Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is the kind of hearty, comforting meal that comes together quickly and fills your kitchen with the best smells. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, and a mix of spices that give it just the right amount of warmth and flavor. The texture is wonderfully chunky and meaty, making it perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.
I love making this chili when I want something simple but delicious that everyone will enjoy. It’s one of those dishes where you can easily adjust the spices to be mild or a bit spicy, depending on what you like. I usually let it simmer just long enough to blend all the flavors without fussing over it too much, which makes it a great go-to meal when I’m short on time but still want something homemade.
My favorite way to serve this chili is with a big scoop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and some crunchy tortilla chips on the side. It’s great for casual dinners or even game day snacks with friends. Whenever I make this chili, it always brings everyone to the table with smiles and hungry appetites—it’s one of those feel-good meals that just works every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This is the heart of the chili. I like using 80/20 beef for a good balance of flavor and moisture. For a leaner option, try 90/10, or substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter chili.
Beans: Black beans and kidney beans add great texture and protein. If you prefer, pinto beans work well too. Make sure to drain and rinse them to keep the chili from becoming too thick or salty.
Tomatoes: Using diced tomatoes and tomato sauce gives the chili body and tang. If you have no tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or more diced tomatoes with a splash of tomato paste work as substitutes.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika bring classic flavor. Feel free to adjust the cayenne for heat, or leave it out for mild chili. Fresh garlic and onion add essential savory depth.
How Do I Get Rich Flavor and Perfect Texture from My Chili?
Getting flavorful and well-textured chili starts with good layering of ingredients and cooking time.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Cook until soft to bring out their sweetness.
- Brown the meat: Break it into small pieces and cook till completely browned for that meaty base.
- Toast the spices: Stir spices in while the meat is hot to release their aroma and deepen taste.
- Simmer gently: Let the chili simmer partially covered for 20-30 minutes to blend flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust thickness: Use broth or water to get your preferred chili consistency—thicker or soupy.
Patience here gets you satisfying chili every time, with rich flavor and just the right texture!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – I like it because it heats evenly and has enough space for everything to simmer together.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – makes stirring easy without scratching the pan.
- Measuring spoons and cups – helps you get the right amount of spices and liquids.
- Can opener – needed to open the tomatoes and beans cans.
- Optional: Soup ladle – handy for serving extra hot chili without spilling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter taste.
- Add chopped bell peppers or corn for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Spice it up with more cayenne or hot sauce for a fiery kick.
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro for added flavor and freshness.
Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 to 2 cups beef broth or water (to desired chili thickness)
Spices & Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Garnishes:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Chopped cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This chili takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to simmer, so plan for a total of around 40 minutes. It’s easy to make and the simmering time lets all those flavors come together perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it softens. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it into small pieces with a spoon while it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off carefully.
3. Add Spices:
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you want some heat). Cook everything together for 1 minute to let the spices become fragrant.
4. Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth:
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, kidney beans, and 1 cup of beef broth. Stir everything well to combine. Add more broth or water if you prefer a thinner chili.
5. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot partially with a lid. Let it cook for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. This will let those flavors blend beautifully.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Give your chili a taste and add more salt, pepper, or spices if you want. This is your chance to make it just right.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the hot chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner substitute. Just cook it the same way, but keep an eye on moisture since turkey can dry out faster. Adding a splash of broth during cooking helps keep it juicy.
How Can I Make This Chili Spicier or Milder?
For more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce. To make it milder, simply leave out the cayenne and use mild chili powder.
Can I Prepare This Chili Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Chili flavors often improve after sitting overnight. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, thawing overnight before reheating.
