Can I use plain canned beans?
A: Yes, you can definitely use plain canned beans. If you are using plain canned beans, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans, you will need to add a bit more seasoning to compensate for the chili sauce. Consider adding an extra teaspoon of chili powder, a pinch of cumin, and a dash of hot sauce to enhance the flavor and mimic the chili sauce in the canned chili beans.

Q3: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?
A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes in place of canned diced tomatoes. You’ll need about 4-5 medium-sized ripe tomatoes. Peel and dice the fresh tomatoes before adding them to the chili. Fresh tomatoes will add a brighter, fresher flavor, but they may also make the chili slightly more liquidy, especially if they are very juicy. You may need to simmer the chili for a bit longer to reduce the liquid and achieve your desired consistency.

Q4: What if I don’t have beer? Can I use something else?
A: If you don’t have beer or prefer not to use it, you can easily substitute it with beef broth or chicken broth. Broth will still add liquid and savory depth to the chili. You could also use a non-alcoholic beer for a similar flavor profile without the alcohol. Another option is to use a dark, rich beef stock for an even more intense beefy flavor.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables to this chili recipe?
A: Absolutely! Chili is very adaptable, and you can easily add other vegetables to customize it to your liking. Some great additions include corn kernels (canned, frozen, or fresh), diced zucchini, diced carrots, chopped celery, or even sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite vegetables to make this chili your own. Just be mindful of adding vegetables that require longer cooking times earlier in the process to ensure they are tender by the time the chili is ready.