Ground Beef Stovetop Chili: Easy Recipe for a Quick Dinner Recipe

Introduction

This hearty ground beef stovetop chili is the perfect quick dinner that packs bold flavors and comforting warmth. Loaded with beans, peppers, and spices, it simmers to a rich, savory finish that’s sure to satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado slices, tortilla chips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot and cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are slightly softened.
4. Step 4: Add the ground beef to the pot and break it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes, then drain off any excess grease.
5. Step 5: Return the pot to the stove and season the beef with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well to combine.
6. Step 6: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine all ingredients.
7. Step 7: Add the kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well.
8. Step 8: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
9. Step 9: Stir in the apple cider vinegar.
10. Step 10: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
11. Step 11: Ladle the chili into bowls.
12. Step 12: Top with your favorite toppings and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoky depth, try adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce along with the spices.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with diced mushrooms or textured vegetable protein and use vegetable broth.
• Simmering the chili longer helps develop deeper flavors—consider making it a day ahead for best taste.
• For less heat, omit the cayenne pepper or reduce chili powder quantity.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. This chili also freezes well; freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for best results.

Can I use canned beans without rinsing?

It’s best to rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium and canning liquid, which can affect the chili’s flavor and texture.

Ground Beef Stovetop Chili: Easy Recipe for a Quick Dinner Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 297 reviews

This Ground Beef Stovetop Chili recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Made with tender ground beef, a blend of vibrant bell peppers, beans, and a rich tomato base seasoned with chili powder and smoked paprika, this chili simmers to perfection on the stovetop. It’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, or avocado slices, making it a delicious all-around comfort meal.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Optional Toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Avocado slices
• Tortilla chips

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
2. Sauté onions: Add the chopped yellow onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
3. Add garlic and bell peppers: Stir in the minced garlic along with the chopped green and red bell peppers. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened, maintaining a gentle stir.
4. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook until browned thoroughly, approximately 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease to reduce fat content before moving on.
5. Season the meat: Return the pot to the stove and season the browned beef with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well to fully incorporate the spices.
6. Add tomato base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with their juice. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly for a rich tomato flavor.
7. Include beans and broth: Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans and black beans, plus 1 cup of beef broth. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
8. Simmer the chili: Bring the chili to a simmer over medium heat, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook gently for at least 1 hour up to 3 hours to develop deep flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. Finish with vinegar: Stir in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to brighten and balance the flavors of the chili.
10. Adjust seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed to suit your preference.
11. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with optional shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado slices, or tortilla chips for added flavor and texture. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño during the sauté step.
• To reduce fat, use leaner ground beef or substitute ground turkey or chicken.
• This chili can be made in advance and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
• Feel free to swap or add your favorite beans like pinto or cannellini for variety.

Keywords: ground beef chili, stovetop chili recipe, quick chili, easy dinner chili, hearty chili, chili with beans