Ground Beef Stovetop Chili: Easy Recipe for a Quick Dinner Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Finish with vinegar: Stir in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to brighten and balance the flavors of the chili.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed to suit your preference.
- 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
