Print

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

4.8 from 12 reviews

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal perfect for any day of the week. Featuring tender ground beef simmered with a bold blend of spices, tomatoes, beans, and beef broth, this chili offers rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors that are sure to satisfy. Easy to prepare and versatile, it’s a comforting dish ideal for family dinners or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Vegetables

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Tomato & Liquid Ingredients

  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if possible)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)

Beans

  • 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained & rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until they become soft and translucent, which helps bring out their natural sweetness.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it to maintain a fresh garlic flavor.
  3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if there’s too much to keep the chili from being greasy.
  4. Add Spices: Mix in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for 1 minute to bloom the spices and enhance their flavors.
  5. Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor and concentrate the tomato essence.
  6. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring everything together well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  7. Add Beans and Simmer: Add the drained and rinsed kidney and black beans. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, uncovered, and let it cook for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chili thickens and flavors meld beautifully.
  8. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef (80/20) to balance flavor and fat content.
  • Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky depth but regular diced tomatoes work well too.
  • Simmering uncovered helps thicken the chili; cover partially if you prefer more liquid.
  • This chili stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • For a spicier chili, increase cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
  • Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips for extra texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef chili, stovetop chili, easy chili recipe, beef chili, spicy chili, weeknight dinner