Ultimate Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili for Cozy Weeknights

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready for something that’ll warm your soul and fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of simmering spices? This Ultimate Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili is a cozy, one-pot wonder that’s perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or lazy weekends when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. 🌶️🍲

This traditional-style chili recipe takes inspiration from classic American comfort food — hearty, rich, and slow-simmered to perfection. We’re talking tender ground beef, plump beans, tomatoes bursting with sweetness, and a bold blend of spices that deepens with every minute on the stove. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. 🧡

Whether you serve it over rice, spoon it on baked potatoes, or just enjoy it with crusty bread, this chili hits all the right notes — smoky, spicy, and just a touch tangy. Even better, it tastes even more amazing the next day! So grab your favorite pot, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make this comforting stovetop classic that’ll become your new weeknight favorite. 🍅🔥

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🫘 Ingredients

For the Chili Base:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend for flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if beef is lean)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth or water

For the Spice Blend:

• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Garnish (optional but irresistible!):

• Fresh cilantro 🌿
• Shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Sliced jalapeños 🌶️
• Lime wedges 🍋

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

1. Brown the Beef:
   Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil (if using) and ground beef. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   Add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. The base of your chili should already smell incredible. 👃✨
3. Build the Flavor:
   Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Toast the spices for about 1 minute to release their deep, smoky flavor. 🌶️
4. Add Tomatoes and Beans:
   Mix in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir well until everything is evenly coated with the spices.
5. Simmer with Broth:
   Pour in the beef broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and let it simmer gently for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will meld beautifully.
6. Taste and Adjust:
   Give it a taste — add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired. If it’s too thick, splash in a bit more broth. If you like it richer, simmer uncovered for 10 extra minutes.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Ladle your hot, hearty chili into bowls. Top with shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro for the perfect finish. Serve with warm cornbread or tortilla chips on the side.

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🍽️ Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 40 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 55 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~420
🍽️ Servings: 6

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Protein	28g
Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	6g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fiber	9g
Sugar	7g
Sodium	740mg
Cholesterol	65mg

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️