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Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

5.1 from 7 reviews

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any day. Made with lean ground beef, a blend of spices, beans, and tomatoes simmered to perfection, this chili is rich, comforting, and easy to prepare. Ideal for a family dinner or game day gathering, it’s a classic recipe that combines bold flavors and satisfying textures to deliver pure chili goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 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

  • 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. Heat the olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent, creating a fragrant base for the chili.
  2. Cook the garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, careful not to burn to preserve the savory flavor.
  3. Brown the ground beef: Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink, then drain excess fat if needed for a leaner chili.
  4. Add the seasonings: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the beef and onions. Stir well to coat and cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices and deepen their aroma.
  5. Add the tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste thoroughly, mixing it with the beef and spices. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to thicken the chili and enhance the tomato flavor.
  6. Add the tomatoes and broth: Pour in diced tomatoes, beef broth, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chili to thicken.
  7. Add the beans: Stir in the kidney beans and black beans. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes so the beans absorb the flavors and heat through properly.
  8. Adjust the seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder to your preference. If chili is too thick, add more beef broth to reach desired consistency.
  9. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for a delicious meal.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef for a healthier option with less fat.
  • If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or chili powder accordingly.
  • Beans add protein and texture but can be omitted for a lower-carb version.
  • Simmering time can be extended for deeper flavors.
  • Serve with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef chili, stovetop chili recipe, easy chili, beef chili, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, comfort food