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Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

4.8 from 11 reviews

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Made with tender ground beef, a blend of aromatic spices, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and a mixture of red kidney and black beans, this chili is rich, comforting, and easy to prepare on the stovetop. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and packed with robust flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 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 (optional)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Tomato and 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. Heat the Oil and Sauté Onion: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, which helps to build the flavor base of the chili.
  2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to release its aroma.
  3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon or spatula, and cook for 5–7 minutes until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid a greasy chili.
  4. Add Spices: Stir in 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat), and salt & pepper to taste. Cook the mixture for 1 minute to toast and bloom the spices, which intensifies their flavors.
  5. Incorporate Tomato Paste: Mix in 6 ounces of tomato paste and cook for another 1 minute to deepen the tomato flavor.
  6. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Add a 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred) along with 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  7. Add Beans and Simmer: Add the drained and rinsed beans—1 can each of red kidney beans and black beans. Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and the flavors meld together.
  8. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Notes

  • For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne or add diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky flavor but regular diced tomatoes work well too.
  • Letting the chili simmer uncovered helps thicken it; cover if you prefer a thinner chili.
  • Chili can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months.
  • For a vegetarian alternative, omit ground beef and add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.

Nutrition

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