Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe: Quick and Flavorful
Chili is one of those classic comfort foods that hits the spot whether you’re serving a family dinner or hosting a larger gathering. A hearty bowl of ground beef chili, packed with rich flavors and spices, makes for an easy and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress your guests, this best ground beef chili recipe is the perfect choice.
What Makes This Chili Different?
What sets this chili stovetop recipe apart is its bold, hearty flavor. The combination of chili powder and other spices transforms ground beef into a delicious, flavorful base that’s perfect for any occasion. The great thing about this chili is its versatility: you can enjoy it on its own, or pair it with simple sides like chips, crackers, or even cornbread for an extra comforting experience. This quick ground beef chili recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to take hours to make!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Ground Beef Chili
To make this flavorful best ground beef chili recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Make Ground Beef Chili (4 Simple Steps)
Let’s break down how to make this quick chili recipe with ground beef into four easy steps. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these steps will have you making the best stovetop chili recipe in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
Start by heating a little oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent—about 3 minutes. Then, add your ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown the meat until fully cooked and no longer pink. This step is key to ensuring your chili has a rich, savory base.

Step 2: Add the Ingredients
Once the beef is browned, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients. Pour in canned diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and black beans, followed by chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together, making sure the spices are well mixed. Add some beef broth for a nice depth of flavor.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a boil. This helps to combine all the flavors and starts to thicken the chili. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent burning or sticking.
Step 4: Simmer and Let the Flavors Marry
Once it comes to a boil, lower the heat and let the chili simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step allows the chili to thicken and lets the flavors blend together beautifully. Make sure to check the seasoning and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to taste.

How Long Should Chili Cook on the Stove?
The answer is simple: around 25-30 minutes. How long should you cook chili on the stove? You’ll want to let it simmer long enough for the flavors to blend but not too long that it overcooks or dries out. Stir the chili occasionally, and adjust seasoning to your preference.
This is one of those dishes where patience is key—don’t rush it. The slow cooking is what allows the spices to infuse into the meat and beans, making every bite rich and flavorful.
Can You Make It with Turkey or Chicken?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can easily substitute ground turkey or ground chicken in place of ground beef. While ground beef is the traditional choice for best ground beef chili recipe, both turkey and chicken work wonderfully in this dish, giving you a slightly different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the chili may be a bit leaner, so adjust the seasoning accordingly to make up for the difference in richness.
What to Serve with Chili
Chili is a meal that can stand alone, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides and toppings. Here are a few ideas for easy chili recipe on stove side dishes and toppings:
Toppings:
- Sour cream: Cool and creamy, it balances the spiciness.
- Cheddar cheese: Melted cheese adds richness and flavor.
- Avocados: Sliced or mashed for a creamy texture.
Side Dishes:
- Cornbread: Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet to complement the heat of the chili.
- Crackers or chips: Perfect for dipping or adding crunch.
- Fries: Crispy fries make a great base to pour your chili over.
How to Make It in a Slow Cooker
If you prefer a chili on stove recipe that you can set and forget, you can easily make this dish in a slow cooker. Here’s how:
- Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet first, then transfer it to the slow cooker.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beans, spices, and broth to the slow cooker.
- Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally, if possible.
Beef Recipe
For a similar slow-cooker chili recipe, check out this link to how to cook chili in a crockpot.
Nutrition Information for Ground Beef Chili
If you’re curious about the nutritional breakdown of this quick chili recipe with ground beef, here’s a general guide to the key nutrients in each serving. Keep in mind, the actual values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 25g |
Total Fat | 18g |
Saturated Fat | 7g |
Carbohydrates | 20g |
Fiber | 7g |
Sugar | 5g |
Sodium | 750mg |
Cholesterol | 50mg |
Each serving of this chili provides a healthy balance of protein and fiber, making it a filling and satisfying meal. The best ground beef chili recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a hearty dish while staying mindful of their nutrition.
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Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe: Quick and Flavorful
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chili is one of those classic comfort foods that hits the spot whether you’re serving a family dinner or hosting a larger gathering. A hearty bowl of ground beef chili, packed with rich flavors and spices, makes for an easy and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress your guests, this best ground beef chili recipe is the perfect choice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by heating a little oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent—about 3 minutes. Then, add your ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown the meat until fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Once the beef is browned, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients. Pour in canned diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and black beans, followed by chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together, making sure the spices are well mixed. Add some beef broth for a nice depth of flavor.
- Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to prevent burning or sticking.
- Once it comes to a boil, lower the heat and let the chili simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to taste.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: ground beef chili, chili recipe, easy chili
Popular Questions About Ground Beef Chili
Best ground meat for chili?
While ground beef is the classic choice for best ground beef chili recipe, you can also use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option.
Should I drain beans before use?
It’s recommended to drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to your chili. This helps remove excess salt and keeps the chili from becoming too watery.
How long should chili cook on the stove?
You should simmer your chili for 25-30 minutes on the stove. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can follow the same recipe but cook the chili on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Conclusion
This best ground beef chili recipe is an easy-to-make meal that brings rich flavors and comfort to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking on the stove or using a slow cooker, you’re just minutes away from a delicious bowl of chili. How to cook chili on stove doesn’t have to be complicated—just follow these steps, and you’ll have a satisfying meal in no time. Add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a perfect meal for any occasion.
Ready to try this chili? Go ahead and make it tonight. Trust me, this is the kind of dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
For more tasty recipes and kitchen tips, make sure to check out my Pinterest page for inspiration. Happy cooking!