Beef Chili | Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe
Beef chili is a heartwarming dish that warms you from the inside out. This easy stovetop chili recipe marries ground pork and lean beef, creates a robust flavor and a delightful texture that’s just the right balance of hearty and comforting. The richness of the meats, combined with sweet onions, fresh peppers, and a melange of spices, fills your kitchen with an enticing aroma that’s hard to resist. As the chili simmers, it thickens beautifully, creating the perfect base to serve over creamy mashed potatoes.
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I remember the first time I made this beef chili — it was a chilly Saturday evening, and the world outside was draped in drizzles and clouds. I desperately craved something warm and satisfying. This dish soon became a family favorite, easily drawing everyone to the kitchen with its inviting scent. It’s not just delicious; it’s a joyful, budget-friendly crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy. So, grab your pot and get ready to create a comforting meal that’s as fun to make as it is to savor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This easy stovetop chili recipe comes together in about 40 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ground pork, beef, and spices gives each bite a hearty richness that’s absolutely delightful.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Serve it in bowls over mashed potatoes for a pop of color and creativity — it’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for chilly nights, game day gatherings, or simply when you need a comforting meal.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can make it gluten-free easily by checking your seasoning mixes; it’s a versatile recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a sweet depth to the chili; you can use white or yellow onions depending on your preference.
- ½ lb ground pork: Adds richness and moisture; can substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- ½ lb extra lean ground beef: Forms a flavorful base; ensures the dish isn’t too greasy.
- 1 227 g can of mushrooms (or use fresh): Enhances the umami flavor; fresh mushrooms will need to be sautéed a little longer.
- 1 green pepper, chopped: Introduces a lovely freshness; feel free to swap for red or yellow peppers for varied sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced for aromatic intensity; don’t skimp here — fresh garlic really elevates the flavors.
- ½ 35 g package clubhouse chili seasoning mix: This quick flavor boost sets the tone; can switch with homemade spice blends.
- ½ 35 g package clubhouse spicy seasoning mix: Adds a kick; adjust based on your spice tolerance!
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (796 ml): Ties the chili together; for freshness, use diced fresh tomatoes when in season.
- 1 (10 oz) can tomato soup: Adds creaminess and sweetness; tomato sauce can serve as a substitute if necessary.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: A warm spice that complements the dish; try smoked cumin for a unique twist.
- 1 (540 ml) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Provides protein and texture; black beans are a great alternative.
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped: Fresh dill adds a unique flavor profile; it’s a must for brighting everything up!
- 6 cups mashed potatoes (optional): Perfect base underneath — use leftover or instant for quick preparation.
- Grated light cheese: For added creaminess and richness on top; choose your favorite melting cheese.
- Light sour cream: A cooling contrast on top; Greek yogurt works as a healthier substitute.
- Additional fresh dill: For garnish to enhance colors and flavor!
How to Make Beef Chili | Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe
Brown the Meat: In a large pot, over medium-high heat, brown ½ lb of ground pork and ½ lb of extra lean ground beef with 1 chopped medium onion and 1 chopped green pepper. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor.
Add Aromatics: Once the meat mixture is browned, add 3 minced cloves of garlic to the pot. Stir and cook for an additional minute or until fragrant, which enhances the overall dish.
Incorporate the Ingredients: Now, stir in the remaining ingredients: ½ package of clubhouse chili seasoning mix and ½ package of clubhouse spicy seasoning mix, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of tomato soup, and 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 can of dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed). Mix everything well.
Simmer Together: Bring the chili to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes; it should begin thickening as flavors meld together beautifully. The bubbling sound is music to your ears!
Finish with Dill: After 15 minutes, stir in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh dill, incorporating its fresh notes into the chili. Simmer on low for another 5-10 minutes until the green peppers and onions are soft.
Serve it Up: When ready, serve the chili over 1 cup of mashed potatoes for a hearty meal experience. This combination truly elevates the dish, making every spoonful comforting and satisfying!
Top it Off: Encourage your guests to customize their bowls with light sour cream, grated cheese, green onions, and additional fresh dill to elevate the flavor even further.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover beef chili, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container — it should last up to 3 days in the fridge. You can freeze this chili for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stovetop over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring often. Adding a splash of water or broth can help revive its original texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the meat at the browning stage to prevent toughness — just cook until browned.
- Ensure your garlic is fresh; if it’s sprouted, discard the green germ for the best flavor.
- For a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer — the evaporation will concentrate the flavors.
- Adding a bit of cocoa powder can deepen the chocolate notes in the dish if you’re feeling adventurous.
- You can make this ahead of time; the flavors actually get better overnight in the fridge!
This beef chili is all about bringing warmth and comfort into your kitchen. Its approachable ingredients and straightforward preparation make it a go-to route for busy weeknights, while the cozy mix of flavors keeps you coming back for more. Plus, it’s adaptable! Feel free to experiment with added veggies or beans based on what you have on hand. Enjoy simmering, savoring, and sharing this delightful dish with your loved ones!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this chili spicy?
Absolutely! Add more of the spicy seasoning mix or throw in fresh jalapeños or chili flakes to amp up the heat to your taste.
Can I use different types of meat?
Definitely! While this recipe calls for ground pork and beef, feel free to use turkey, chicken, or a combination of meats to suit your flavor preferences.
How long does this chili last?
Stored properly in the fridge, this beef chili should remain fresh for up to 3 days. For long-term storage, freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
You can easily adapt this recipe by substituting the meat with plant-based protein like lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP). Use vegetable broth for a rich flavor boost!
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📖 Recipe Card
Beef Chili | Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Beef Chili is a delightful combination of ground pork and beef, fresh vegetables, and spices. It’s simple to prepare and offers a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion—whether for a quick dinner or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 1 med onion chopped
- ½ lb ground pork
- ½ lb extra lean ground beef
- 227 g can of mushrooms (or use fresh)
- 1 green pepper chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ 35 g pkg clubhouse chili seasoning mix
- ½ 35 g pkg clubhouse spicy seasoning mix
- 1 –28 oz can diced tomatoes (796 ml)
- 1 10 -10 oz can tomato soup
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 –540 ml can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped
- 6 cups mashed potatoes optional
- grated light cheese
- light sour cream
- additional fresh dill
Instructions
- Brown the ground pork and beef together with the chopped onion and green pepper in a medium-high heat skillet.
- Once the meat, onion, and pepper are browned, stir in the mushrooms, garlic, chili seasoning mix, spicy seasoning mix, diced tomatoes, tomato soup, cumin, and kidney beans, mixing well.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 15 minutes over medium heat.
- Add the fresh dill to the chili and stir to combine.
- Reduce heat and continue to simmer on low until the green peppers and onions are tender, about 5-10 more minutes.
- Serve the chili hot over a scoop of mashed potatoes, if desired.
Notes
Fresh dill is essential for the best flavor.
Feel free to use leftover or instant mashed potatoes for convenience.
For added richness, top with grated light cheese and a dollop of light sour cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
