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Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

4.8 from 20 reviews

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners. Made with lean ground beef, a blend of beans, diced tomatoes, and a robust chili spice mix, this chili simmers on the stovetop to develop rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors. It’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed on its own or with your favorite toppings like cheese or sour cream.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

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

Beans and Tomatoes

  • 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. Prepare Ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Drain and rinse the red kidney beans and black beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve texture.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot with the onions and garlic. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, especially if using a fattier cut.
  4. Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors of the spices.
  5. Add Tomato Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all ingredients and coat the beef evenly.
  6. Add Beans and Broth: Add the drained kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth to the pot. Mix thoroughly.
  7. Simmer the Chili: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially and let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the flavors to meld together deeply.
  8. Adjust Seasonings: Taste the chili and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed. If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
  9. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper according to your spice preference or omit if you prefer mild chili.
  • If you want a vegetarian chili, replace beef broth with vegetable broth and omit ground beef, adding extra beans or veggies instead.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
  • Consider serving with cornbread or over rice for a filling meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef chili, stovetop chili, easy chili recipe, hearty chili, beef and bean chili, spicy chili, weeknight dinner