Print

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

5.2 from 30 reviews

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili recipe delivers a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. Combining lean ground beef with aromatic spices, tomatoes, kidney beans, and black beans, this chili simmers to a rich and comforting dish. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors that will warm you up and satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Beans and Tomatoes

  • 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

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for sautéing

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent, building a flavorful base for the chili.
  2. Cook the garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it, to enhance the savory aroma of the dish.
  3. Brown the ground beef: 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 necessary to reduce greasiness.
  4. Add the seasonings: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to coat beef and onions with spices. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
  5. Add the tomato paste: Stir in tomato paste thoroughly, cooking for another 2-3 minutes to thicken the chili and deepen tomato flavor.
  6. Add the tomatoes and broth: Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, season with salt and pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 20-25 minutes to meld flavors and thicken chili.
  7. Add the beans: Stir in kidney beans and black beans. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes so beans heat through and absorb flavors.
  8. Adjust the seasoning: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired. Adjust thickness by adding more beef broth if necessary.
  9. Serve: Ladle chili into bowls and top with favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or cilantro.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and keep chili hearty without excess grease.
  • If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper.
  • This chili can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Feel free to customize toppings such as avocado slices, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips for extra texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef chili, stovetop chili, easy chili recipe, beef chili, hearty chili, spicy chili, kidney beans chili, black beans chili