Simple Stovetop Chili for Two
Quick and easy stovetop chili for two is a hearty chili recipe that is full of deliciousness and so easy to make. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up an amazing pot of chili for two in no time!
When I think about making chili, a big pot often comes to mind, and then I remind myself, that I don’t need a giant bubbling pot of chili for only two people. Even though we like leftovers, some chili recipes are designed to feed a crowd! This recipe does not.
Why you will love this recipe
- It’s easy and customizable. Change up the meat, use less, more or make it vegetarian.
- It’s quick! Dinner can be ready in under an hour.
- It’s the perfect amount for two people, with a little bit leftover.
Here is what you will need
This is an overview of ingredients and steps with a convenient link to buy the ingredients through Instacart. to make this recipe. Scroll down for a printable recipe card with exact measurements and instructions.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef
- Olive oil or your favorite cooking oil
- Onion – any variety
- Garlic – or garlic powder
- Bell peppers – any color
- Jalapeno peppers – fresh or pickled
- Diced tomatoes – fresh or canned
- Kidney beans or black beans
- Fresh cilantro
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
How to make stovetop chili for two
STEP 1: Heat olive oil ina pot over medium to high heat. Once the oil is hot, reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic, onions and spices. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables turn soft.
STEP 2: Add the chopped peppers and ground beef. Continue to cook until the meat is cooked through,
STEP 3: Add the beans and tomatoes and mix to combine all of the ingredients together. Reduce the heat to low heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in the cilantro and serve.
Serving suggestions
Chili tastes great garnished with chopped green onions, shredded cheese, lime wedges and jalapeno peppers. A side of a simple three-ingredient salad, spicy cucumber cilantro salad and a scoop of homemade guacamole along with cornbread or crispy tortilla chips are also a nice addition.
How to store leftovers
This is a recipe for two, but you may have a little bit of chili leftover. If you do, store leftover room-temperature chili in an airtight container for up 4 days. Reheat it on top of the stove over low heat.
Leftover chili tastes great spread on top of nacho chips, in a salad, on top of a hot dog or as is.
Recipe variations
Beans – Swap kidney beans out for any variety of beans or use a combination of beans. I like to use kidney beans, black beans and white beans.
Vegetables – There are vegetables in this chili, but you can always add more. I like to add diced or shredded zucchini or carrots for an extra serving of vegetables.
Meat – Swap out the ground beef for lean ground turkey, chicken or pork.
Vegetarian – Make it vegetarian and leave the meat out. Add 1 1/2 cups of chopped zucchini and carrots and an extra can of beans. You can also add in a cup of cooked quinoa for extra protein.
Tips for making the best chili
- Add the spices to the garlic and onions while sauteeing them which elevates the flavor.
- If you use canned beans, be sure to rinse them thoroughly.
- If you use dried beans, be sure to cook them before adding them to the chili.
- Wear gloves when chopping the jalapeno peppers to avoid your hands from burning.
You might also like these recipes
Do You Like This Recipe?
Give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐rating below!
Easy Stove-Top Chili for Two
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup onions chopped
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 small jalapeno pepper chopped (or one half large)
- 1 clove garlic chopped
- 2 cups diced tomatoes fresh or canned
- 1/8 cup chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 cups kidney beans
- 1/8 cup cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Prepare: Chop the onion, garlic, bell pepper, jalapeno and tomateos (if using fresh). drain and rinse the beans if using canned or soak and cook the beans if you are using dried beans. Measure the oil and spices; set everything aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic, onions and spices. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to turn soft.
- Add the chopped peppers and ground veef. Continue to cook until the meat is cooked through.
- Stir in the beans and tomatoes; mix to combine all of the ingredients together. Reduce the heat to lowe heat, cover and simmer fro 30 minutes. Stir in the cilantro and serve.
