BEST EVER STOVETOP CHILI

I can still remember the aroma filling my grandmother’s kitchen every fall – the rich, savory scent of simmering tomatoes, spices, and perfectly browned ground beef. It was chili season, and her Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili was the star of the show. Every bowlful felt like a warm hug, and I’ve spent years trying to recreate that magic. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili you’ll ever make, guaranteed to become a family favorite!

The Ultimate Guide to Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

There’s something undeniably comforting about a big pot of chili bubbling away on the stovetop. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly evening, a game day gathering, or just when you need a hearty, satisfying dish. And while there are countless chili recipes out there, this one for Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is truly special. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and endlessly customizable. I’m so excited to share all my tips and tricks to help you create chili perfection.

Why This Chili Recipe is the BEST

So, what sets this chili apart? It’s not just a matter of throwing ingredients into a pot and hoping for the best. We’re talking about layers of flavor, perfectly balanced spices, and that oh-so-satisfying texture that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a big bowl and a spoon. Here’s what makes this chili a winner:

• Deep, Rich Flavor: We’re not skimping on the good stuff! This chili boasts a robust flavor profile thanks to a blend of spices, high-quality ground beef, and a secret ingredient (more on that later!).
• Perfectly Balanced: It’s not too spicy, not too bland, just right. We’ll show you how to adjust the heat to your liking.
• Easy to Customize: Want to add beans? Different vegetables? Go for it! This recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily adapt to your personal preferences.
• Stovetop Simplicity: No need for a slow cooker or pressure cooker here. This chili comes together beautifully on the stovetop, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves chili, and this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before we start cooking, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a list of the essential ingredients for the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili:

• Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture. The fat adds richness and helps to keep the chili moist.
• Onion and Garlic: These are the aromatic foundation of any great chili.
• Bell Pepper: I like to use a combination of red and green bell peppers for color and flavor.
• Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce form the base of the chili. I also like to add a can of tomato paste for extra depth of flavor.
• Beans: Kidney beans and black beans are classic chili additions, but you can use any beans you like.
• Chili Powder: This is the key to that signature chili flavor.
• Cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness.
• Oregano: A touch of oregano complements the other spices beautifully.
• Cayenne Pepper: For a little kick! Adjust the amount to your liking.
• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: My secret ingredient! It adds a savory umami flavor that takes this chili to the next level.
• Optional Toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro, avocado slices, and tortilla chips.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chili Perfection

Now for the fun part! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious bowl of chili in no time.

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. The beef should be nicely browned and slightly crispy.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing right now!
3. Add the Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices and release their flavors. This step is crucial for maximizing the depth of flavor in your chili.
4. Incorporate the Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine. The mixture will thicken slightly as the tomato paste dissolves.
5. Add the Beans and Broth: Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more chili powder for a spicier flavor, or a pinch of salt and pepper to balance the flavors. If the chili is too thick, add a little more beef broth.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro, and avocado slices are all great options. A side of cornbread or tortilla chips is also a delicious addition.

Success Tips for the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

Want to ensure your chili turns out perfectly every time? Here are a few of my top tips:

• Don’t Skimp on the Browning: Browning the ground beef is essential for developing a rich, savory flavor. Make sure to brown it well and drain off any excess grease.
• Bloom the Spices: Cooking the spices in the pot for a minute before adding the tomatoes helps to release their flavors and create a more complex and aromatic chili.
• Simmer, Simmer, Simmer: The longer you simmer the chili, the better the flavors will meld together. If you have time, let it simmer for a couple of hours for the best results.
• Taste and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to taste the chili as it simmers and adjust the seasonings to your liking. This is your chance to create a chili that’s perfectly tailored to your taste buds.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your chili. Use high-quality ground beef, canned tomatoes, and spices for the best results.

Variations and Adaptations

One of the best things about chili is that it’s so versatile. You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or add more beans and vegetables.
• Add More Vegetables: Corn, zucchini, and carrots are all great additions to chili.
• Spice it Up: Add more cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño for a spicier kick.
• Use Different Beans: Pinto beans, great northern beans, or even chickpeas would work well in this chili.
• Add a Touch of Sweetness: A tablespoon of brown sugar or molasses can add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the chili.
• Make it a White Chicken Chili: Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken and use white beans instead of kidney and black beans. Add some green chilies for a southwestern flair.

Serving Suggestions

Chili is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with the right toppings and accompaniments. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Classic Toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro, avocado slices, and tortilla chips are all classic chili toppings that add flavor and texture.
• Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of chili.
• Crackers: Oyster crackers or saltines are a simple and satisfying addition.
• Hot Sauce: If you like your chili extra spicy, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
• Baked Potato: Top a baked potato with chili for a hearty and delicious meal.
• Chili Cheese Fries: Load up some french fries with chili and cheese for a decadent treat.

Making it Ahead and Storing Leftovers

Chili is a great make-ahead meal. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. You can store leftover chili in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

To freeze chili, let it cool completely and then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Speaking of comforting and hearty meals, if you are looking for something with a creamy and satisfying texture, check out this recipe for SAUSAGE POTATO CHOWDER. It’s another family favorite and perfect for those chilly evenings.

For a different twist on a classic Italian dish, why not try LASAGNA SOUP? It captures all the delicious flavors of lasagna in a comforting soup form. Or, if you prefer a heartier version, this LASAGNA SOUP is equally delicious. Both are fantastic alternatives when you are craving something rich and flavorful without all the fuss of traditional lasagna.

If you’re in the mood for a truly comforting dish, this COMFORT BEEF STEW is a must-try. The tender beef and vegetables simmered in a rich broth are incredibly satisfying and perfect for a cold day.

Want to combine two comfort food classics? Try CHEDDAR CHILI MAC! This dish is a cheesy, flavorful twist on mac and cheese, elevated with the hearty goodness of chili. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

And for a unique and healthy twist on chili, don’t miss this SWEET POTATO CHILI. The sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and creamy texture that complements the savory spices perfectly.

The Recipe for Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

Here’s the complete recipe so you can start making your own batch of the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro, avocado slices, tortilla chips

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
7. Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
8. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
9. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
10. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.

Conclusion

And there you have it! My recipe for the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili. I truly believe this will become a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine. Remember those tips, trust your taste buds, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Every pot of chili is a chance to create something delicious and unique. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to enjoy the process. Happy cooking!

Best Ever Stovetop Chili

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Best Ever Stovetop Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a chilly evening or a game day gathering. Made with ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices, this chili is easy to customize and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Simmering on the stovetop brings out the rich flavors, making it a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Spoon or spatula
• Can opener
• Ladle
• Bowls for serving

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1.5 pounds ground beef 80/20
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese
• Optional toppings: sour cream
• Optional toppings: chopped onions
• Optional toppings: cilantro
• Optional toppings: avocado slices
• Optional toppings: tortilla chips

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices.
• Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
• Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro, and avocado slices.

Notes

For a richer flavor, brown the ground beef well and don’t skip blooming the spices. Simmering the chili for a longer time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 2-3 months. To spice it up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño. For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or add more beans and vegetables.