Quick & Hearty Stovetop Ground Beef Chili

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort meal that will leave your kitchen smelling amazing and your family asking for seconds, this BEST GROUND BEEF STOVETOP CHILI is about to become your go-to recipe. Packed with hearty beans, rich beef, a perfect balance of spices, and simmered to create deep, complex flavors in under an hour, it’s everything you crave in a classic chili—with zero fuss or fancy gadgets. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or game-day crowd-pleaser, this stovetop chili proves you don’t need complicated steps to whip up something that tastes downright legendary!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this chili is just how simple and approachable the ingredients are—they’re pantry staples you might already have at home, and every single one has a specific job to do. These building blocks not only contribute bold flavors and heartiness, but also ensure your chili has the perfect texture and a pop of color in every bowl.

• Ground beef (1 lb): The star of the show! It brings rich flavor and hearty texture to our BEST GROUND BEEF STOVETOP CHILI. Use lean ground beef if you want to keep things lighter.
• Onion, diced (1 large): Delivers sweetness and depth, which forms the essential aromatic base.
• Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Packs each bite with a punchy, savory note—don’t skip this!
• Diced tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz): Adds body, moisture, and a touch of tangy acidity.
• Red kidney beans, drained & rinsed (1 can, 15 oz): Creamy and protein-packed, these help make each serving satisfying.
• Black beans, drained & rinsed (1 can, 15 oz): Their earthy flavor and creamy bite round out the bean medley perfectly.
• Tomato paste (1 can, 6 oz): Intensifies the tomato base and ensures a nice, thick chili.
• Chili powder (2 tablespoons): The soul of the chili, bringing a deep, warm spice.
• Cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds smoky, comforting notes to balance the heat.
• Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For a subtle, smoky undertone that makes this chili unforgettable.
• Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon, optional): If you like it spicy, this will bring the heat!
• Salt and pepper: Season to your taste—it brings all the flavors together.
• Beef broth (2 cups): Creates a rich foundation and lets everything simmer together beautifully.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing and helping flavors bloom at the very start.

How to Make BEST GROUND BEEF STOVETOP CHILI

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

Begin by heating a lug of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes. The onion should turn soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with a sweet, savory aroma that sets the flavor foundation for our BEST GROUND BEEF STOVETOP CHILI.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the garlic to become fragrant—watch carefully so it doesn’t brown. This quick step infuses the oil and onions with garlicky goodness, making everything instantly more inviting.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Next comes the ground beef! Crumble it into the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon as you stir. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, until all the pink disappears and you see lovely browned bits forming—drain off excess fat if you’d like a lighter chili. The aroma at this stage is borderline irresistible!

Step 4: Add the Spices

Time to unlock big flavor. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling bold). Stir well so the spices coat all the beef and onions. Let everything cook together for about 2 minutes—this quick “bloom” step brings out the deeper, richer flavors of each spice and makes all the difference for the BEST GROUND BEEF STOVETOP CHILI.

Step 5: Stir in Tomato Paste

Add the tomato paste right into the pot, mixing thoroughly so it melds with the spicy meat mixture. Allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes. This helps deepen the chili’s color and makes for a wonderfully thick and hearty result.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes, Broth, Salt & Pepper

Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, then hit the pot with a few generous pinches of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine, bring everything up to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let your chili bubble away for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will fuse and you’ll notice it thickening up—chili magic!

Step 7: Add the Beans

Once the base is rich and luscious, stir in the drained kidney beans and black beans. Let the pot simmer gently for another 10-15 minutes, giving the beans plenty of time to soak in all those bold flavors. This step is key for that classic, hearty texture that defines the BEST GROUND BEEF STOVETOP CHILI.

Step 8: Final Taste & Serve

Give your chili a taste and adjust seasoning as needed—maybe a bit more salt, pepper, or extra chili powder for the heat lovers! If your chili is thicker than you’d like, simply stir in a splash more beef broth. Once it’s just right, ladle into bowls, pile on your favorite toppings, and dive in.

How to Serve BEST GROUND BEEF STOVETOP CHILI

Garnishes

No chili is complete without some delicious finishing touches! Top your bowls with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or slices of avocado. Each garnish brings its own burst of flavor and color, letting you customize every bowl of BEST GROUND BEEF STOVETOP CHILI to perfection.

Side Dishes

Round out your chili dinner with hearty sides like warm, buttery cornbread, a stack of tortilla chips for scooping, or a crisp green salad to balance all that savory richness. If you want to go classic, serve it over steamed white rice or even baked potatoes—trust me, you can’t go wrong.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not have some fun with presentation? Serve chili in bread bowls for a comforting twist, or ladle it into mugs for a casual, cozy vibe. For parties, set up a “chili bar” with different toppings and sides so everyone can build their own bowl—a guaranteed hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about chili is just how well it keeps! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors get even better as they mingle, making BEST GROUND BEEF STOVETOP CHILI a fantastic meal-prep or next-day lunch option.

Freezing

This chili freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to three months. Just label and date it so you know when you made that batch of BEST GROUND BEEF STOVETOP CHILI waiting for a busy weeknight.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave single servings, adding a splash of beef broth if the chili seems a little too thick. It’ll taste just as fresh and delicious as day one!

FAQs

Can I make this chili spicier or milder?

Absolutely! Adjust the cayenne pepper or chili powder to suit your taste, and feel free to add fresh jalapenos or a splash of hot sauce if you want things extra spicy. If you prefer mild, just omit the cayenne entirely and cut back on the chili powder a bit.

What’s the best way to thicken my chili?

If your BEST GROUND BEEF STOVETOP CHILI is a little thinner than you’d like, letting it simmer uncovered will help reduce liquid and thicken it up. You can also mash some of the beans right in the pot to give it a naturally creamy texture without extra starch or thickeners.

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?

Definitely! Both ground turkey and chicken work great in this recipe if you want a lighter option. Just be sure to add a little extra seasoning, as they’re milder than beef, and check that the meat is cooked through before adding the rest of your ingredients.

What other beans can I use?

This recipe is super versatile—pinto beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas would be delicious additions or swaps. Feel free to mix and match according to what you have on hand or what you love most in your BEST GROUND BEEF STOVETOP CHILI.

Can I make this in advance?

You sure can, and it may be even tastier! Chili’s flavors get deeper after a night in the fridge, so making it a day ahead is a smart move for parties or meal prep. Simply reheat before serving and enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats a bubbling pot of BEST GROUND BEEF STOVETOP CHILI when you need a comforting, flavor-packed meal with minimal effort. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight and impressive enough to share with friends, so go ahead—gather your ingredients, let your kitchen fill with those homey aromas, and savor every hearty, spicy, and utterly delicious spoonful!

Print