You know those evenings when the fridge is practically whispering, ‘Just order takeout’? That’s when this stovetop chili recipe with ground beef comes to the rescue. I’ve made this on sticky summer nights, rainy Saturdays, and after long days when energy is low but hunger is high. This chili’s got all the comforts: tender ground beef, hearty beans, and a spicy kick that lingers in the best way. And here’s the kicker—it’s done on the stovetop, so no babysitting the oven or waiting hours for a slow cooker to do its thing. It’s quick, comforting, and loaded with flavor. If you’re like me and always looking for summer ground beef recipes that actually satisfy, this one hits the mark. Whether you’re after Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner or just searching for a no-fuss recipe for ground beef you can count on, this chili belongs in your regular rotation. I’ll even let you in on a little secret: it makes killer leftovers. I’m talking lunch-for-tomorrow kind of good. Let’s cook!

Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
- 4) How to Make Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
- 5) Tips for Making Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
- 6) Making Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
- 8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
- 9) Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- This stovetop chili delivers a bold punch of flavor with tender beef, beans, and spice.
- Perfect for quick dinners, game days, or when comfort food cravings hit.
- You can prep it all in one pot, freeze leftovers, and tweak spice levels as you like.
- This chili is a prime pick among Ground Beef Recipes for busy weeknights.
2) Easy Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Recipe
When the fridge feels uninspiring, and takeout menus start looking tempting, that’s when I usually turn to this stovetop chili. It’s the kind of dish that makes you look like you tried harder than you did. I’ve made it for summer barbecues, cold evenings, and once when the power was out for hours and the stovetop was all I had. It hits the spot every single time.
This recipe uses simple ingredients, which means you probably already have most of it on hand. It’s one of those Ground Beef Recipes that doesn’t ask too much from you but gives back generously. With a little chopping, a bit of browning, and a short simmer, you get something rich, hearty, and warming.
If you’re looking for summer ground beef recipes, or maybe just reliable Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner, this one covers both. It doesn’t take fancy spices or secret ingredients. It just works—and tastes even better the next day.

3) Ingredients for Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
Olive Oil: Adds a silky base and helps the veggies cook evenly without sticking.
Onion: Diced medium and sautéed until it’s soft and just starting to caramelize. It brings that sweet depth that holds the whole chili together.
Green Bell Pepper: Adds color and a touch of earthiness. You could swap it for red if that’s all you’ve got.
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced. Let’s be honest—no one ever complained about too much garlic.
Ground Beef: Use a pound of lean ground beef. It should be juicy but not greasy. This is the hero of most recips with ground beef.
Chili Powder: The heavy lifter for flavor. Two tablespoons bring just the right kick without knocking you over.
Cumin: A spoonful of warmth. It gives this dish that unmistakable chili aroma.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle depth and smokiness that rounds everything out.
Salt & Black Pepper: Adjust to your liking. I tend to start light, then adjust once it’s simmered.
Diced Tomatoes: A single can keeps it juicy and brings that acidic balance.
Kidney Beans & Black Beans: Drained and rinsed. They add bulk, fiber, and creamy texture.
Beef Broth: Helps all the flavors mingle. Use low sodium so you can season it your way.

4) How to Make Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
Step 1: Start with a splash of olive oil in a large pot. Set your heat to medium. Toss in the onion and bell pepper. Stir them around until soft and fragrant, about five minutes.
Step 2: Add the garlic. Give it 30 seconds to bloom. You’ll smell when it’s ready—your kitchen will smell like something good’s happening.
Step 3: Drop in the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it up. Keep going until there’s no pink left and it starts to brown in spots.
Step 4: Now add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well. It’ll start to smell like actual chili now.
Step 5: Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and broth. Mix everything up and bring it to a simmer.
Step 6: Turn the heat down. Let it bubble low for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir it now and then to keep the bottom from catching.
Step 7: Taste it. Add more salt if needed. Serve with sour cream, cheese, crackers—or whatever sounds good.

5) Tips for Making Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
Pick the right ground beef. You want enough fat to keep it flavorful, but not so much you have to drain a river of grease. I go with 85/15. If you like Easy Crockpot Recipes With Ground Beef, you’ll find this stovetop version just as forgiving.
Let the spices hit the pan before the liquids go in. Give them a chance to wake up. When spices bloom in hot fat, they open up and turn everything more flavorful. Skip this and your chili might taste flat.
Stir gently once it simmers. Beans can break if you get too aggressive. Keep a loose hand, and let the pot do most of the work. This tip works for almost any recipe for ground beef that simmers.
6) Making Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili Ahead of Time
This chili sits well in the fridge. Actually, I think it gets better overnight. The flavors settle down, mingle, and come back stronger the next day. If you’re making dinner ahead of time, this one’s reliable. It’s why I list it in my top Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner.
You can prepare everything, then refrigerate it in the same pot. Just let it cool before you cover it. When you’re ready, bring it back to a simmer. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickened too much.
If you’re serving it for a gathering, prep a day ahead. Reheat slowly, stir occasionally, and taste for seasoning right before serving.
7) Storing Leftover Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili
Let leftovers cool completely before you store them. I use airtight containers, and they go straight in the fridge. This chili stays good for about four days. Sometimes I stretch it to five, but three is my sweet spot.
Want to freeze it? Go for it. This chili holds up well. Just leave a little space at the top of the container for expansion. Label it. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re standing in front of the freezer wondering what to eat.
When you reheat, do it slowly. Stir often. Add a spoonful of water if it feels too thick. And yes, it’ll still taste like dinner magic. That’s one of the quiet joys of a solid reciped with ground beef.
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili

Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili For Ground Beef Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the beef evenly with spices.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together.
- Bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 cup, Calories: 390, Sugar: 5g, Sodium: 710mg, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Fiber: 8g, Protein: 24g, Cholesterol: 45mg
Written by Marsha for Healthy Living Mindset



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