Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

Introduction

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for cozy nights. Packed with tender ground beef, beans, and rich spices, it’s easy to prepare and wonderfully satisfying. Whether for a family dinner or game day, this chili will become a go-to favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 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
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups beef broth
• Olive oil, for sautéing

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Step 2: Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Step 3: Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.
5. Step 5: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken and deepen the flavor.
6. Step 6: Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 20-25 minutes to meld flavors and thicken.
7. Step 7: Add kidney beans and black beans. Stir to combine and simmer for another 10-15 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
8. Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more chili powder if desired. Add more broth if chili is too thick.
9. Step 9: Serve hot, topped with your favorite chili toppings.

Tips & Variations

• Use lean ground beef for a less fatty chili without sacrificing flavor.
• Swap black beans for pinto beans if preferred.
• Add diced bell peppers with the onions for extra color and sweetness.
• For a smoky flavor, consider adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until hot. Chili also freezes well; freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra beans or vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added texture and flavor.

How spicy is this chili?

The chili has a mild to moderate heat level, which can be adjusted by adding or omitting the cayenne pepper. Feel free to increase the chili powder or add fresh chili peppers if you prefer more heat.

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 68 reviews

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for cozy meals. Featuring rich ground beef, a blend of spices, tomatoes, and beans, this chili simmers to perfection on the stovetop, delivering a deliciously thick and aromatic result. It’s easy to prepare, customizable for heat preference, and great for family dinners or meal prepping.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Aromatics

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

Canned Goods

• 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

Spices and Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquids and Oils

• 2 cups beef broth
• 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 cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, creating a flavorful base.
2. Cook the garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it to avoid bitterness.
3. Brown the ground beef: Add ground beef to the pot, 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) over the meat and onions. Stir well to coat and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
5. Add the tomato paste: Stir in tomato paste thoroughly with the beef and spices. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken the chili and enhance the tomato flavor.
6. Add the tomatoes and broth: Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes to meld flavors and thicken the mixture.
7. Add the beans: Stir in the drained kidney beans and black beans. Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to heat the beans through and allow them to absorb the chili flavors.
8. Adjust the seasoning: Taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired. If the chili is too thick, add a bit more beef broth to achieve the preferred consistency.
9. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or cilantro. Enjoy warm.

Notes

• For a leaner chili, choose lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
• The cayenne pepper is optional; adjust according to your spice preference or omit for milder chili.
• If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer longer to reduce liquid further.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• For additional depth, consider adding a splash of beer or a tablespoon of cocoa powder during simmering.
• Serve with cornbread or over rice for a more filling meal.

Keywords: ground beef chili, stovetop chili recipe, easy chili, beef chili with beans, dinner recipe, hearty chili