Delicious bowl of ground beef chili garnished with herbs and served with bread.

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

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Why Make This Recipe

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a hearty, flavorful meal. It’s perfect for cold nights, family gatherings, or when you just want something comforting. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also simple to make and you can customize it to your liking. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup for you!

How to Make Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

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.

Directions:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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 Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

You can serve this chili hot in a bowl. It goes really well with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. You could also serve it with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

How to Store Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chili will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers.

Tips to Make Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

  • For extra flavor, sauté the onions and garlic until they are caramelized.
  • Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or carrots for more nutrition.
  • Adjust the spices based on your heat preference; you can add more cayenne for spiciness or control it by omitting it entirely.

Variation

You can easily change this chili to fit your taste by adding different beans or using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Some people like to add corn for sweetness or use different spices like oregano or coriander for a unique flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this chili in advance?
Yes! In fact, chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator overnight.

2. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.

3. What should I do if the chili is too thick?
If your chili is too thick, simply add a bit more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency while it’s simmering.

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

A hearty and flavorful stovetop chili made with ground beef, beans, and spices, perfect for cold nights and easy to customize.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for less fat.
  • 1 large onion, diced Onion adds sweetness and depth.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Essential for savory flavor.
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes Adds body and tanginess.
  • 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed Great source of protein.
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed Adds earthy flavor.
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste Thickens and intensifies tomato flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder The main flavor component.
  • 1 teaspoon cumin Provides a smoky, earthy undertone.
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika Adds smokiness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional, for spice.
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups beef broth Rich flavor base.
  • as needed olive oil For sautéing.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
  5. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Cooking
  1. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using) to the pot. Stir well to coat beef and onions.
  2. Cook spices for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and mix well with beef and spices. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, add salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring mixture to a simmer, then lower heat and cook for 20-25 minutes.
  6. Stir in kidney beans and black beans, simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add beef broth for desired consistency if too thick.
  8. Ladle into bowls and serve with toppings.

Notes

For extra flavor, caramelize onions and garlic. Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or carrots. Adjust spices based on heat preference.