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Hearty ground beef stovetop chili simmering in a pot, ready to serve.

Best Ever Stovetop Chili

Avatar photoAmelia 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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
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.