Hey y’all! When chilly evenings call for something warm and comforting, this Ground Beef Stovetop Chili hits the spot every time! It’s brimming with juicy ground beef, tender beans, and a crave-worthy medley of spices. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for game day, hosting a family dinner, or just want a quick meal that tastes like you simmered it all day, this chili never disappoints. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
- Quick to make—ready in 40 minutes, start to finish.
- Super customizable with your favorite toppings and add-ins.
- Rich, hearty flavor thanks to a blend of spices and tender beef.
- Perfect for meal prep as it tastes even better the next day.
- Family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and a total crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make Ground Beef Stovetop Chili: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef & Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook for 4–5 minutes until mostly browned. Toss in diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for an additional 3–4 minutes until veggies are tender and beef is fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Build the Chili Base
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Let the spices bloom for 1 minute for a bigger flavor punch. Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth. Mix well.
Step 3: Simmer the Chili
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and let your stovetop chili simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Taste & Serve
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle the chili into bowls and serve piping hot with your favorite toppings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 6
Notes for Perfect Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
- For deeper flavor, let the chili simmer even longer, up to 60 minutes on low heat. Learn about the science of simmering chili for best results.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky twist or add a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
- Drain and rinse your beans well to reduce sodium levels—find more on bean nutrition at Medical News Today.
Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Variations
- Turkey Chili: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Chili: Omit the beef and double up on beans (black beans work great) and add corn or sweet potatoes.
- Spicy Tex-Mex Chili: Add 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce and more cayenne for fiery heat.
Required Equipment for Stovetop Chili
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot (at least 6-quart)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and chef’s knife
- Can opener
- Ladle for serving
How to Store Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
Let the chili cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, ladle into freezer-safe zip-top bags or containers, leaving 1 inch of space for expansion—freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Stovetop Chili
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro.
- Serve alongside warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or a crisp green salad.
- Spoon leftovers over baked potatoes or cooked rice for a filling meal.
Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Pro Tips
- Don’t skip blooming the spices in the beef—this unlocks deeper, richer flavor (why you should toast spices).
- Taste and season at the end, as flavors develop during simmering and saltiness can change.
- If you like thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 10 minutes of simmering to let it reduce.
FAQ: Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
- Can I make Ground Beef Stovetop Chili ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Can I use different beans?
- Definitely—black beans, white beans, or even garbanzo beans all work beautifully in this recipe.
- How do I make it less spicy?
- Simply omit the cayenne pepper and use mild chili powder to keep it family-friendly and mild.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
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2Add minced garlic and ground beef. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
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3Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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4Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and drained kidney beans. Stir well to combine.
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5Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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6Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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