Imagine a warm bowl of hearty chili on a chilly evening. That’s what Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili brings to the table. It’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make on a busy weeknight. With a rich blend of spices and a satisfying meaty texture, this chili is sure to become a staple in your cooking routine.

Why You’ll Love Making This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

Making chili often feels like a labor of love. But with this stovetop version, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. This recipe lets the flavors shine through without requiring hours of simmering. You can whip it up in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep for the week.

Not only is it simple, but it’s also versatile. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, you can adjust the quantities easily. Plus, it’s packed with protein and can be customized to suit your taste. And, let’s not forget the best part—leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients You Will Need

To make the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili, gather the following 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.

How to Make Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili (3 Steps & Timing)

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

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.

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.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Add Spices

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!

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.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

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.

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.

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.

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.

Once the chili is cooked and perfectly seasoned, it’s time to serve! Ladle it into bowls and top with your favorite chili toppings.

Quick Sides & Serving Ideas

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is perfect on its own. However, if you want to elevate the meal, consider these quick sides:

• Cornbread: Soft and buttery cornbread pairs incredibly well with chili.

• Rice: Serve it over rice for a filling twist.

• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are perfect for scooping up chili.

• Avocado: Fresh avocado adds creaminess and balance to the spice.

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can cool down the heat and add richness.

Feel free to get creative with toppings like shredded cheese, jalapeños, or cilantro for added flavor and texture!

Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)

This chili stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it seems too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick meal.

10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts

The Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is designed to be a quick meal, but here are some tips to save even more time:

• Use Pre-Chopped Vegetables: Many grocery stores offer pre-diced onions and minced garlic, saving prep time.

• Cook Ground Beef in Bulk: Brown extra ground beef ahead of time and freeze it. Use it in chili or other recipes.

• Quick-Soak Beans: If you prefer dried beans, soak them quickly by boiling them for a few minutes and letting them sit for an hour.

• Frozen Vegetables: Add a handful of frozen bell peppers or corn to the chili as it simmers. They add flavor and nutrition without extra chopping.

Smart Swaps & Variations

Feel free to customize your chili to fit your tastes or what you have on hand:

• Change the Meat: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef for a lighter option.

• Add Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots can add extra nutrition and flavor.

• Different Beans: Use pinto beans, chickpeas, or even lentils if you prefer.

• Kick Up the Heat: If you enjoy spicy food, add diced jalapeños or even a splash of hot sauce.

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

A quick and flavorful chili made with ground beef, beans, and spices, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

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Main ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef Rich, meaty texture and flavor.
• 1 large onion, diced Adds sweetness and depth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Savory flavor.
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes Adds body and tangy flavor.
• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed Creamy texture and protein source.
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed Earthy flavor addition.
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste Thickens and intensifies flavor.
• 2 tablespoons chili powder Main flavoring.
• 1 teaspoon cumin Adds smoky, earthy undertone.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika For smokiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional, for spice.
• to taste salt and pepper To enhance flavor.
• 2 cups beef broth Rich base for the chili.
• as needed olive oil For sautéing.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Cooking

• Add ground beef, breaking it up and cooking for 5-7 minutes until browned.
• Drain excess fat if needed.
• Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and let spices cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer.
• Lower the heat and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
• Add kidney beans and black beans, simmering for another 10-15 minutes.
• Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.

Notes

Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, and flavors improve over time. Reheat with added broth if too thick.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 700mgFiber: 12gSugar: 4g

Keyword Chili, Comfort Food, easy recipe, Ground Beef, Stovetop Chili

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FAQs About Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

1. Can I freeze this chili?
Yes, you can freeze Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

2. How can I make this chili vegetarian?
Substitute ground beef with lentils or quinoa, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

3. What toppings do you recommend for serving?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, diced onions, or fresh cilantro.

4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just peel and dice them, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

5. How spicy is this chili?
The heat can be adjusted by adding more or less cayenne pepper. You can leave it out for a milder chili.