Ground beef stovetop chili has been my go-to comfort food for years, especially when I need a delicious meal on the table without a lot of fuss. I remember one particularly cold evening, staring into my pantry, and thinking, “What can I whip up quickly?” That’s when this easy ground beef chili recipe came to mind. The aroma of simmering spices, tender beef, and fire-roasted tomatoes filled my kitchen, promising a warm and satisfying meal. It’s the kind of hearty, homestyle ground beef chili stovetop that makes everyone gather around the table. Let’s get cooking this simple ground beef chili stovetop!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

This quick dinner ground beef chili stovetop is a game-changer for busy weeknights! Here’s why it’s about to become your new favorite:

• Incredibly Easy: It’s a simple ground beef chili stovetop recipe that requires minimal effort.
• Speedy Preparation: Get dinner on the table fast with a total cook time of just 40 minutes.
• One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup – my favorite kind of cooking!
• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein and fiber, this is a truly filling meal.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level to make it perfectly spicy ground beef chili stovetop or family friendly.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fire-roasted tomatoes and bold spices creates a rich, authentic taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This beef chili recipe stovetop easy tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients for Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious and hearty ground beef stovetop chili. This easy ground beef chili recipe comes together with pantry staples and fresh produce. Using quality ingredients makes all the difference in creating a rich flavor profile. For more information on the benefits of certain ingredients, check out the many benefits of onions and cherry tomatoes.

• 1 lb 93% lean ground beef – provides a lean protein base
• 1/2 small onion (100g), white or yellow, chopped – adds a foundational sweetness and aroma
• 2 tsp minced garlic (10g) – essential for that classic chili punch
• 1/4 cup tomato paste (66g) – deepens the tomato flavor and helps thicken the chili
• 1 can (15.5 oz) light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed – these add fiber and a classic chili texture
• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained – the fire-roasting adds a wonderful smoky depth
• 1 cup beef bone broth (240ml) – enhances the beefy flavor and adds moisture
• 1 tbsp chili powder – the backbone of our spice blend
• 1 tsp cumin – brings an earthy, warm note
• 1/2 tsp onion powder – for an extra layer of onion flavor
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder – complements the fresh garlic
• 1/2 tsp black pepper – for a little bite
• 1 tsp salt – to bring all the flavors together

How to Make Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

This quick dinner ground beef chili stovetop is incredibly straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create a delicious, hearty meal right on your stovetop. Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a comforting bowl of beef chili recipe stovetop easy in no time.

1. Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

   Grab a large pot or Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high heat. Add your 1 lb 93% lean ground beef, the chopped 1/2 small onion, and 2 tsp minced garlic. Cook this mixture, breaking up the beef with your spoon as it browns, for about 5–7 minutes until it’s fully cooked. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is no longer pink and the onions are starting to soften. Don’t drain the fat; it’s packed with flavor and essential for this delicious stovetop ground beef chili. Once browned, stir in the 1/4 cup tomato paste and cook for another minute until it darkens slightly, coating the beef. This step really deepens the chili’s tomato flavor.

2. Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Season

   Now it’s time to bring everything together for our simple ground beef chili stovetop. Pour in the drained and rinsed 1 can (15.5 oz) light red kidney beans and the undrained 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Add the 1 cup beef bone broth, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Next, sprinkle in the seasonings: 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Give everything a really good stir to make sure all those spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This is where the magic starts happening for your authentic ground beef chili stovetop.

3. Step 3: Simmer and Thicken

   Bring the chili to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. This simmering time is crucial for developing the flavors and allowing the spices to meld beautifully. For an even thicker, more concentrated flavor, you can remove the lid during the last 15–30 minutes of simmering. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate, resulting in a richer, heartier ground beef chili no beans recipe stovetop consistency. The aroma filling your kitchen will tell you it’s almost ready!

Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make this simple ground beef chili stovetop absolutely perfect. These tips will elevate your chili from good to unforgettable!

• Don’t drain the beef fat! It adds incredible richness and flavor to your easy ground beef chili recipe.
• Simmering is key. The longer it simmers (covered or uncovered), the deeper the flavors become in this quick stovetop chili with ground beef.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Chili is all about bold flavors, so make sure it’s perfectly seasoned for your palate.

