If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming bowl that’s bursting with smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, you’ve just stumbled upon the ultimate comfort food: the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe. This dish is my go-to for busy weeknights and weekend gatherings alike because it’s straightforward to make yet endlessly satisfying. Imagine tender ground beef mingling with aromatic spices, rich tomato undertones, and creamy beans simmered to perfection—all ready on your stovetop in under an hour. It’s the kind of chili that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and trust me, once you’ve tried this recipe, it’ll quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple, drawing on a handful of essential ingredients that each shine on their own while coming together to create a deeply flavorful chili. Every element here contributes something important, whether it’s the umami richness of the ground beef, the vibrant warmth of the spices, or the creamy texture from the beans and tomatoes.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth base for sautéing and enhances flavor without overpowering.
- Large onion, diced: Brings sweetness and moisture that soften as they cook.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Impart a fragrant punch that kicks the chili’s aroma up a notch.
- Ground beef (80/20 or leaner): The star protein, providing heartiness and savory depth.
- Chili powder: Delivers classic chili heat and color.
- Cumin: Adds earthy warmth and complexity.
- Smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky note that feels like campfire magic.
- Cayenne (optional): For those who love an extra layer of spice and kick.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance every flavor.
- Tomato paste (6 oz): Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Diced tomatoes (15 oz, fire-roasted preferred): Adds texture and a lightly charred sweetness.
- Beef broth (2 cups, low-sodium preferred): Builds a rich, savory liquid base without overwhelming saltiness.
- Red kidney beans (15 oz, drained & rinsed): Provide a creamy, hearty bite and contrast in texture.
- Black beans (15 oz, drained & rinsed): Complement the kidney beans with their slight earthiness and smoothness.
How to Make Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions and cook them gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This step is key because the tender onions create a naturally sweet backdrop that balances the chili’s savory spices.
Step 2: Add Garlic for Fragrance
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds. Garlic releases an intoxicating aroma when gently heated, which will infuse the chili foundation with incredible depth.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Crank up the heat just a little and add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart as it cooks, letting it brown evenly over 5 to 7 minutes. This caramelization is crucial—it develops deep, complex flavors that will carry through the entire dish. If there’s excess fat pooling, carefully drain it off to keep the chili balanced.
Step 4: Bloom the Spices
Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything toast together for a minute to draw out their aroma—a technique called “blooming” that transforms powdered spices into fragrance-packed flavor bombs.
Step 5: Build the Tomato Base
Add the tomato paste and give it a good stir for another minute. Then pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, mixing everything well. This combination is the heart of the chili sauce, blending sweetness, acidity, and savoriness.
Step 6: Add the Beans and Simmer
Finally, stir in the kidney beans and black beans. Let the chili simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer thickens the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld into a wonderfully rich and chunky consistency.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Before serving, give your chili a final taste. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne if you like a spicier kick. This final step ensures your Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe is perfectly seasoned and ready to warm your soul.
How to Serve Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your chili is where you can get playful and tailor it to your tastes. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creamy coolness, while shredded sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully on a steaming bowl. Freshly chopped green onions or cilantro bring bright, herbal notes, and a squeeze of lime juice lifts the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with classic sides like warm cornbread, fluffy white rice, or crispy tortilla chips for scooping. If you want to keep it lighter, a crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your chili in baked potato bowls or over nachos loaded with cheese and jalapeños. You can also turn it into a loaded chili dog topping or stuff it inside bell peppers and bake for a colorful presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had more time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to enjoy quick, comforting meals without the fuss.
Freezing
This chili freezes exceptionally well, making it an excellent make-ahead option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to keep track.
Reheating
Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. For a quicker option, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well in this recipe. Just be mindful to watch your cooking time carefully as it tends to dry out faster than beef. Adding a little extra broth can help keep it moist.
Do I need to soak the beans before adding them?
Since this recipe uses canned beans, there is no need to soak them beforehand. Just be sure to drain and rinse the beans to reduce excess sodium and remove canning liquid for a cleaner flavor.
How spicy is this chili? Can I adjust the heat level?
The recipe has a moderate spice level thanks to chili powder and optional cayenne pepper. Feel free to scale the cayenne up or down based on your spice tolerance. You can also add diced jalapeños or hot sauce if you want to kick things up later.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
You certainly can! Brown the beef and sauté onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Add beans in the last 30 minutes to avoid overcooking.
What’s the best way to thicken the chili if it’s too watery?
Simmer it uncovered a bit longer to let excess liquid evaporate. You can also stir in a small amount of masa harina (corn flour) or cornmeal near the end for added thickness and a subtle corn flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dive into this Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe and experience just how satisfying a simple, well-made chili can be. It’s one of those dishes that feels both nostalgic and fresh, perfect for sharing around the table with loved ones or cozying up with a bowl on your own. Once you give it a try, it’s sure to become a cherished staple in your recipe collection. Happy cooking!
Print
Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili recipe combines savory browned beef with aromatic spices, fire-roasted tomatoes, and hearty beans for a comforting and flavorful meal. Perfectly balanced with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, this chili simmers on the stovetop to develop rich, deep flavors. Easy to prepare in about 40 minutes, it’s ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if possible)
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn it.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess fat from the pot if needed to avoid grease.
- Season the meat: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne. Stir and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices and enhance their flavor.
- Add tomato base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, then add diced tomatoes and beef broth. Mix well to combine.
- Add beans and simmer: Incorporate the drained kidney beans and black beans. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens to your desired consistency.
- Final seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, or spice levels as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the chili hearty but not greasy.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky depth but regular diced tomatoes work fine.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper or reduce chili powder.
- Simmer longer for a thicker, more concentrated flavor.
- For a richer chili, consider adding a splash of beer or cocoa powder during cooking.
