Introduction

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. Packed with tender beef, beans, and a blend of spices, it comes together quickly on the stove for a comforting meal.

A bowl filled with a thick chili showing multiple layers: the bottom layer is dark red sauce with chunks of ground meat and kidney beans visible, topped with a layer of shredded yellow cheddar cheese melting slightly into the chili. On top of this is a dollop of white sour cream in the center, sprinkled with bright green chopped scallions spread evenly over the cheese and sour cream. The bowl itself is gray with a textured surface, and it sits on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup beef broth
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add minced garlic and ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
Step 3: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
Add a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving to brighten the flavors.
Mix in a bit of cocoa powder or dark chocolate for a rich depth of flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a bowl of chili with visible layers starting with a rich, chunky dark brown meat and kidney bean base that fills the bowl, topped with melted bright yellow shredded cheese spread evenly over the center. On top of the cheese, there is a dollop of smooth white sour cream placed near the middle, with finely chopped fresh green onions scattered generously all over the chili, cheese, and sour cream. The bowl is white with a simple design, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans without rinsing?

It’s best to rinse canned beans to reduce excess sodium and remove any canning liquid that might affect the flavor or texture of your chili.

How can I make this chili vegetarian?

Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 129 reviews

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, simmered to perfection. Ideal for a comforting meal, this chili recipe is easy to prepare on the stovetop and customizable with your favorite toppings.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Beans and Tomatoes

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes

Spices and Liquids

2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup beef broth

Cooking Oil

2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Prepare the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, which builds the base flavor for the chili.
Cook the beef and garlic: Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the pot. Cook while breaking up the beef with a spoon until browned thoroughly and no longer pink, ensuring even cooking and flavor development.
Add the spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook this spice blend with the beef for 1 minute to release and intensify the flavors.
Combine beans, tomatoes, and broth: Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Simmer the chili: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend the flavors thoroughly.
Season and serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Notes

You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
For a spicier chili, add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños with the spices.
This chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice for a complete meal.
To make it gluten-free, ensure that the beef broth and canned beans are gluten-free certified.

Keywords: ground beef chili, stovetop chili recipe, easy chili, bean chili, hearty chili, comforting dinner