There’s something so comforting about a big pot of ground beef stovetop chili simmering away on the stove. It’s hearty, flavorful, and just the kind of meal you need when the day has been long, the weather feels chilly, or the family is circling the kitchen asking, “What’s for dinner?”
I’ve made many versions of chili over the years, but this one hits that sweet spot between quick and satisfying. The best part? You don’t need fancy gadgets—just a good pot, some pantry staples, and a little patience while the flavors come together.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
- Fast – Ready in under an hour, but tastes like it’s been simmering all afternoon.
- Family-friendly – Not too spicy, but you can add a kick if you like.
- Filling – Packed with beans, beef, and a rich broth that makes every bite satisfying.
- Leftover magic – It tastes even better the next day, so go ahead and make a double batch.
I often whip up this chili on nights when my kids have practice or when I want to make something cozy without standing in the kitchen all night.
What Does Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Taste Like?
Imagine a bold tomato base, smoky spices, tender beans, and savory beef all mingling together in one bowl. Each spoonful is a balance of tang, earthiness, and just the right amount of heat. Top it with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even some crunchy tortilla chips, and you’ve got yourself a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
Every great chili starts with the right ingredients, and this ground beef stovetop chili is no exception. Think of this list as the foundation of your pot—each element brings depth, texture, and that cozy comfort we crave in a good bowl of chili.
Here’s what you’ll need (and why it matters):
- 1 lb ground beef – This is the star of the dish. I usually go with 80/20 because a touch of fat adds richness, but lean ground beef works if you prefer something lighter. If you love experimenting with proteins, you might also enjoy my Hearty Ground Turkey Soup, which uses turkey for a different but equally satisfying flavor.
- 1 large onion, diced – Onions are the unsung heroes of chili. They soften into sweetness and form a flavorful base that balances the spices.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic brings a savory depth that makes every spoonful sing. Don’t skip it—without garlic, chili feels flat.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes – These juicy tomatoes bring tanginess and body to the broth. I love using fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky twist.
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed – Creamy and hearty, these beans soak up the spices beautifully.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed – Black beans add earthiness and a bit of variety in texture.
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste – This is your flavor booster. It thickens the chili and intensifies the tomato base.
- 2 cups beef broth – This liquid gold ties everything together, giving your chili a rich, full-bodied flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap with chicken broth.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder – The heart and soul of chili seasoning. It’s bold, warm, and comforting.
- 1 teaspoon cumin – Adds an earthy, smoky note that makes the chili taste “slow-cooked,” even if it’s not.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – A pinch of smokiness to round out the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – For those who like a little kick. Start small—you can always add more heat later.
- Salt and black pepper – Simple, essential seasonings to balance all the bold flavors.
- Olive oil – For sautéing the onions and garlic, laying the groundwork for everything else.
This ingredient list may look simple, but together they create a pot of chili that’s rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful. The beauty of stovetop chili is that you can taste and adjust as you go, which makes it a forgiving dish for both beginners and seasoned home cooks.
How to Make Ground Beef Stovetop Chili (Step by Step)
One of the best things about ground beef stovetop chili is that it’s simple, forgiving, and doesn’t require hours of simmering to taste delicious. Think of it as a one-pot wonder—you build flavor in layers, and by the end, your kitchen smells like comfort itself.
Here’s exactly how to do it:
Step 1: Start with a Flavor Base
Heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in your diced onion. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until the onion becomes soft, golden, and slightly sweet. This is the foundation of your chili, so don’t rush it—this step sets up the flavor for the whole dish.
Step 2: Add Garlic for Depth
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Keep the heat steady—you want it fragrant, not burned. Burnt garlic can make your chili taste bitter, and that’s the last thing we want in a cozy dinner recipe.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Now add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, making sure there are no big clumps. Let it brown fully, about 6–7 minutes, until no pink remains. If you’re using higher-fat beef, go ahead and drain off a little excess grease, but leave some behind—it carries flavor.
Pro tip: If you’d like to try a leaner spin on this recipe, check out my Hearty Ground Turkey Soup—the method is similar, and it proves you can get the same comfort without as much richness.
Step 4: Season It Right
Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well so the meat and onions get fully coated in those spices. Let them “toast” in the pot for about 1–2 minutes—this blooming process brings out their fullest flavor and makes your ground beef stovetop chili taste like it simmered for hours.
Step 5: Add the Tomato Base
Stir in the tomato paste, making sure it blends evenly with the beef and spices. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until it darkens slightly. Then add your diced tomatoes and pour in the beef broth. Give everything a good stir, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits stuck there.
Step 6: Simmer to Build Flavor
Season with salt and black pepper, then bring the chili to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20–25 minutes. This is where the ingredients mingle, the broth thickens, and your kitchen fills with that irresistible chili aroma.
Step 7: Add the Beans
Once the chili has thickened, stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans. Let them simmer in the pot for another 10–15 minutes so they absorb all that goodness. Don’t skip this step—the beans help make this chili hearty and satisfying.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust
Now’s the time to taste-test. Want more heat? Add extra chili powder or a dash more cayenne. Need more richness? A spoonful of tomato paste can deepen the flavor. If the chili is too thick for your liking, splash in a bit more broth or even water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the ground beef stovetop chili into bowls and set out toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, scallions, or crushed tortilla chips. Everyone can make their bowl their own.
Step 10: Bonus – Let It Rest
If you have the patience (and it’s tough, I know!), let the chili cool slightly before digging in. The flavors meld even more as it sits, which is why leftovers taste phenomenal the next day.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
- Want it thicker? Let it simmer uncovered a bit longer.
- Too thick? Add a splash of broth or water until it’s just right.
- Make it ahead – Chili tastes even better the next day.
- Freezer-friendly – Freeze in portions for quick weeknight dinners.
- Topping bar – Set out cheese, avocado, sour cream, and chips so everyone can customize.
One time, I served this chili at a neighborhood potluck, and I swear the pot was scraped clean before the desserts even came out. That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
FAQs
Can I make this spicier?
Yes! Add extra cayenne or even a diced jalapeño when you sauté the onions.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely—it will be lighter but still delicious. Try it like in my Hearty Ground Turkey Soup.
What goes best with chili?
Cornbread, rice, or even tortilla chips on the side.
Conclusion
This ground beef stovetop chili is hearty, quick, and guaranteed to win over your family. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday night or you’re cooking for a crowd, this recipe will keep bellies full and smiles wide. Go ahead, grab that pot, and let the aroma of chili fill your kitchen—you’ll be glad you did.
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Print
Ground Beef Stovetop Chili – Cozy Dinner in Under an Hour
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This stovetop ground beef chili is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make in under an hour. Packed with beans, spices, and a rich tomato base, it’s the perfect comfort food for chilly nights.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups beef broth
Olive oil, for sautéing
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using). Cook 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
5. Stir in tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes to deepen flavor.
6. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
7. Add kidney beans and black beans. Simmer another 10–15 minutes until beans are heated through.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder. Add more broth if too thick.
9. Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings.
Notes
Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips.
For a spicier chili, increase cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños.
This chili thickens as it cools—add broth to loosen leftovers.
Great for meal prep and freezes well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: ground beef chili, stovetop chili, hearty chili, easy chili recipe
