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Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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