Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Just brown the meat and aromatics first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

How do I thicken chili naturally?

Let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes. Tomato paste also helps create a thicker, richer texture.

What makes chili taste richer?

Time and spice layering. Searing the meat well, blooming spices in oil, and simmering low and slow make all the difference.

Best Homemade Stovetop Chili (Cozy, Easy & Flavor-Packed!)

Description

There’s nothing like a bubbling pot of stovetop chili to make your kitchen smell like home this one’s rich, cozy, and totally crave-worthy with tender beans, bold spices, and a meaty tomato base.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1½ teaspoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder (or more to taste)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
28 oz can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
15 oz can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1¾ cups beef broth
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro

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Instructions

Dice onion, mince garlic, and prep your ingredients.
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high. Sauté onion until softened, about 2 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, brown sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper to coat beef and bloom spices.
Pour in beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot. Add tomatoes, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Stir well.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Uncover for the last 30 minutes for thicker chili.
Spoon into bowls and top with your favorites like shredded cheddar, sour cream, and green onions. Serve with tortilla chips or cornbread.

Notes

Chili thickens and deepens in flavor over time leftovers are even better! Customize with ground turkey, bell peppers, jalapeños, or frozen corn. Perfect over rice, potatoes, or straight from the bowl.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 360
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 45mg