Chilli is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night at home or for entertaining guests. It is also a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. While there are many ways to cook chilli, one of the most popular methods is on the stove. This method allows for the flavors to meld together and develop a rich and savory taste.
To start, gather your ingredients, which typically include ground beef or turkey, onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, kidney beans, and a variety of spices such as chilli powder, cumin, and paprika. You can also add in additional vegetables such as corn or carrots if desired.
Begin by browning the ground meat in a large pot over medium heat. As it cooks, break it up into small pieces with a spoon to ensure it is evenly cooked. Once the meat is browned, remove any excess fat from the pot. You can also use lean ground meat to reduce the fat content.
Add your chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot and cook until they become soft and fragrant. This will add a depth of flavor to your chilli. Next, add your spices and stir them into the meat and vegetable mixture. This will allow the flavors to meld together and infuse the dish with a rich and spicy taste.
Pro tip: For a milder chilli, reduce the amount of chilli powder or use a mild variety. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeno pepper.
Once your spices are incorporated, add in your diced tomatoes and kidney beans. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the chilli to cook for at least 30 minutes, or longer if desired, to allow the flavors to fully develop. The longer you cook it, the more flavorful it will become.
After simmering, taste your chilli and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more spices, salt, or pepper to suit your taste. Serve hot and garnish with your favorite toppings such as grated cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy your homemade stove-cooked chilli with warm cornbread or crusty bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before starting to cook the chili, it is important to prepare all the ingredients properly. This will ensure that the flavors blend well and the chili turns out delicious. Here are the steps to prepare the ingredients:
Gather the necessary ingredients:
Make sure you have all the ingredients required for the chili recipe. This usually includes ground beef, onion, garlic, bell peppers, canned tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. You may also want to gather additional ingredients like jalapenos or corn for added flavor.
Chop the vegetables:
Start by peeling and finely chopping the onion and garlic. Then, trim the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Chop them into small pieces. If you like your chili spicy, finely chop the jalapenos as well.
Note: It is recommended to wash your hands thoroughly after handling jalapenos to avoid getting the spicy juices on your skin or in your eyes.
Drain and rinse the beans:
If you are using canned kidney beans, drain and rinse them under cold water. This helps remove any excess salt or preservatives from the beans.
Once all the ingredients are prepared, you are ready to start cooking the chili.
Gather the Necessary Ingredients
Before you start cooking chilli on the stove, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
1. Ground beef: You will need around 1 pound (450g) of lean ground beef. Make sure to choose high-quality beef for the best flavor.
2. Onion: One medium-sized onion, finely chopped. The onion adds a rich and sweet flavor to the chilli.
3. Garlic: Two cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic enhances the overall taste of your chilli.
4. Bell peppers: One or two bell peppers, depending on your preference. Choose any color you like, such as red, green, or yellow. The bell peppers add a nice crunch and additional flavor to the dish.
5. Canned tomatoes: One 14-ounce (400g) can of diced tomatoes. You can also use crushed tomatoes if you prefer a smoother consistency.
6. Beans: One 14-ounce (400g) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed. You can also use black beans or pinto beans if you like.
7. Chilli powder: Two tablespoons of chilli powder. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
8. Cumin: One teaspoon of ground cumin. This spice adds a warm and earthy flavor to your chilli.
9. Salt and pepper: To season the chilli, use salt and pepper according to your taste.
10. Olive oil: Two tablespoons of olive oil for cooking the beef and vegetables.
11. Optional toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro can be added as optional toppings when serving the chilli.
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking, as it will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Chop the Vegetables
Before you start cooking the chili, you need to prepare the vegetables.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 jalapeno pepper (optional)
- 2 tomatoes
Step 1: Onion and Garlic
Peel and chop the onion into small pieces. Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
Tip: To avoid crying while cutting the onion, refrigerate it for a few minutes before chopping.
Step 2: Bell Peppers and Jalapeno
Wash the bell peppers and jalapeno pepper. Remove the seeds and chop them into small pieces.
Note: If you prefer a milder chili, remove the seeds and white membrane from the jalapeno pepper.
Step 3: Tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes and dice them into small cubes. Remove the seeds if desired.
Optional: You can also use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh ones if you prefer.
Now that all the vegetables are chopped, you’re ready to move on to the next step in the chili cooking process!
Cooking the Chilli
Once you have prepared all the ingredients, it’s time to start cooking the chilli on the stove. Follow these steps:
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the olive oil and let it heat up for a minute.
- Add the chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they are translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess fat.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth to the pot.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- If desired, you can add additional ingredients like beans or vegetables at this point.
- Taste the chilli and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Serve hot and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
1. | Make sure to use a pot or Dutch oven that is large enough to hold all the ingredients. |
2. | Be careful not to burn the onions and garlic. Stir them frequently to prevent sticking. |
3. | You can adjust the heat level of the chilli by adding more or less chili powder and cayenne pepper. |
4. | If the chilli is too thick, you can add more beef broth or water to thin it out. |
5. | Leftover chilli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future meals. |
Brown the Ground Beef
To start making chilli, you need to brown the ground beef. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add about a tablespoon of cooking oil to the skillet and let it heat up.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook the ground beef, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and no longer pink.
- As the meat cooks, you can season it with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you like.
- Once the ground beef is browned, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess grease.
Browning the ground beef will not only add flavor to your chilli but also help remove any excess fat. It is an important step in the chilli-making process.
Add in the Vegetables and Spices
Once the meat is browned, it’s time to add in the vegetables and spices. Begin by adding in the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté them until they become fragrant and translucent.
Next, add in the diced bell peppers and cook them until they start to soften. You can use a variety of peppers to add different levels of heat to your chili. If you prefer a milder chili, stick with green bell peppers. For a spicier kick, include some jalapeño or serrano peppers.
After the peppers have cooked for a few minutes, it’s time to add in the spices. Start with chili powder, cumin, and paprika. These spices will give your chili its signature flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste. For a smoky flavor, you can also add in some chipotle powder.
Stir the vegetables and spices together until they are well combined. Make sure all the vegetables are evenly coated in the spices.
Q&A
What ingredients do I need to cook chilli on the stove?
You will need ground beef, onion, garlic, bell pepper, tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Can I use chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can use chicken instead of ground beef. Just make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding other ingredients.
How long does it take to cook chilli on the stove?
Cooking time may vary, but usually it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook chilli on the stove.
Can I make vegetarian chilli?
Yes, you can make vegetarian chilli by omitting the ground beef and adding additional vegetables like zucchini, corn, or mushrooms.
How spicy is chilli?
The spiciness of chilli can vary depending on the amount of chili powder and other spices you add. You can adjust the spiciness to your taste by adding more or less chili powder.