Everyone raves about Dad’s chunky beef chili. He’s perfected this easy stovetop chili both with and without beans, and both versions are always a hit. When game day arrives, friends and family gather for Dad’s famous chili because it’s rich in flavor, full of hearty beef (and beans if you like), and simple to prepare.
Best Beef Chili on the Stove Top
This one-pot chili is a reliable, no-fuss recipe that consistently delivers. The ingredient list is straightforward: ground beef, tomato sauce, fresh garlic, onions and spices. It’s not complicated—just classic and dependable. After simmering for about 15 minutes, the ingredients meld into a deeply flavored chili where every spoonful is packed with beefy goodness.
Video of Dad’s Famous Beef Chili
Best Chili Toppings
Dad’s beef chili is versatile and pairs well with many toppings. For game day or the Super Bowl, try these favorites:
- Sour cream for a cool, tangy contrast
- Chopped onions — white, sweet or red add brightness; green onions or chives also work well
- Melty cheeses like cheddar, smoked gouda, provolone or pepper jack. Swiss or mozzarella are good options too
Ways to Serve Chili
- Chili cheese hot dogs
- Beef chili quesadillas
- Chili nachos
- As a burger topping
- Served over scrambled eggs
- Use leftovers in casseroles, baked potatoes, or as a hearty sandwich filling — it keeps well and reheats beautifully
Dad’s Famous Beef Chili
8
servings
10 mins
20 mins
30 mins
Ingredients
- 1 pound (454 g) ground beef
- 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 30 ounces (850 g) tomato sauce (two 15 oz. cans or about 4 cups), crushed, diced or regular
- 15 ounces (425 g) canned beans (black, pinto, cannellini, etc.), drained and rinsed
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) chili powder
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried oregano
- Kosher or sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Optional toppings:
- Cheese
- Sour cream
- Red onions
- Green onions
Instructions
- Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then the ground beef. Break the beef into small pieces and cook until browned.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, beans, chili powder, cumin and oregano. Bring to a simmer, stir well, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Video
Nutrition Information per Serving
Carbohydrates: 16 g,
Protein: 14 g,
Fat: 13 g,
Fiber: 5 g
More Easy Recipes:
- Game Day Recipes
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich
- Air Fryer Chili Cheese Hot Dogs
- Instant Pot Beef Chili Recipe
- Healthy and Fresh Chicken Chili
- Easy Chicken Chili with Roast Chicken
If you prefer chicken, try a healthy chicken chili for a lighter option. Enjoy the recipe—this version was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2021.