As the aroma of grilled delights and festive cheer fills the air, marking events like the Calgary Stampede or any joyful gathering, certain comfort foods instinctively come to mind. While the midway offers its array of unique and sometimes adventurous treats like Beef on a Bun, Pickle Pizza, and classic pancake breakfasts, there’s one staple that truly embodies the spirit of hearty, satisfying meals: chili. Often hailed as the quintessential cowboy comfort food, chili can sometimes feel a bit predictable, lacking that elusive “wow factor.” However, prepare to have your expectations redefined! This **Quick and Easy Stovetop Beef and Pork Chili recipe** isn’t just another bowl of comfort; it’s a flavor revelation guaranteed to become a new family favorite, offering an unexpected twist that sets it apart.

Chili’s popularity isn’t limited to winter months or specific festivals; it’s a beloved dish that shines year-round. Its warm, robust flavors make it an ideal cozy comfort food, especially when you need a quick, satisfying meal. This recipe is perfectly suited for a busy weekday dinner, a relaxed weekend feast, or an exciting game day gathering. Its ease of preparation means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious food with loved ones. For a truly delightful pairing, I highly recommend serving this chili with a simple yet elegant Baguette Garlic Bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of its rich, savory sauce.

🍒 Glowing Reader Review

“This is BY FAR the best chili I have ever made and tasted!! So easy, so yummy and the fresh dill is the deal breaker. I would give it 6 stars if I could! Thank you for sharing Terri!!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🥘 Key Ingredients for the Best Stovetop Chili

The culinary mystery was soon solved: the secret ingredient was fresh dill. Yes, you read that right – *dill* in chili! I know it might sound unconventional, perhaps even a bit strange, but trust me, it’s an absolute game-changer. **Fresh dill is truly the star here!** Its bright, herbaceous notes cut through the richness of the meat and tomatoes, adding a layer of freshness and aromatic complexity that elevates this chili beyond anything you’ve tasted. This isn’t just an optional addition; it’s the ingredient that transforms a good chili into an extraordinary one. While my husband’s Aunt Norma, who originally shared this incredible recipe, used dill straight from her garden, you absolutely don’t need a green thumb to recreate this magic. During winter, store-bought fresh dill works perfectly. The key, however, is that it *must be fresh*. Dried dill simply won’t deliver the vibrant, unforgettable flavor that makes this recipe sing. This detail is absolutely critical for achieving that signature taste.

Beyond the essential fresh dill, for this remarkable stovetop chili, you’ll also need a thoughtful selection of ingredients that build a robust flavor foundation:

• Ground Beef and Ground Pork: The combination of these two meats is essential for the depth of flavor in this chili. While ground beef provides a familiar, hearty base, the ground pork introduces a unique richness and a subtle sweetness that truly sets this recipe apart from a purely beef-based chili. I’m fortunate to find a pre-mixed ground beef and pork combo, which simplifies preparation. If available, I highly recommend seeking this out for convenience and optimal flavor.
• Onion: A fundamental ingredient in most savory dishes, onion contributes vital texture, a foundational depth of flavor, and a hint of natural sweetness that balances the chili’s profile.
• Green Bell Pepper: This adds a refreshing crispness, a pop of color, and a slight bitter undertone that beautifully complements the other flavors without overpowering them.
• Garlic: No chili is complete without the pungent, aromatic kick of fresh garlic. It enhances every other ingredient and is truly indispensable for a rich, savory taste.
• Chili Seasoning Mix: For ease and consistency, I opt for a high-quality chili seasoning mix (my preference is Clubhouse brand, using half a package of spicy and half regular). This blend simplifies the spicing process, saving you from measuring out multiple individual spices while ensuring a balanced flavor.
• Diced Canned Tomatoes: Economical and convenient, diced tomatoes contribute to the chunky, rustic texture of the chili and provide a bright, acidic counterpoint to the savory meats.
• Tomato Soup: This might seem unusual, but a can of tomato soup is key to creating a velvety, slightly creamier broth that coats the other ingredients beautifully, adding a subtle sweetness and richness. Any brand will work effectively.
• Ground Cumin: Cumin is a non-negotiable spice in chili, imparting a distinctive warm, earthy, and slightly smoky flavor that is characteristic of classic chili.
• Red Kidney Beans: These versatile beans add a delightful chewiness and additional protein. Their robust flavor and creamy texture provide a wonderful contrast to the meat. I often mash up about half the can and add the other half whole, which helps to thicken the chili while still offering whole beans for texture.
• Mashed potatoes (optional, but highly recommended for serving)
• Sour cream (optional, for garnish)
• Cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)

*Refer to the comprehensive recipe card below for precise quantities and detailed instructions.