What’s the secret to perfect Ground Beef Stovetop Chili?

The real secret to a perfect ground beef stovetop chili is not draining the fat after browning the beef. That fat carries so much flavor! Also, letting it simmer for at least 30 minutes allows all those delicious spices to meld together beautifully. For a similar rich flavor profile in pasta dishes, try this pappardelle with beef ragu.

Can I make Ground Beef Stovetop Chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! This homestyle ground beef chili stovetop is even better the next day. Make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen even further.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ground Beef Stovetop Chili?

A common pitfall is overcooking lean ground beef, which can make it dry. Be careful not to cook it for too long before adding liquids. Also, don’t skip the simmering step; it’s crucial for developing flavor in this beef chili recipe stovetop easy. For more on cooking techniques, you might find testing the elements helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

This hearty ground beef stovetop chili is so versatile, making it perfect for almost any occasion. For a classic experience, serve it piping hot with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and some chopped green onions. If you’re looking for a more complete meal, this delicious stovetop ground beef chili pairs wonderfully with fluffy cornbread or even tortilla chips for scooping. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime for a bright, fresh finish! Consider serving with a side of ciabatta bread for dipping.

Nutrition Facts for Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings, about 1.5 cups each):

• Calories: 326
• Fat: 9.6g
• Saturated Fat: N/A
• Protein: 34.5g
• Carbohydrates: 28.8g
• Fiber: 10.2g
• Sugar: N/A
• Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

Leftover ground beef stovetop chili is a gift that keeps on giving! Once your delicious stovetop ground beef chili has cooled slightly, transfer it into airtight containers. This simple ground beef chili stovetop will keep well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. If you want to store it for longer, freezing is your best bet. This hearty ground beef chili stovetop freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just ensure your containers are freezer-safe to prevent freezer burn.

When it’s time to reheat your comforting ground beef chili, you have a couple of easy options. You can gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works great too! Just place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s piping hot. A splash of broth or water can help loosen up the chili if it’s too thick after storage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

Can I make this ground beef stovetop chili spicier?

Absolutely! If you love a spicy ground beef chili stovetop, you can easily ramp up the heat. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices, or stir in some chopped jalapeños or a tablespoon of chipotle powder when you add the tomato paste. For an extra kick, serve with a side of hot sauce.

What if I don’t have beef bone broth?

No problem! If you don’t have beef bone broth on hand for your easy ground beef chili recipe, regular beef broth or even chicken broth will work just fine. Water is also an option, but using broth will add more depth of flavor to your delicious stovetop ground beef chili.

Can I make this a ground beef chili no beans recipe stovetop?

Yes, you can definitely make this a ground beef chili no beans recipe stovetop! Simply omit the kidney beans. The chili will still be hearty and flavorful thanks to the ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and bold spices. You might want to simmer it a bit longer to thicken if you remove the beans.

How do I make this a ground beef chili for beginners stovetop?

This recipe is already perfect for beginners! It’s a simple ground beef chili stovetop that requires minimal steps and common ingredients. Just follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll end up with a fantastic, homestyle ground beef chili stovetop that tastes like you’ve been cooking for years.

Variations of Ground Beef Stovetop Chili You Can Try

This hearty ground beef stovetop chili is fantastic as is, but it’s also a wonderful base for customization! If you’re looking to switch things up or cater to different dietary needs, try these delicious variations. They’re all fantastic ways to enjoy a quick stovetop chili with ground beef.

• Spicy Ground Beef Chili Stovetop: For those who love a kick, add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onion in Step 1. You can also stir in a teaspoon of chipotle powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices in Step 2 for extra heat.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Ground Beef Chili Stovetop: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or add extra beans and hearty vegetables like diced sweet potatoes or corn. Use vegetable broth instead of beef bone broth for a fully vegan dish. For a vegan main, consider veggie burgers with avocado green harissa.
• Smoky Chipotle Ground Beef Chili Stovetop: Enhance the smoky flavor by adding 1-2 teaspoons of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers when you add the tomato paste. This variation offers a deeper, more complex taste to your delicious stovetop ground beef chili.
• Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili Stovetop: While this is a stovetop recipe, you can adapt it! Brown the beef and aromatics on the stove, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This makes for an even more hands-off, comforting meal.

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