Easy Hearty Stovetop Chili with Bacon and Beans
Easy hearty stovetop chili keeps your kitchen warm and your family happy. After making this many times, I learned the secret to rich flavor and perfect texture. The deep, smoky aroma makes it feel like home. Try it with my Garlic Butter Steak Bites for a full meal. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe and Easy Cannoli Napoleon Puff Pastry Dessert Recipe.
Why This Easy Hearty Stovetop Chili with Bacon and Beans Is Pure Comfort
- Hearty and filling
- Easy to make
- Perfect for any meal
- Family favorite
What You'll Need for Easy Hearty Stovetop Chili with Bacon and Beans
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz bacon
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ground beef for richness
- Bacon for smoky depth
- Diced tomatoes for acidity
- Cumin and paprika for warmth
- Chili powder for heat
- Optional: Shredded cheese
- Optional: Sour cream
- Optional: Fresh cilantro
- Optional: Lime wedges
- Optional: Crushed tortilla chips
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef: Use 85% lean for best texture.
- Bacon: Cook until crispy for added flavor.
- Tomatoes: Use fire-roasted for extra smokiness.
- Beans: Drain and rinse to reduce sodium.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cast Iron Skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect browning → See on Amazon
- Meat Thermometer — Ensures meat is cooked to perfect doneness → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Hearty Stovetop Chili with Bacon and Beans
- Brown Beef: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pot. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Cook Bacon: Add bacon to the pot. Cook until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: Add onion and garlic to the same pot. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add Liquids: Stir in tomatoes, broth, beans, and spices. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer: Reduce heat. Let simmer for 20–30 minutes. Add bacon back in before serving.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Hearty Stovetop Chili with Bacon and Beans
- Cooking technique: Brown the beef first for deep flavor.
- Common mistake and fix: If chili is too dry, add more broth or water.
- Flavor boost: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for umami richness.
- Texture tip: Use a wooden spoon to stir and prevent sticking.
Storing & Reheating Easy Hearty Stovetop Chili with Bacon and Beans
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in airtight container for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Make up to 2 days in advance and reheat before serving.
Freezing Easy Hearty Stovetop Chili with Bacon and Beans
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in oven at 350°F for 20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in microwave on high for 2–3 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For extra flavor, let chili rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Best substitution: Use vegetable broth for a vegan version.
- Make-ahead: Chili improves with time. Let sit for 30 minutes before serving.
- Scaling: Double or triple recipe for family meals or meals for later.
- Troubleshooting: If chili is too thin, cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes to reduce.
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Easy Hearty Stovetop Chili with Bacon and Beans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz bacon
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Seasonings
- Ground beef for richness
- Bacon for smoky depth
- Diced tomatoes for acidity
- Cumin and paprika for warmth
- Chili powder for heat
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Brown Beef: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pot. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Cook Bacon: Add bacon to the pot. Cook until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: Add onion and garlic to the same pot. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add Liquids: Stir in tomatoes, broth, beans, and spices. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer: Reduce heat. Let simmer for 20–30 minutes. Add bacon back in before serving.
Notes
- Chef tip: For extra flavor, let chili rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Best substitution: Use vegetable broth for a vegan version.
- Make-ahead: Chili improves with time. Let sit for 30 minutes before serving.
- Scaling: Double or triple recipe for family meals or meals for later.
- Troubleshooting: If chili is too thin, cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes to reduce.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in oven at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in microwave on high for 2–3 minutes.
- Make ahead: Make up to 2 days in advance and reheat before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sat. Fat: 6g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Hearty Stovetop Chili with Bacon and Beans FAQs
Yes, chili keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes to reduce. Add a slurry of cornstarch and water for thicker consistency.
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Add more chili powder or a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
Use smoked sausage or crumbled tempeh for a meat-free alternative.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Hearty Stovetop Chili with Bacon and Beans and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
