best ground beef stovetop chili Recipe
Warm, hearty, and loaded with bold flavors, this chili is the perfect answer to weeknight dinners or game day cravings. It’s smoky, savory, and satisfying—without needing all-day simmering. With just one pot and a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a bowl of cozy comfort that everyone will ask for again and again.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main 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
Additional Ingredients:
- 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
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté onion for 3–4 min until soft.
- Add garlic, cook 30 sec.
- Brown beef, breaking it up (5–7 min). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt & pepper. Cook 1 min to bloom spices.
- Mix in tomato paste, cook 1 min. Add diced tomatoes & broth, stirring well.
- Add beans. Simmer uncovered 30–40 min, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with your favorite toppings!
Notes
- Top with shredded cheddar, sour cream or Greek yogurt, green onions, cilantro, tortilla chips, or a squeeze of lime.
- Pair with warm cornbread or crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
