Name: Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef: Ground beef is the star of this recipe. It gives the chili that rich, meaty texture and flavor. You can use lean ground beef if you prefer less fat.; 1 large onion, diced: Onions add a nice sweetness and depth to the chili.; 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must in any chili recipe—its savory flavor is key.; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds body and a tangy flavor to the chili.; 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Kidney beans provide a creamy texture and are a great source of protein.; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Black beans give the chili a slight earthy flavor and are a great addition to the mix.; 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste: Tomato paste thickens the chili and intensifies the tomato flavor.; 2 tablespoons chili powder: The heart of the chili’s flavor.; 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds a smoky, earthy undertone.; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: For a touch of smokiness.; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Optional, for a spicy kick!; Salt and pepper: To taste.; 2 cups beef broth: This helps create a rich, flavorful base for the chili.; Olive oil: For sautéing.

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Introduction

Chili is one of those comfort foods that everyone can agree on. It’s the ultimate one-pot meal—hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy evenings at home. There’s something magical about a bowl of hot chili topped with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese, right? Well, if you’re anything like me, you’ll love this Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili recipe. Not only is it quick and easy, but it’s also packed with bold flavors that’ll have everyone at the table coming back for seconds.

I first stumbled upon this recipe on a particularly chilly autumn evening when all I wanted was something warm and filling. After tweaking it over the years to match my personal preferences, I can confidently say this is my go-to chili recipe. It’s made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, but the combination of spices and fresh vegetables makes it truly special. The ground beef gives it that rich, savory depth, while the tomatoes and beans add a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

This chili is incredibly versatile too! Whether you like it spicy or mild, with or without beans, this recipe can be adapted to suit your tastes. So if you’ve been looking for a recipe that delivers bold flavor without a ton of hassle, this stovetop chili is just what you need.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ground beef stovetop chili has so many things going for it, and I promise it’ll quickly become your new favorite recipe. Here’s why:

Easy to Make: The stovetop version means you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a pot, some chopping, and a bit of stirring. You’ll be surprised by how quickly it comes together.
Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make a big batch and have chili ready for the week, whether it’s for lunch or dinner. Leftovers taste even better the next day (hello, flavor development!).
Customizable: You can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less chili powder or incorporating fresh jalapeños if you like things extra spicy. Plus, it’s so easy to swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Full of Flavor: Ground beef is a classic choice for chili, giving it that rich, savory depth. The tomatoes and beans add texture, while the blend of spices—cumin, chili powder, and garlic—brings everything to life.
A Family Favorite: Chili is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

And trust me, there’s nothing like the feeling of sitting down to a big bowl of this chili with a side of cornbread on a cold day. It’s warm, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 45 minutes (including prep and cooking time).
Servings: This recipe makes 6 generous servings—perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories per serving: 350
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili:

1 lb ground beef: Ground beef is the star of this recipe. It gives the chili that rich, meaty texture and flavor. You can use lean ground beef if you prefer less fat.
1 large onion, diced: Onions add a nice sweetness and depth to the chili.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must in any chili recipe—its savory flavor is key.
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds body and a tangy flavor to the chili.
1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Kidney beans provide a creamy texture and are a great source of protein.
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Black beans give the chili a slight earthy flavor and are a great addition to the mix.
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste: Tomato paste thickens the chili and intensifies the tomato flavor.
2 tablespoons chili powder: The heart of the chili’s flavor.
1 teaspoon cumin: Adds a smoky, earthy undertone.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: For a touch of smokiness.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Optional, for a spicy kick!
Salt and pepper: To taste.
2 cups beef broth: This helps create a rich, flavorful base for the chili.
Olive oil: For sautéing.

These simple ingredients come together to make a flavorful, satisfying chili that’s perfect for any occasion. You’ll be amazed at how such basic ingredients can create a dish with such deep, comforting flavors!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process! It’s really easy, I promise. Follow these steps and you’ll have the best stovetop chili on the table in no time.

Heat the olive oil: Start by heating up the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion. Cook it for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This step builds a solid flavor base for the chili.
Cook the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—garlic can turn bitter if overcooked.
Brown the ground beef: Next, add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat if needed. At this point, your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing!
Add the seasonings: Now, it’s time to add the spices. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir everything well so the beef and onions are coated with the spices. Let the spices cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom their flavors.
Add the tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste, making sure to mix it well with the beef and spices. This will thicken the chili and deepen the tomato flavor. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook for 20-25 minutes. The flavors will meld together, and the chili will thicken as it simmers.
Add the beans: After the chili has simmered and thickened, add the kidney beans and black beans to the pot. Stir to combine. Let the chili simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through and absorb the flavors.
Adjust the seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if you like it spicier. If it’s too thick, add a little more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
Serve: Once the chili is cooked and perfectly seasoned, it’s time to serve! Ladle it into bowls and top with your favorite chili toppings.

How to Serve

This chili is so versatile, and there are so many ways to serve it. Here are a few ideas:

Classic Chili Toppings: Top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions or cilantro.
Serve with Cornbread: Chili and cornbread are a match made in heaven! You can’t go wrong with this combo.
Over Rice: If you want to stretch the chili a little further, serve it over a bed of steamed white or brown rice.
With Tortilla Chips: For some extra crunch, serve chili with a side of tortilla chips for dipping.

Additional Tips

Don’t skip the simmering: Allow the chili to simmer long enough for the flavors to meld together. This step really enhances the depth of flavor.
Adjust the heat: If you’re cooking for a crowd with varying spice tolerances, make the chili mild and then offer hot sauce or chili flakes on the side for those who like a little extra heat.
Use fresh spices: Fresh spices make a huge difference in the final flavor. If your chili powder or cumin is old, it won’t have the same punch, so consider replacing them for a fresher taste.
Freeze leftovers: If you have leftovers (lucky you!), chili freezes really well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes! If you prefer a leaner option, you can easily swap ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. Both options will still provide a delicious base for the chili, though you may notice a slightly lighter flavor. Ground turkey works especially well and will still give you that hearty texture you’re looking for.

2. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! While this stovetop version is quick, you can transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker and let it simmer on low for 4-6 hours for an even richer, more developed flavor. Just follow the recipe until step 5, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook it on low. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together, making it even more delicious!

3. What kind of beans can I use?
You can customize the beans in this chili based on your preferences. While kidney beans and black beans are classic choices, feel free to swap them out for pinto beans, navy beans, or even garbanzo beans (chickpeas) for a unique twist. If you prefer a bean-less chili, you can leave them out altogether!

4. Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version of this chili, simply replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes for more depth and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly.

5. How can I make the chili spicier?
If you like your chili with more heat, there are plenty of ways to kick it up a notch!

Add more cayenne pepper or chili powder during the cooking process.
Toss in some diced fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers.
Stir in a spoonful of hot sauce to taste.
For a smoky heat, try adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

Conclusion

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is everything you want in a cozy meal—rich, flavorful, and so easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or hosting a casual gathering, this chili is sure to impress. The savory ground beef, combined with the perfect blend of spices, beans, and tomatoes, creates a dish that’s hearty and comforting, without any complicated steps.

Give it a try the next time you need a warm and satisfying meal. Trust me, this will become your new go-to chili recipe. Enjoy with your favorite toppings, and don’t forget the cornbread!

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili