Quick Easy Chili

Chili is one of those comforting dishes that warms you up from the inside out, right? This Quick Easy Chili Recipe on Stove Top is a fantastic way to whip up a hearty meal in no time, perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this chili comes together quickly, so you can kick back and enjoy time with family or friends instead of washing dishes. The robust flavor of spiced ground beef combined with hearty beans creates a mouthwatering dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup for you, making it a winner in my book! Let’s get cooking and make mealtime a delightful affair.

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Why This Recipe Works

One of the best things about this chili is how quick it is to prepare and cook. You can have it ready in under an hour. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual Sunday, this chili fits right in with your schedule. The combination of spiced ground beef and hearty beans makes it rich and satisfying, ensuring you enjoy every bite. Not to mention, using just one pot means you can spend less time cleaning and more time savoring your meal. If efficiency in the kitchen is what you’re after, this recipe is spot on.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Easy Chili Recipe on Stove Top

You’ll adore this chili recipe for so many reasons. First, it strikes the perfect balance between spice and flavor, satisfying both those who like it mild and those who want a kick. Additionally, the flexibility of ingredients allows you to use what you have on hand, making it easy to adapt. What’s more, this dish excels for meal prep; you can prepare it ahead of time, serve it with ease, and even enjoy the leftovers. In fact, the flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons chili seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 (27 oz) can chili beans (do not drain or rinse)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
• Chopped onions (for topping)
• Sour cream (for topping)
• Jalapeños (for topping)
• Cilantro (for garnish)
• Avocado (for garnish)

Cook the Onions and Garlic

Sauté in Oil

Start by grabbing a Dutch oven or a large, deep pot. Heat that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, then toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for about 2 minutes until it starts to soften. Next, add in the minced garlic and keep sautéing for another 2 minutes, letting that delightful aroma fill your kitchen.

Brown the Ground Beef

Add Beef and Seasonings

Now, stir in the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s browned all over. If you notice any excess grease, go ahead and carefully drain it before moving on to the next step.

Create the Chili Base

Incorporate Tomato Sauce and Spices

Once your beef is browned, it’s time to add in the tomato sauce. Follow that with the chili seasoning, salt, and crushed red pepper. Mix everything together well. Allow this chili mixture to simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This step is crucial, as it lets all those flavors meld together beautifully.

Add the Beans

Stir and Simmer

After simmering, it’s time to add the star of the show: the canned chili beans. Just dump them in, including the juice; no need to drain or rinse! Stir everything together and let your chili simmer for another 10 minutes. This will heat it through and develop even more flavor.

Serve and Enjoy

Toppings Galore

Now for the fun part! Serve up that warm chili in bowls and don’t skimp on toppings. You can use shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, a dollop of sour cream, slices of jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or avocado. Each topping elevates your chili, making it even more enjoyable. Dig in and relish your delicious creation!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your chili with warm, crusty bread or serve it over rice for a filling meal.
• For a crunchy side, tortilla chips bring a satisfying texture and flavor.

Tips for Success

If you’re looking for a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of beer or beef broth during the simmering process. Want a bit more heat? Just adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to tailor it to your taste preferences.

Variations

Feel free to get creative! You can substitute ground turkey or even use plant-based protein for a lighter version. Adding diced bell peppers or corn brings an exciting texture and sweetness to the mix.

Storage Tips

Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, try freezing! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors will have enhanced over time, offering a delightful experience with each bite.

FAQs

1. Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for lentils or extra beans for a hearty vegetarian alternative.

2. How spicy is this chili?
The heat level is adjustable based on your preferences. Use less crushed red pepper for a milder dish.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
Yes! Dice up fresh tomatoes and simmer them until they’re saucy for a fresh twist.

4. Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! This chili recipe is easy to scale up for larger gatherings or meal prep.

5. What’s the best way to store leftover chili?
Allow the chili to cool to room temperature, place it in an airtight container, and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

This Quick Easy Chili Recipe on Stove Top is more than just food; it’s an easy way to bring friends and family together around the table. Enjoy the flavors, the simmering aromas, and the joy of a shared meal. Happy cooking!

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