Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

Introduction

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week. With a blend of spices, tender ground beef, and beans, it’s a classic comfort food that’s easy to make from scratch.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne (optional)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if possible)
• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Step 4: Mix in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
5. Step 5: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Then add the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring well to combine.
6. Step 6: Add the drained and rinsed kidney and black beans. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Tips & Variations

• Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky depth of flavor.
• For a milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
• Swap ground turkey or chicken for beef for a lighter option.
• Add chopped bell peppers along with the onion for extra veggies.
• Simmer longer for a thicker chili and deeper flavor development.

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 until warmed through. 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 in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding beans during the last hour.

What toppings work best with this chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, diced green onions, jalapeño slices, and fresh cilantro. Tortilla chips or cornbread also pair nicely on the side.

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 96 reviews

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Combining ground beef, a robust blend of spices, and beans simmered to perfection in a savory tomato base, this chili is easy to prepare on the stovetop and delivers a comforting, classic meal that’s sure to satisfy.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if possible)
• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed

Instructions

1. Heat Oil and Sauté Onion: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to release its aroma.
3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned evenly. If there is excess fat, drain it off to reduce greasiness.
4. Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and pepper. Cook the spices with the beef mixture for 1 minute to help bloom and intensify their flavors.
5. Mix in Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to blend it into the meat and spices.
6. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring well to combine all ingredients into a consistent chili base.
7. Add Beans and Simmer: Stir in the drained and rinsed red kidney beans and black beans. Let the chili simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chili thickens to your desired consistency.
8. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed. Serve hot with your preferred toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Notes

• For a thicker chili, allow it to simmer longer to reduce the liquid more.
• Using fire-roasted diced tomatoes adds an extra smoky flavor.
• Drain and rinse beans to reduce sodium content and prevent excess starch.
• Feel free to add toppings like shredded cheddar, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro to enhance flavors.
• This chili freezes well for up to 3 months—cool completely before freezing.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preferred heat level or omit for mild chili.

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