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Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
When it comes to comforting meals, few dishes can compete with a hearty bowl of chili. The aroma wafting through your kitchen, the rich flavors coming together in one pot, and the satisfaction of serving a meal that warms both body and soul—this is what makes chili truly special. With a base of ground beef, beans, and a mix of spices, our Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is sure to be a hit with family and friends. This delightful recipe combines flavors that marry together beautifully to create a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
Chili is a classic dish that offers versatility and ease of preparation. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even a cozy night in. Here are a few compelling reasons why you should try making this Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than an hour and requires minimal prep time.
- One-Pot Wonder: You only need one pot, which makes for easy cooking and easy cleanup.
- Customizable: Tailor the spice level to your liking and mix in your favorite add-ins or toppings.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from the ground beef and beans, this chili is a wholesome option that keeps you full and satisfied.
- Leftover Love: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it a great dish for meal prep or leftovers.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen, this chili recipe is sure to impress.
How to Make Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
Creating your favorite chili is straightforward with the right ingredients and steps. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to make this delicious dish.
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
Directions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Brown beef, breaking it up for 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt & pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Mix in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring well.
- Add beans and stir again.
- Simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Following these steps closely will ensure that you create a delicious chili that everyone will enjoy.
How to Serve Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
Chili is wonderfully versatile in how you can serve it. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy your stovetop chili:
- With Toppings: Top it off with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor.
- On a Bed of Rice: Serve your chili over a bed of rice for a heartier meal.
- With Bread: Offer cornbread, crusty bread, or tortilla chips for dipping.
- Chili Dog Style: Use it as a topping for hot dogs for a fun twist on chili dogs.
Feel free to experiment with different toppings and sides to make each meal unique!
How to Store Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
Storing your leftover chili correctly is essential to maintain its flavor and freshness:
- Refrigeration: Allow the chili to cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
- Freezing: To extend the life of your chili, pour it into a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the container with the date.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your chili again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave, heating in intervals and stirring in between.
Tips to Make Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
A few additional tips can help elevate your chili even more:
- Brown the Beef: Ensure that you thoroughly brown the beef for richer flavors. Don’t rush this step as it adds depth to your chili.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer milder chili, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. Conversely, if you love heat, add more spices as desired.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Using fire-roasted diced tomatoes enhances the smokiness and overall flavor of the chili.
- Simmering Time: Give the chili enough time to simmer; this allows the flavors to develop and meld beautifully.
Variation
Chili is a dish that welcomes variation. Consider some of these ideas to switch things up:
- Turkey Chili: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian Chili: Skip the meat and double the beans or add other vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a wholesome vegetarian version.
- Spicy Chili: Add more cayenne, jalapeños, or even chipotle peppers for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and Smoky: Mix in some corn or a tablespoon of brown sugar for a sweet contrast to the spices.
FAQs
1. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer them to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
2. What kind of beans can I use?
You can use any beans you prefer, such as pinto beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas. Just make sure to rinse them if they are canned.
3. Can I add other vegetables to the chili?
Absolutely! Vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or corn can add great flavor and texture to your chili.
With its rich flavors and comfort-inducing appeal, the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is a must-try recipe for any home cook. Whether served on its own or accompanied by your favorite sides and toppings, this dish will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Don’t hesitate to make a big batch to share with family and friends, or simply enjoy the leftovers for a quick meal later in the week!
Print
Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Carnivore
Description
A hearty bowl of chili featuring ground beef, beans, and a mix of spices, perfect for comforting meals any time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté diced onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Brown ground beef, breaking it up for 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt & pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Mix in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring well.
- Add beans and stir again.
- Simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Chili tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep or leftovers. Adjust spice levels to your liking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chili, ground beef, comfort food, one-pot meal, easy recipe
