Chili is one of my favorite meals, especially when the weather gets a little cooler. It’s warm, filling, and always makes me feel good. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic ways to make a big pot of this hearty comfort food: one for your slow cooker and one for your stovetop.
Both chili recipes are simple to follow and promise a truly comforting bowl, perfect for any day you’re craving something warm and delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
Hearty Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
This slow cooker chili is perfect for busy days. Just put everything in, and come back to a warm, ready-to-eat meal.
It’s a simple, comforting choice for any evening when you want an easy dinner.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Slow Cooker Chili
- Beef Choice: Use ground beef, or mix in some ground sausage for an even richer taste in your chili.
- No Stirring Needed: The beauty of a slow cooker is you can set it and forget it. Try not to lift the lid too often so it stays warm.
What You Need for Slow Cooker Chili
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2-3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 6-8 hours🍽️ Yields: 8 servings
How to Make Slow Cooker Chili
Step 1: Brown the Beef & Onion
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until no pink remains. Make sure to drain any excess fat before moving on.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Transfer the cooked beef and onion mixture to your slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, drained and rinsed kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir so it’s all mixed well.
Step 3: Cook Slowly
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chili is ready when the flavors have blended nicely and everything is heated through.
📝 Final Note
Let the chili rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps the flavors settle. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Quick Stovetop Chili for Weeknights
Need chili fast? This stovetop version comes together quickly without sacrificing any of the great taste.
It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner when you don’t have all day to cook.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Stovetop Chili
- Browning Meat: Make sure to get a good sear on your ground beef before adding any liquids. This step adds a lot of deep flavor to your chili.
- Simmer Time: Let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes after adding all ingredients. This allows the spices to fully bloom and blend together well.
What You Need for Stovetop Chili
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth (optional, for thinner chili)
⏱️ Time: 1 hour🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Stovetop Chili
Step 1: Brown Meat & Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once cooked, drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion softens, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes & Spices
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If you like a thinner chili, you can also add the beef broth here. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Simmer & Serve
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for at least 30-45 minutes. Stir it occasionally. This simmer time helps all the wonderful flavors mix well.
📝 Final Note
Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen! Garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or chopped green onions.
