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Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

5.1 from 3 reviews

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners or game day gatherings. Made with tender ground beef, a rich blend of spices, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a mix of red kidney and black beans, this chili delivers savory depth with just the right kick of heat. Simmered to perfection on the stovetop, it’s an easy, comforting meal that pairs wonderfully with your favorite chili toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)

Spices

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Tomato & Broth

  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if possible)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)

Beans

  • 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained & rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed

Instructions

  1. Sauté onion: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
  2. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the meat for 5 to 7 minutes until fully cooked. If there is excess fat, drain it off to keep the chili from becoming greasy.
  4. Bloom spices: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavors of the spices.
  5. Add tomato paste: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to remove its raw taste and blend it with the spices.
  6. Mix tomatoes and broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring everything together until combined.
  7. Add beans and simmer: Stir in the kidney beans and black beans. Bring the chili to a simmer, uncovered, and let it cook for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens nicely.
  8. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste your chili and add more salt or pepper as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced onions.

Notes

  • For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeño peppers during cooking.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein alternative.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer longer uncovered to reduce the liquid further.
  • Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky depth but regular diced tomatoes work well too.
  • Serve with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition

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