Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

Introduction

This best ground beef stovetop chili is a hearty, comforting dish packed with rich flavors and a perfect balance of spices. It’s easy to make and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (use lean for less fat, if preferred)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups beef broth
• Olive oil, for sautéing

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Step 2: Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
3. Step 3: Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.
5. Step 5: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, mixing it thoroughly with the beef and spices.
6. Step 6: Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, and salt and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Lower heat and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
7. Step 7: Stir in kidney beans and black beans. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes until beans are heated through and flavorful.
8. Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired. If too thick, add extra beef broth.
9. Step 9: Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños during cooking.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add a splash of beer or a bit of dark chocolate for deeper, richer flavor.
• Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened too much. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for heartiness.

What are some good toppings for chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, sliced jalapeños, avocado, and fresh cilantro. Choose your favorites to add texture and flavor.

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 73 reviews

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring lean ground beef simmered with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and a mix of kidney and black beans. Perfect for a comforting meal, this chili offers a rich, meaty texture combined with a touch of smokiness and spice, made easily on the stovetop in under an hour.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato and Beans

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

Spices and Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Other

• 2 cups beef broth
• Olive oil, for sautéing

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent, building a flavorful base.
2. Cook the garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring not to burn it to prevent bitterness.
3. Brown the ground beef: Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add the seasonings: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper over the beef. Stir well to coat and cook spices for 1–2 minutes to bloom their flavors.
5. Add the tomato paste: Stir in tomato paste thoroughly with beef and spices. Cook for 2–3 minutes to thicken and deepen the tomato flavor.
6. Add the tomatoes and broth: Pour in diced tomatoes, beef broth, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 20–25 minutes to meld flavors and thicken chili.
7. Add the beans: Stir in kidney and black beans. Simmer for an additional 10–15 minutes to heat beans through and blend flavors.
8. Adjust the seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired. Add more broth if chili is too thick.
9. Serve: Ladle chili into bowls and serve with favorite chili toppings.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
• Cayenne pepper is optional and can be omitted or adjusted depending on spice preference.
• Drain and rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium.
• Letting the chili simmer longer will deepen the flavors.
• Serve with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor.

Keywords: ground beef chili, stovetop chili recipe, easy chili, beef chili with beans, classic chili