Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

Warm, hearty, and loaded with bold flavors, the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is a delightful choice for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings. This dish combines smoky and savory elements that create a satisfying meal without requiring hours of cooking. With just one pot and a handful of pantry staples, you’ll serve up cozy comfort that friends and family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: You can whip up this chili in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your delicious meal.
• Flavorful Ingredients: A blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates a rich flavor profile that satisfies any palate.
• Versatile Dish: Customize your chili with different beans or spices to suit your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili, you’ll need some essential tools that help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for browning meat and simmering ingredients together evenly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while allowing you to break up the beef easily.
• Cutting board: Keeps your workspace organized and makes chopping vegetables safe and efficient.

Ingredients

For the Chili Base

• 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

For the Tomato Mixture

• 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

How to Make Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
• Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

• Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with your wooden spoon.
• Cook for about 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add Spices

• Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Cook for 1 minute to let the spices bloom.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Mixture

• Mix in tomato paste and cook for another minute.
• Add diced tomatoes along with beef broth; stir well to combine.

Step 5: Add Beans and Simmer

• Incorporate red kidney beans and black beans into the mixture.
• Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

• Taste your chili and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Serve hot with your favorite toppings!

How to Serve Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

Serving your Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili can elevate the dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful ways to serve it that will impress your family and friends.

With Toppings

• Sour cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the chili’s heat.
• Shredded cheese – Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for a melty finish.
• Chopped green onions – Fresh green onions provide a crunchy texture and brightness.
• Avocado slices – Creamy avocado complements the flavors beautifully while adding healthy fats.

In a Bread Bowl

• Crusty sourdough – Hollow out a sourdough loaf and fill it with chili for a fun, edible serving option.
• Cornbread muffins – Serve chili in mini cornbread muffins for a sweet and savory combination.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• White or brown rice – Serve the chili over a bed of rice for a hearty meal that stretches the dish further.
• Quinoa – This protein-rich grain is an excellent gluten-free base for your chili.

How to Perfect Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

To achieve the ultimate flavor and consistency in your Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh spices – Freshly opened spices like chili powder and cumin have stronger flavors.
• Brown the beef properly – Browning enhances flavor through caramelization, making your chili richer.
• Simmer longer – Allowing the chili to simmer for 30–40 minutes helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Taste as you go – Adjust seasoning throughout cooking to ensure balanced flavors.
• Experiment with beans – Mix different types of beans, like pinto or navy beans, for extra texture and flavor options.

Best Side Dishes for Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili can enhance the meal experience. Here’s a list of delicious options that complement this hearty dish.

1. Cornbread – Sweet, fluffy cornbread is perfect for soaking up all that flavorful chili.
2. Mexican Rice – Flavored with tomatoes and spices, this rice dish pairs well with chili’s boldness.
3. Garden Salad – A light salad provides freshness to balance the richness of the chili.
4. Grilled Vegetables – Charred veggies add smokiness and color to your plate.
5. Nachos – Tortilla chips topped with cheese, jalapeños, and guacamole make a fun snack alongside.
6. Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes can be loaded with chili for an easy twist on traditional toppings.
7. Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to spicy chili.
8. Sweet Potato Fries – The sweetness of fries complements the savory depth of your chili beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your cooking experience. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Using too much spice: Overloading on spices can overpower the dish. Start with less, then taste and adjust as needed.
• Not browning the beef properly: Failing to brown the beef well can lead to a bland flavor. Ensure you take time to brown it until it’s fully cooked and caramelized.
• Skipping the simmering step: Rushing through without simmering can result in a watery chili. Allow it to simmer for at least 30 minutes for better flavor development.
• Neglecting to drain beans: Not rinsing and draining canned beans can introduce excess sodium and change the chili’s texture. Always rinse them under cold water before adding.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality ingredients can affect the taste. Opt for fresh produce and good-quality broth for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow chili to cool completely before sealing the container.

Freezing Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container as chili expands when frozen.

Reheating Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat chili in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely; heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about this recipe:

What is the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili made of?

This chili features ground beef, various spices, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and two types of beans for a hearty dish that’s packed with flavor.

How long does it take to make Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili?

The entire process takes about 50-60 minutes from start to finish, including preparation and cooking time.

Can I customize my Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or corn, use different beans, or adjust spices according to your palate.

Is this chili gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this recipe is gluten-free since it does not include any wheat-based ingredients. Always check labels if using pre-packaged items.

How do I store leftover Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer preservation.

Final Thoughts

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is not only warm and comforting but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a staple in your home!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Warm, hearty, and brimming with bold flavors, the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is an ideal dish for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings. This one-pot meal combines savory spices and fresh ingredients to create a rich flavor profile that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With minimal prep time and simple steps, you can whip up this comforting chili in under an hour. Perfect for leftovers, this recipe is a fantastic option for meal prep, ensuring that you have delicious meals ready to go throughout the week.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until soft, about 3-4 minutes, then add minced garlic for an additional 30 seconds.
2. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns for 5–7 minutes; drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
4. Mix in tomato paste and cook for another minute before adding diced tomatoes and beef broth.
5. Incorporate red kidney beans and black beans; simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes until thickened.
6. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot with your favorite toppings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg