What's for dinner? Why not our quick and easy stovetop chili recipe? Made with minimal prep, loaded with plant-based protein, and full of nutrients. Our easy homestyle chili recipe is bursting with flavor and perfect for those busy weeknight meals!
This content is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice.
Jump to:
- 🌶️Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe
- 👪Why Your Family Will Love Homestyle Chili
- 🥒Will Picky Eaters Like Bean Chili?
- 🧠Brain Benefits of Bean Chili
- 🥦Ingredients
- ⏲️ Time-Saving Tip
- 👩🏽🍳Instructions for Making Stovetop Chili
- 💭Top Tip: Flavorful Stovetop Chili
- 🫘Can I use dry beans?
- 🥘Variations and Leftover Ideas
- 🥡Storing Stovetop Chili
- ❔FAQ
- 🥣Related Recipe
- 📋Recipe
- 📖 Recipe
- Information source:
🌶️Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe
This recipe sprouted from my never-ending quest for a lightning-fast, foolproof meal to rescue those chaotic days. Before my third little munchkin joined the crew, my husband and I juggled full-time careers as research scientists, navigating our way through high-stress jobs. By the time we picked our kids up from daycare and school, it was already 6 pm when we stumbled through the door. To say we were all as frazzled as a worn-out dishrag, ready to burst like an overcooked kernel of popcorn, would be an understatement!
But, like superheroes in aprons, we were still dedicated to providing healthy, whole food-based meals for our growing crew. On days when I forgot to meal prep or simply had no clue what to cook, I felt like a lost sailor adrift at sea, waving my white flag of defeat! And that's when this recipe, along with a treasure trove of others, like this 20-minute lemony red lentil stew, was born. The ultimate lifesaver for busy moms looking to whip up a quick, nutritious meal for their families - all while keeping everyone's taste buds dancing and spirits high!
👪Why Your Family Will Love Homestyle Chili
I adore this easy stovetop chili recipe, and I'm sure you and your family will too! The best part? It's a snap to prepare, so you can spend more time with your little ones instead of being chained to the kitchen. It's my go-to on long days or when my kids need some extra TLC.
- Easy to prepare
- Budget-friendly
- Simple Ingredients: that you likely already have in the pantry
- Meal prep friendly
- Customizable
🥒Will Picky Eaters Like Bean Chili?
As a mom with picky eaters at home, I know how challenging mealtime can be. But fear not! Here are some reasons why even your pickiest eaters might love this homestyle chili recipe:
- Customizable flavors: Bean chili is incredibly versatile, and you can adjust the flavors to suit your picky eater's taste preferences. For example, you can make it less spicy (see the FAQ below), add more or fewer vegetables, or adjust the seasoning to your kiddo's preferences.
- Texture: The combination of soft beans and chunky vegetables in chili provides a variety of textures that picky eaters might enjoy, and makes it the best chili out there!.
- Toppings: Jazz up your chili with toppings like (vegan) shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips.
- Hiding vegetables: If your picky eater doesn't like vegetables, you can blend them into the chili sauce, making them less noticeable.
- Familiarity: For those accustomed to meaty chili, this recipe for simple chili has the same cozy and comforting vibes! Just like the meaty version they're used to.
🧠Brain Benefits of Bean Chili
- Brimming with antioxidants: Bean chili is a treasure trove of antioxidant-rich ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices. Antioxidants are like tiny superheroes that guard the brain against free-radical damage, which can lead to cognitive decline (1).
- B vitamin bonanza: Beans come loaded with B vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin, crucial for brain health. These trusty vitamins boost brain function and sharpen memory and concentration (2) .
- Inflammation slayer: Chronic inflammation can spell trouble for the brain, increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Bean chili, with its fiber and antioxidant arsenal, swoops into combat inflammation (3).
- Fabulous fats: Toss in avocado or nuts to elevate the healthy fats in your bean chili. These brain-boosting fats can rev up cognitive function (4).
- Fiber frenzy: Beans are a fiber powerhouse, essential for tip-top digestion and keeping kids full and content.
- Protein-packed: Beans are also a fantastic source of plant-based protein, vital for building and repairing cells.
Our homestyle chili recipe is a protein and fiber-rich dish that is a healthy option for those seeking to trim their meat intake. Plus, beans are budget-friendly, making this recipe a wallet-friendly winner and perfect for the whole family!
