Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

Warm, hearty, and loaded with bold flavors, the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is the perfect answer to weeknight dinners or game day cravings. This dish is not only smoky and savory but also incredibly satisfying. Best of all, it comes together quickly without needing an all-day simmer. 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.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This chili can be prepared in about an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The blend of spices creates a robust taste that will delight your taste buds.
• One-Pot Meal: Save time on both cooking and cleaning with this easy one-pot recipe.
• Customizable: Feel free to add extra veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.
• Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making it even more delicious when reheated.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili, you’ll need a few essential tools that will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for cooking all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring, allowing you to break up any clumps in the ground beef while preventing scratches on your cookware.

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Ingredients

To create this delicious chili, gather the following ingredients:

For the Base

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)

For the Spices

• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne (optional)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Sauce and Beans

• 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

How to Make Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

Step 1: Heat Oil and Sauté Onion

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown for about 5–7 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 4: Add Spices

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

Step 5: Incorporate Tomato Paste and Diced Tomatoes

Mix in tomato paste and cook for another minute. Then add diced tomatoes along with beef broth, stirring well to combine everything.

Step 6: Add Beans and Simmer

Finally, add both red kidney beans and black beans. Leave uncovered to simmer for about 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.

Step 7: Taste and Serve

Taste your chili once thickened; adjust seasoning if necessary. 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. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or a lively game day gathering, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Toppings to Enhance Flavor

• Shredded Cheese: Add a generous sprinkle of cheddar or Monterey Jack for creaminess.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds coolness and balances the heat.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a crisp texture and bright flavor.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and complements the chili’s spices.

Accompaniments for a Complete Meal

• Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy cornbread is perfect for soaking up the chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips can be used for dipping or as a side, adding texture.
• Rice: Serve over rice for a hearty option that makes the meal even more filling.
• Salad: A fresh garden salad provides a light contrast to the rich chili.

How to Perfect Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

To ensure your Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili stands out, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Spices: Use fresh spices for maximum flavor; consider adjusting spice levels based on your taste preferences.
• Layer Flavors: Sauté the onion and garlic well before adding other ingredients to deepen the flavor profile.
• Quality Meat: Choose high-quality ground beef; leaner cuts provide better texture without excess grease.
• Simmer Time: Allowing the chili to simmer longer helps meld all flavors together, creating a more robust dish.
• Taste as You Go: Don’t hesitate to adjust seasonings during cooking to achieve your desired flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread spread with garlic butter complements the richness of chili beautifully.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing the heaviness of the chili.
3. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with leftover chili for a hearty dish.
4. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad offers a contrasting texture and subtle sweetness.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred seasonal vegetables add color and nutrition to your plate.
6. Mexican Street Corn Salad: This flavorful salad brings sweetness and zest, enhancing the overall meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking chili can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final dish.

• Using too much liquid: If you add too much broth or tomatoes, your chili may end up soupy instead of thick. Start with less liquid and add more as needed while simmering.
• Not browning the meat properly: Skipping this step can result in a lack of flavor. Make sure to brown the ground beef well to enhance the taste of your chili.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient varies in flavor intensity; always taste your chili before serving. Adjust spices, salt, and pepper to suit your palate.
• Overcooking or undercooking beans: If using dried beans, ensure they’re fully cooked before adding them to your chili. Canned beans should be added towards the end to prevent mushiness.
• Skipping the simmering step: Allowing your chili to simmer helps meld flavors together. Don’t rush this step; aim for at least 30 minutes of simmering for the best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• • Containers: Use airtight containers for best results.

Freezing Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

• • Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• • Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.

Reheating Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place chili in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili.

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

It typically takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, including preparation and cooking time.

Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with any beans you enjoy, such as pinto beans or cannellini beans.

What toppings go well with Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili?

Consider sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or avocado slices as delicious toppings.

Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Final Thoughts

This Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy everyone at your table. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients and toppings. Give it a try tonight—you won’t be disappointed!