Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

Introduction

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any day of the week. Packed with savory spices, tender beans, and rich ground beef, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to make and sure to please.

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 until shimmering. 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: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the spices’ flavors.
5. Step 5: Add tomato paste and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to thicken the chili.
6. Step 6: Pour in diced tomatoes, beef broth, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 20-25 minutes until thickened.
7. Step 7: Stir in kidney beans and black beans. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
8. Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional chili powder. Add more beef broth if the chili is too thick.
9. Step 9: Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings.

Tips & Variations

• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat if desired.
• Add diced bell peppers along with onions for extra color and flavor.
• For a smoky touch, try adding a splash of liquid smoke or more smoked paprika.
• Replace kidney or black beans with pinto beans for a different texture.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the chili 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. You can add extra beans or vegetables like mushrooms to keep it hearty.

How spicy is this chili?

The chili has a moderate heat level thanks to chili powder and optional cayenne pepper. You can adjust the cayenne amount or leave it out altogether depending on your heat preference.

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 146 reviews

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for any day. Rich with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a savory blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, this chili simmers to perfection on the stovetop. It’s easy to make and ideal for a comforting dinner that warms you up from the inside out.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef
• 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

• 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 the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent, creating a flavorful base.
2. Cook the garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it as garlic can become bitter.
3. Brown the ground beef: Add ground beef, break it up with a spoon, and cook 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed to keep chili from being greasy.
4. Add the seasonings: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir to coat beef and onions evenly, and cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices’ flavors.
5. Add the tomato paste: Mix in tomato paste, stirring well with beef and spices. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to thicken the chili and deepen tomato flavor.
6. Add the tomatoes and broth: Pour diced tomatoes and beef broth into the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, then lower heat and let cook for 20-25 minutes to meld flavors and thicken.
7. Add the beans: After simmering, stir in drained kidney beans and black beans. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes so the beans warm through and absorb chili flavors.
8. Adjust the seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired. Add more beef broth if chili is too thick, to reach your preferred consistency.
9. Serve: Ladle chili into bowls and serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content if desired.
• The cayenne pepper is optional for those who prefer milder chili.
• Simmering the chili slowly develops deeper flavors and ensures the meat stays tender.
• Drain and rinse beans to reduce sodium and improve texture.
• This chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

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