🥦Ingredients
- Canned red kidney beans: I used canned beans and we love the Eden brand because it does not have any additives. You can add it to your grab some here or at your nearest grocer.
- Canned black beans: I used canned black beans by Eden for this recipe.
- Tomato paste: Tomato paste helps to thicken and create a flavor to your chili, so don't skip this step. We use the Kirkland brand but any brand will do so to get the cheapest one (or add it to your Amazon cart here).
- Fresh Roma tomatoes: Using fresh aroma tomatoes in this recipe adds a nice texture. However, you can also use a can of diced tomatoes if you find you have no fresh tomatoes or need a more budget-friendly version.
- Onion and garlic: I love using fresh garlic and onion to maximize flavor but you can substitute with garlic powder and onion powder.
- Spices: Our classic homestyle chili uses a mix of spices to deliver flavor without being overpowering (especially if you have little ones at home). For our chili seasoning, you will need oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and chili powder.
- Coconut sugar: I love adding coconut sugar to balance out the flavor of this homestyle chili recipe. It also helps control the spice. Alternatively, you can use brown sugar, molasses, or maple syrup if you prefer.
- Soy sauce: This is a great way to add depth to your chili, we like the Kikkoman brand (add it to your amazon cart here) because they are gluten-free. Alternatively, you can sub with salt if you prefer.
See the recipe card for quantities.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tip
Pressed for time? I mean what parent isn't right? But I got you covered, since I'm the ultimate "oh no what am I making for dinner" type of mom here are some tips and tricks I use to help me save time when making this homestyle chili recipe.
- Use Canned: Canned beans, and canned tomatoes to the rescue! Just rinse, drain, and toss 'em into your chili – no need for soaking or long cooking times.
- Batch make: Since you are making this recipe anyways, go big on batch cooking this one (double this recipe)! Then freeze half for future use. Trust me, your future self will thank you when it's "chili tonight" again!
👩🏽🍳Instructions for Making Stovetop Chili
- Over medium-high heat, pour the oil into a large pot. Sauté the onions until they turn soft and translucent. Next, toss in the garlic and all the spices, cooking for a few more minutes until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, red lentils, and water. Cover and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer until the red lentils soften, which takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Lastly, stir in the kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, sugar, and soy sauce. Cover the pot and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the beans are warmed through. Enjoy!
💭Top Tip: Flavorful Stovetop Chili
- Layer Your Flavors: To achieve a rich, complex taste, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and paprika. Adding spices early helps release their full flavor potential. Then, as your chili simmers, taste and adjust the seasoning to reach that perfect balance.
- Low and Slow: Patience is key for a scrumptious chili. Allow it to simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you can. This slow-cooking process melds the flavors together, tenderizes the beans, and creates a thick, mouthwatering consistency. Trust me, it's worth the wait!
- Make Ahead: Our homestyle chili recipe has minimal prep work and is a perfect recipe to make ahead of time. As the recipe sits the savory spices will become even more flavorful making this hearty homestyle chili recipe even more delicious the next day.
- Slow cooker option: If you are making this recipe ahead of time, add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on it for 3-4 hours or low for 7 hours.
🫘Can I use dry beans?
Dry beans are a fabulous way to control texture and maximize your savings when making homestyle chili! They're way cheaper than canned, so if you're after a more budget-friendly recipe, grab some beans and get soaking! Just remember to soak them overnight (or use the quick-soak method, below) and cook them to tenderness before adding them to your chili masterpiece. It might take extra time, but love means going the extra mile, right?
HINT: Avoid cooking beans with tomatoes. The acids in tomatoes prevent beans from softening, and nobody wants a tough bean wrecking their tummy!
The quick-soak method:
Need a speedier alternative to soaking beans overnight? Try this:
- Rinse dry beans in a colander, discarding debris or broken beans.
- Transfer beans to a large pot, adding enough water to cover them by 2 inches.
- Bring water to a rolling boil, then boil beans for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat, cover with a lid, and let beans soak for 1 hour.
- Drain and rinse beans. They're now ready for your recipe!
This method saves time and reduces cooking time for your beans.
