Warm, hearty, and loaded with bold flavors, the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings. This dish brings together smoky and savory notes that create a satisfying meal without the need for all-day simmering. With just one pot and a handful of pantry staples, this chili delivers cozy comfort that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This stovetop chili cooks in about an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy minimal cleanup with all ingredients cooked in a single pot.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and tomatoes creates a depth of flavor that satisfies the taste buds.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite beans or toppings to make it your own.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it at gatherings, and watch it disappear as everyone devours each hearty bite.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for sautéing and simmering, ensuring even cooking.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping onions and garlic quick and easy.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
For the Spices
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if possible)
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
For the Beans
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until they become soft.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Once the onions are softened, add minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with your wooden spoon while browning for about 5–7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it out carefully.
Step 4: Bloom the Spices
Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook these spices for about 1 minute to enhance their flavors.
Step 5: Incorporate Tomato Paste
Mix in tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring well to combine everything thoroughly. Then add diced tomatoes and beef broth, mixing until everything is combined.
Step 6: Add Beans
Gently fold in both types of beans—red kidney beans and black beans. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 30–40 minutes while stirring occasionally until it thickens.
Step 7: Final Touches
Taste your chili at this stage and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese or sour cream!
How to Serve Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
Serving the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is all about enhancing its rich flavors and making it a complete meal. Here are some delicious ways to serve your chili that will keep everyone coming back for more.
With Toppings
- Sour Cream – A dollop of creamy sour cream balances the heat and adds richness.
- Shredded Cheese – Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for an extra cheesy touch.
- Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions add a nice crunch and freshness to each bite.
- Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado offers a delightful contrast to the spicy chili.
Over Rice
- White Rice – Serve chili over fluffy white rice to soak up the flavors and create a filling dish.
- Brown Rice – For a healthier option, brown rice adds fiber and nutty flavor.
In Tacos
- Soft Tortillas – Use soft corn or flour tortillas to make delicious chili tacos for a fun twist.
- Crunchy Taco Shells – Fill crunchy taco shells for added texture and flavor.
How to Perfect Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
To ensure your chili turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance both the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Bold Spices – Use fresh spices for a stronger flavor profile. Toast them in the pot before adding other ingredients.
- Simmer Time – Allow sufficient simmering time (30–40 minutes) so flavors meld together beautifully.
- Taste As You Go – Always taste your chili while cooking. Adjust seasoning according to your preference.
- Use Quality Ingredients – Choose high-quality ground beef and canned tomatoes for better results in taste and texture.
- Store Leftovers Properly – Cool completely before storing in an airtight container; it freezes well too!
- Experiment with Beans – Feel free to mix different beans based on preference or availability for variety.
Best Side Dishes for Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
A hearty bowl of the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. These options will complement the rich flavors of your chili perfectly.
- Cornbread – A classic pairing, cornbread is sweet, buttery, and perfect for soaking up chili.
- Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread adds an aromatic element that contrasts nicely with spicy chili.
- Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw provides crunch and coolness, balancing the heat of the chili.
- Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs makes a great base for serving chili on top.
- Nachos – Layered nachos topped with cheese, jalapeños, and guacamole create a fun, shareable dish.
- Simple Salad – A light salad with mixed greens drizzled with vinaigrette can cleanse the palate between bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili can be easy, but small mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the seasoning bloom: Not allowing the spices to cook for a minute can dull their flavors. Always sauté your spices briefly before adding liquids to enhance taste.
- Using low-quality beef: Low-fat ground beef can lead to a greasy chili. Opt for good quality 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
- Overcooking or undercooking beans: Beans should be heated through but not mushy. Add them in the last part of cooking to maintain their texture.
- Neglecting to taste as you go: Failing to adjust seasoning throughout cooking can result in bland chili. Taste and tweak seasoning, especially before serving.
- Not letting it simmer long enough: Quick cooking may not develop full flavors. Allow your chili to simmer for at least 30 minutes for the best results.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best used within 3–4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes).
- Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour chili into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until hot, about 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat in the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be excellent alternatives if you prefer leaner options.
What toppings go well with this chili?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or avocado slices, which add texture and flavor.
How spicy is the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili?
The spice level is adjustable based on your preference. Omit cayenne or reduce chili powder for milder flavors.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! This chili tastes even better after a day in the fridge as flavors meld together.
What side dishes pair well with this chili?
Serve with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for a complete meal experience.
Final Thoughts
The Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is not just a dish; it’s a hearty meal that brings comfort and satisfaction. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust the spice level according to your taste. Try it out today and enjoy a wonderful bowl of warmth!
Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
Warm and satisfying, the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is your go-to dish for busy weeknights or game day gatherings. This one-pot meal is packed with smoky and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser that requires just an hour of cooking time. With pantry staples and simple ingredients, you can create a comforting bowl of chili that everyone will love. Customize it with your favorite beans or toppings to make it truly your own.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if possible)
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart while browning for 5–7 minutes; drain excess fat if needed.
- Mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes and beef broth; mix well.
- Fold in red kidney beans and black beans; simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes until thickened.
- Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For added depth of flavor, toast spices briefly before adding liquids. Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for leaner options. Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, or avocado slices for extra richness.
