Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Easy and Irresistible

The scent hits firstsavory ground beef sizzling with onions, just starting to caramelize. That’s when I know we’re making chili. This BEST GROUND BEEF STOVETOP CHILI brings the cozy, spicy comfort of a slow-simmered pot, but it’s fast. It’s the kind of meal that shows up in big batches on football Sundays, snowy weeknights, or when we just need something hearty and warm.

This one-pot chili sticks close to the classic, with ground beef, crushed tomatoes, and just the right hit of heat. No fancy gadgets, just a big pot and a wooden spoon. Ready in under an hour, but it tastes like it cooked all day. Think diner-style chili meets your mom’s go-to, but easierand yes, it freezes like a dream. It’s our favorite easy stovetop chili when we want big flavor with zero fuss.

I started making this version during a cold snap in early 2019. My neighbor wandered in, took one bite, and immediately asked for the recipe. What I learned? Toasting the spices with the onions makes everything taste richerdon’t skip that step. After more than a decade of testing everyday meals for the blog, this one sits high on my reliable-list. Cozy, simple, always welcome at the table.

Yesica Andrews

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Easy and Irresistible

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is an easy stovetop chili that’s quick to make and packed with rich, hearty flavors. Perfect for a comforting meal, this quick ground beef chili combines savory beef, beans, and spices for a family friendly chili that you’ll want to make again and again.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef: Ground beef is the star of this recipe. It gives the chili that rich, meaty texture and flavor. You can use lean ground beef if you prefer less fat.
• 1 large onion, diced: Onions add a nice sweetness and depth to the chili.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must in any chili recipe—its savory flavor is key.
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds body and a tangy flavor to the chili.
• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Kidney beans provide a creamy texture and are a great source of protein.
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Black beans give the chili a slight earthy flavor and are a great addition to the mix.
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste: Tomato paste thickens the chili and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• 2 tablespoons chili powder: The heart of the chili’s flavor.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds a smoky, earthy undertone.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: For a touch of smokiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Optional, for a spicy kick!
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• 2 cups beef broth: This helps create a rich, flavorful base for the chili.
• Olive oil: For sautéing.

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well to coat beef and onions. Cook spices for 1-2 minutes.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken the chili and deepen the flavor.
6. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Lower heat and cook for 20-25 minutes.
7. Add the drained kidney beans and black beans. Stir and simmer for another 10-15 minutes to heat through and absorb flavors.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired. Add more broth if chili is too thick.
9. Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings.

Notes

• For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño at step 2. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze nicely for up to 3 months.

Why You’ll Love This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

Discover why this Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili consistently earns rave reviews:

• One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy minimal cleanup with this efficient One-Pot Chili, keeping your kitchen tidy.
• Chunky Comfort: It’s a rich, hearty meal brimming with tender beef, wholesome beans, and savory, smoky spicespure comfort in every spoonful.
• Quick Yet Classic: Achieve deep, slow-simmered flavor in about 45-55 minutes. It’s a quick take on a Classic Beef Chili, designed for busy schedules.
• Family Friendly: Perfectly balanced in spice, yet simple to adjust for those who love extra heat. This chili is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for everyone.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Each component in this Stove Top Chili Recipe contributes essential flavor and texture. Let’s explore them:

• Ground Beef: The foundation of this chili! Opt for lean ground beef for a lighter version, or experiment with ground turkey or chicken for variety.
• Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: These form the rich, robust tomato base. If diced tomatoes aren’t available, crushed or pureed tomatoes work well.
• Beans: A combination of red kidney beans and black beans provides a creamy, earthy depth. Feel free to substitute one with pinto beans if desired.
• Spices: A blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper delivers bold, complex flavors. Adjust the cayenne to control the heat level.
• Beef Broth: Essential for adding liquid and enhancing savory depth. Chicken or vegetable broth can be used as alternatives.

Ingredient Substitutions Table

Step-by-Step: How It Comes Together

This Quick Ground Beef Chili is straightforward to prepare, with each step thoughtfully building layers of flavor.

1. Sauté the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until thoroughly browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Spices + Tomato Paste: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices and enhance their aroma. Then, mix in the tomato paste for rich umami depth.
4. Build the Base: Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 20–25 minutes.
5. Add Beans: Stir in the rinsed and drained kidney and black beans during the final 10–15 minutes of simmering. Allow everything to meld together, deepening the flavors.
6. Taste + Adjust: Give the chili a final taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you desire more spice, add another dash of chili powder. If it’s too thick, stir in a little extra broth until your preferred consistency is reached.

Timing Breakdown Table

Troubleshooting and Tweak Tips

Crafting delicious chili is easy with these tips for common adjustments:

• Too Spicy? A splash of cream, a dollop of sour cream, or a pinch of sugar can effectively mellow the heat.
• Too Thick? Gradually stir in additional beef broth until you achieve your desired consistency.
• Want More Heat? Enhance the spice by adding extra cayenne pepper, red chili flakes, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
• Out of Time? While this chili cooks quickly, the flavors deepen wonderfully if made ahead. Simply prepare it, cool, and refrigerate overnight. It tastes even better the next day!

Serving and Storing

Once your comforting Comfort Food Chili is ready, here’s how to enjoy it or save it for later:

• Serving Ideas: Ladle generous portions into bowls and customize with toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or a handful of crushed tortilla chips. For a truly cozy meal, serve alongside warm cornbread.
• Storage: Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 monthsperfect for future meal prep!

Storage Tips Table

Expert Insight: Mastering the BEST GROUND BEEF STOVETOP CHILI

Achieving a truly outstanding chili hinges on two critical steps: thoroughly browning your ground beef to develop deep, savory notes and thoughtfully balancing your spices. By building layers of flavor early in the cooking process, you ensure not only a rich, complex taste but also a satisfying texture, elevating this classic dish into a robust and comforting experience every time.

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How I Mastered the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

Through a series of kitchen experiments, from batches with overpowering spice to those with stubbornly undercooked beans, I finally perfected my recipe for the best ground beef stovetop chili. It took dedicated effort to fine-tune the balance of flavors and achieve that ideal hearty texture. Now, this recipe consistently delivers comforting satisfaction with every spoonful, a true testament to learning through experience and countless taste tests.

FAQs ( Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili )

Conclusion

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili comes together in under an hour, delivering the rich, cozy comfort you crave on busy evenings. Its hearty texture and well-balanced spices make it an undeniable family favorite you’ll want to prepare again and againeffortless to make, pure warmth in every spoonful.

Feel empowered to customize this recipe: swap out beans for your preference, or add a generous pinch more cayenne if you enjoy a spicier kick. The leftovers freeze beautifully, making this one-pot chili an excellent choice for meal prep or unexpected guests. A little kitchen secret: toasting your spices briefly before adding liquids truly amplifies their flavortrust this simple trick for your easy stovetop chili.

Have you created this wonderful comfort food chili yet? I’d love for you to share your photos or tell me about your favorite tweaks in the comments. Perhaps this will become your new go-to weeknight mealwhy not share it with someone who could use a little homemade love tonight?