Description
This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners. Made with ground beef, a blend of spices, tomatoes, and beans, it simmers to a thick, rich chili that’s both comforting and easy to prepare on your stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 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 pepper (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Tomatoes 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
- Heat and sauté onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned. If there is excess fat, drain it to avoid greasiness.
- Add spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to bloom the spices and intensify their flavors.
- Add tomato paste and liquids: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Then add the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- Add beans and simmer: Add drained kidney beans and black beans to the pot. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 40 minutes until the chili thickens and flavors meld together.
- Season and serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a less greasy chili, or 80/20 for more flavor.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky depth but regular canned tomatoes work well.
- Feel free to customize the beans to your liking or omit for a low-carb version.
- The cayenne pepper is optional; adjust the spice level according to taste.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days and freeze nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: ground beef chili, stovetop chili, easy chili recipe, beef chili, homemade chili, spicy chili, kidney beans chili, black beans chili
