Description
This hearty and flavorful stovetop chili combines perfectly browned ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a bold blend of spices for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. With easy customization options and a simple cooking method, it’s the perfect go-to chili recipe for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based substitute)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup water or low-sodium broth
Instructions
- Brown the meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 5–6 minutes until vegetables are soft and fragrant.
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Add spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices toast for about 1 minute.
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Add beans and tomatoes: Stir in kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, and diced tomatoes with their juice. Add water or broth. Stir well to combine.
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Simmer: Bring the chili to a low boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let flavors develop.
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Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or avocado.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add extra cayenne, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use extra beans or plant-based meat.
- This chili stores well and tastes even better the next day.
- Serve with cornbread, rice, or over baked potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: stovetop chili, homemade chili, easy chili recipe, beef chili, vegetarian chili option, spicy chili, comforting dinner, one-pot meal, family favorite, chili with beans