📖 Customizing Your Chili: Variations and Substitutions

One of the beauties of chili is its adaptability. While the core recipe is stellar, feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

• Dill: As stressed, fresh dill is paramount for this recipe’s signature flavor. However, in an absolute pinch, you can use dry dill, but reduce the amount by half (e.g., 1 tablespoon dry dill for 2 tablespoons fresh). Be aware that the flavor profile will be significantly different, less vibrant and fresh.
• Mushrooms: Instead of canned mushrooms, consider using fresh varieties like cremini or button mushrooms for a meatier texture and richer flavor. Sauté them with the onions and peppers to enhance their taste.
• Ground Meat: If ground pork isn’t available, you can certainly use all ground beef. For a lighter version, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent alternatives; just be sure to adjust your cooking time as they tend to cook faster and may require a bit more seasoning to compensate for less fat.
• Chili Seasoning: If you’re having trouble finding the spicy version of Clubhouse chili seasoning (a common issue for me lately!), simply use one full package of the regular seasoning and boost the heat with ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and ¼ teaspoon of crushed chili peppers. There’s no need to add additional chili powder as it’s already a component of the mix.
• Onions: While white onions provide a robust base, green onions can be used for a milder, fresher onion flavor, especially when added towards the end of cooking or as a garnish.
• Toppings: Get creative with your chili toppings! Beyond my favorite sour cream and grated cheddar cheese, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt, crunchy tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, pickled jalapeños, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra zing.
• Additional Beans: Feel free to incorporate black beans, brown beans, or pinto beans (often labeled as chili beans) in addition to or as a substitute for the red kidney beans. Each type adds a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
• Sweetener: If your tomatoes are particularly acidic or you prefer a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors, add about ½ tablespoon of brown sugar. This small amount can mellow the acidity beautifully without making the chili overtly sweet.
• Tomatoes: For a smoother chili consistency, tomato sauce can be used in place of diced tomatoes. If you prefer a chunkier texture, fire-roasted diced tomatoes can add an extra smoky depth.
• Bell Pepper Color: Any color of bell pepper (orange, yellow, or red) can be used instead of green bell pepper. Each offers a slightly different sweetness and aesthetic appeal.

Top Tip #1: The Power of a Dutch Oven

For making chili, a high-quality Dutch Oven (affiliate link) is an absolute kitchen hero. It’s perfectly suited for chili and other hearty dishes like Spaghetti Sauce, or comforting soups such as Borscht and Carrot Soup. The beauty of a Dutch oven lies in its versatility: you can brown your ground meat directly in it, then seamlessly add the remaining ingredients to simmer, all in the same pot. This not only ensures even cooking and superior flavor development but also significantly reduces the number of pots and pans you’ll need to wash – a huge win in any kitchen! Furthermore, its ability to transition directly from stovetop to oven makes it incredibly handy for recipes that require both searing and slow baking. If you don’t already own one, a good Dutch oven is a worthwhile investment that will serve you well for countless delicious meals to come!

🥗 Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Beef and Pork Chili

Prepare for a culinary revelation with this easy chili recipe, especially when it comes to serving. The most transformative suggestion I received was to try it atop mashed potatoes. “Say what?!” was my initial, skeptical thought. I had never heard of such an unusual pairing, but being a relatively adventurous foodie (and wanting to be polite!), I decided to give it a try. And oh my goodness! It was an absolute revelation! Why had I gone my entire life without eating chili on top of mashed potatoes? I couldn’t believe what I had been missing!

Where have you been all my life?! The creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes provide the perfect canvas for the rich, hearty chili, absorbing the savory juices and creating a comforting blend of textures and flavors that is utterly divine. It’s a combination that truly elevates the entire meal into a deeply satisfying experience.

Beyond mashed potatoes, this delicious chili is also wonderfully versatile with other accompaniments. Classic choices include warm garlic toast, crusty bread with butter, or soft dinner buns. For something a bit more substantial, try it with breadsticks. If you’re looking for a lighter, low-carb option, my unique Everything Bagel Cloud Bread Recipe (which boasts 0 WW points!) makes a surprisingly good pairing, offering a delightful airy texture to scoop up the chili.

👪 Serving Size Adjustments

This recipe for pork and beef chili generously serves 6 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering. Should you need to feed a larger crowd, scaling up the recipe is incredibly simple. You can easily double or triple the quantities by adjusting the serving number in the recipe card below. The ingredient amounts will automatically update, ensuring you have the right proportions for any group size, from intimate dinners to larger parties.

🌡️ Storage Tips for Leftover Chili

One of the many benefits of a hearty chili is how well it keeps and often tastes even better the next day! For any leftover chili, ensure it is completely cooled before transferring it to an airtight container. It can then be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.

This homemade chili is also exceptionally freezer-friendly, offering a convenient solution for busy days. Divide it into individual portions or larger family-sized containers, ensuring they are airtight to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, the chili will maintain its quality for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot.

🔢 Weight Watchers Friendly Chili

For those mindful of their dietary intake, this easy stovetop chili recipe is a fantastic option. It is Weight Watchers friendly, coming in at a modest 2 WW points per serving, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal without compromising your health goals.

For the most robust and complex flavor in chili, a combination of factors is key. Using both ground beef and pork, as in this recipe, creates a richer taste. Incorporating aromatic vegetables like onion and garlic, along with quality chili seasoning and cumin, builds a strong flavor base. The secret ingredient of fresh dill in this recipe is also crucial for its unique “wow factor.” If you’re seeking more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of Hungarian paprika. If your chili turns out too spicy for your preference, a little brown sugar or a spoonful of sweet paprika can help balance and mellow the heat.

Beyond the surprising addition of fresh dill (which is a must-try for its vibrant, herbaceous notes), there are several ingredients that can infuse your chili with a distinct and unique flavor profile. A small amount of cocoa powder or a square of dark chocolate can add a deep, bittersweet complexity that enhances the chili’s richness. Crispy bacon bits (stirred in or used as a topping) introduce a smoky, salty element. A pinch of cinnamon can provide a subtle warmth and sweetness, while a tablespoon of ground coffee or espresso powder can deepen the earthy notes and create a more robust taste. Each of these additions can transform a traditional chili into something truly extraordinary.

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