🥘Variations and Leftover Ideas
Ready to spice up your favorite quick and easy stovetop chili game? Discover these fantastic variations that'll make your taste buds dance and keep the kiddos asking for more! 🌶️💃
- Tortilla dip: Who needs salsa when you've got chili? Dip into happiness with crunchy tortilla chips and a bowl of your fave bean chili. this is actually our favorite way to enjoy this chili recipe. And it got our picky eater to love this recipe!
- Nacho topping: Level up your nacho game by adding a scrumptious layer of chili on top – even picky eaters will be asking for seconds!
- Baked potato chili: Transform your spuds into a hearty meal by topping warm baked potatoes with a generous scoop of chili – it's a winning combo!
- White bean chili: If you are not a fan of black beans or are looking for a change to the classic chili recipe, you can swap out the black beans for white beans. I love using cannellini or white kidney beans as they are similar in texture to black beans and won't fall apart.
🥡Storing Stovetop Chili
Wondering what to do with your leftover stovetop chili recipe? Fear not, I've got your back! Like toddler artwork, it's too good to waste! 😉
Fridge: Store your delicious chili recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Remember to label and date your containers – mysterious frozen objects aren't fun!
Reheating: Reheating is a cinch. Transfer your homestyle chili to a pot and heat on low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in a safe container. Your family will savor seconds (or thirds!) in no time.
So go on, whip up that tasty easy stovetop chili recipe, and confidently store leftovers. After all, our kids' artwork isn't the only masterpiece worth preserving, right?
❔FAQ
There are a few ways to thicken your chili. First, try simmering on low heat until it reaches your desired thickness. If that isn't working, try mashing some of the beans using a potato masher or fork. Alternatively, you can add tomato paste. Just stir in a few tablespoons, and adjust the spices (as tomato paste can be acidic). This will help thicken your one-pot vegan chili.
While sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onions are classic chili toppings, we love to try tortilla chips, cilantro, roasted corn, or baked potatoes.
There are several types of beans that are commonly used to make a stovetop chili recipe. Some popular options are:
1. Kidney beans are the classic choice because they hold their shape well and absorb the flavors.
2. Black beans are another popular choice for chili. They have a slightly softer texture than kidney beans and are slightly sweeter.
3. Pinto beans have a creamier texture and milf flavor pairing well with spicy chili. 4. Cannellini beans have a buttery texture and are a great option for those who prefer a milder flavor.
Yes, canned beans can be used to make quick stovetop chili. In fact, this is my preferred method because it decreases the prep time, making this a recipe for simple chili! Keep in mind that canned beans can be saltier than dried beans, so you may need to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.
Chili is a versatile recipe and it is very easy to tamper the spice or adjust the flavor. Try adding in more beans, or more liquid, or a bit of cream, or sprinkle in some cheese. If any, or all, of those methods, are not working, you can try adding in sweeteners, like maple syrup, sugar, or molasses (my favorite). This will also help make a rich flavor and balance out the heat.
🥣Related Recipe
I hope you enjoy this recipe for quick stovetop chili! If you are looking for more easy weeknight recipes to serve for your family be sure to check out these:
📋Recipe
📖 Recipe
Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe (Vegan Homestyle Chili)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced ( or 2 tbs garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon cumin ground
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 roma tomatoes or 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup red lentils
- 4 cups water
- 1 can kidney beans washed and drained
- 1 can black beans washed and drained
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoon coconut sugar molasses or maple syrup also work
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce alternatively use salt
Instructions
- Over medium-high heat, pour the oil into a large pot. Sauté the onions until they turn soft and translucent. Next, toss in the garlic and all the spices, cooking for a few more minutes until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, red lentils, and water. Cover and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer until the red lentils soften, which takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Lastly, stir in the kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, sugar, and soy sauce. Cover the pot and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the beans are warmed through. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Information source:
- Zhang, H., Li, Z., & Wei, T. (2021). Roles of dietary antioxidants in neurodegenerative diseases: A mini review. Food & Function, 12(16), 7299-7309.
- Kennedy, D. O. (2016). B Vitamins and the brain: Mechanisms, dose and efficacy—A review. Nutrients, 8(2), 68.
- Gómez-Pinilla, F., & Tyagi, E. (2013). Diet and cognition: interplay between cell metabolism and neuronal plasticity. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, 16(6), 726-733.
- Gómez-Pinilla, F. (2008). Brain foods: The effects of nutrients on brain function. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9(7), 568-578.
Holly says
Can you please update with can sizes, thanks!