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Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

A hearty and flavorful stovetop chili made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and classic spices. This easy and comforting recipe is perfect for game days, busy weeknights, or anytime you crave a warm, satisfying meal. Ready in under an hour with minimal prep, it’s a one-pot wonder packed with protein and fiber, customizable to suit your spice preferences and perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

Beans and Tomatoes

  • 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

Liquids and Oil

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil

Spices

  • 2 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnishes

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics and Beef: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and chopped bell pepper; cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon; cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
  2. Build the Chili Base: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to let the spices toast and become fragrant. Add tomato paste and mix well to combine.
  3. Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Broth: Pour in diced tomatoes with juice, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir all ingredients together thoroughly to combine flavors and ensure an even mixture.
  4. Simmer to Perfection: Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors meld together harmoniously.
  5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the chili hot, garnished with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
  6. Optional Thickening: For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes or mash some beans into the chili to naturally thicken the consistency.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, simmer chili uncovered for the last 10 minutes to thicken further.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
  • Use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra smoky flavor.
  • To make it vegetarian, substitute beef with more beans, lentils, or meatless crumbles.
  • Add diced jalapeños or chipotle powder to increase heat level.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
  • Serve with warm cornbread, crusty bread, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
  • Let chili rest for 10 minutes off the heat before serving to let flavors meld.
  • Add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end for brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef chili, stovetop chili recipe, easy chili, hearty chili, one-pot chili, game day chili, beef and bean chili

Find it online: https://savorandsimmer.com/best-ground-beef-stovetop-chili-recipe/