Description
This easy stovetop ground beef chili is hearty, flavorful, and ready in under an hour. Made with simple pantry staples, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup water or broth
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned.
- Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
- Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another minute to bloom the spices.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, and water or broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Add cayenne pepper for heat or sugar to balance acidity if desired.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Brown the meat properly to build flavor.
- Use fresh spices for the best taste.
- Simmer uncovered to thicken the chili naturally.
- The chili tastes even better the next day.
- This chili freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food, Chili
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl