Print

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

5.2 from 7 reviews

A hearty and flavorful stovetop chili made with ground beef, kidney beans, black beans, and a blend of aromatic spices. This easy-to-make chili is perfect for cozy dinners and brings a comforting, rich taste with a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Beans

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

Liquids

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • Olive oil (for sautéing, about 1-2 tablespoons)

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent to build a flavor base.
  2. Cook the garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Brown the ground beef: Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  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.
  5. Add the tomato paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken the chili and deepen the flavor.
  6. Add the tomatoes and broth: Pour in diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 20-25 minutes until flavors meld and chili thickens.
  7. Add the beans: Stir in kidney and black beans. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to heat through and allow beans to absorb flavors.
  8. Adjust the seasoning: Taste the chili and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired. If too thick, add extra beef broth to reach preferred consistency.
  9. Serve: Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef for a lower-fat version.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on spice preference.
  • Can be made in advance and reheated; flavors improve over time.
  • Try topping with shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or avocado slices.
  • For vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef chili, stovetop chili, easy chili recipe, hearty chili, beef chili, kidney beans chili, black beans chili, spicy chili