The Best Easy 5 Ingredient Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

When hunger strikes and time is short, this lightning-fast 5 ingredient chili recipe comes to the rescue.

Packed with robust flavors and minimal prep, this dish delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this streamlined culinary magic.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly to create a hearty, comforting meal that speaks volumes about efficient cooking.

No complicated techniques or endless chopping required, just pure, straightforward deliciousness.

Each spoonful promises warmth, richness, and a symphony of bold tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this no-fuss chili and experience how simplicity can truly shine in the kitchen.

Your List for Quick Five Ingredient Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides the main flavor and protein for the chili.

• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the overall chili flavor profile.

• Chili Seasoning Mix: A blend of spices that gives the chili its classic warm and spicy taste.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides moisture and a tangy base for the chili sauce.
• Kidney Beans: Adds texture, extra protein, and a classic chili ingredient that helps thicken the dish.

How to Make Fast and Easy Chili

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles.

Cook until the meat is completely done and no pink remains.

Carefully drain away any extra fat to keep your chili lean and delicious.

Step 2: Awaken the Onions

Toss chopped onions into the same pot and cook until they become translucent and tender, releasing their sweet, aromatic flavors into the meat.

Step 3: Create Chili Magic

• Chili seasoning mix
• Diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans

Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring the seasoning coats all ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Let the chili bubble gently on low heat for 20-30 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich and hearty meal.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or crispy tortilla chips.

Enjoy your homemade comfort food!

Tips for the Best Results with Fewer Ingredients

• Pat ground beef with paper towels after draining to remove maximum fat and prevent greasy chili.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Adjust heat by choosing mild or hot chili seasoning mix, or add red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• Keep heat low and stir occasionally to prevent burning and allow flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Chili tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing in advance and reheating for deeper, richer flavor.

Ways to Mix Up a Five Ingredient Chili Pot

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
• Chicken Chili Variation: Swap ground beef with ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add diced green chilies and a dash of cayenne pepper to increase heat and create a southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Chili Option: Substitute kidney beans with cauliflower florets or zucchini chunks to reduce carbohydrate content for keto dieters.

Serving Five Ingredient Chili for Gatherings

• Hearty Comfort Bowl: Ladle the chili into deep bowls for a warm, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, dollop sour cream, add chopped green onions, or crumble crispy tortilla chips on top for extra crunch and flavor.
• Perfect Pairing Plate: Serve alongside cornbread, fluffy white rice, or warm buttered toast to soak up every delicious spoonful of this classic chili.
• Movie Night Champion: Portion into smaller bowls for game day snacking or as a cozy companion during movie marathons, letting everyone customize their own chili experience.

Tips for Storing Five Ingredient Chili

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Chili stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 4 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Pour chili into a pot, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

• Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans like black beans or pinto beans for protein.

• Is this chili spicy?

The spice level depends on the chili seasoning mix you choose. For mild flavor, select a less spicy mix or reduce the amount used.

• How can I make the chili healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, rinse canned beans to reduce sodium, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition.

• Can I freeze this chili?

Absolutely! Let the chili cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Five Ingredient Chili for Busy Days

• Whip Up Quickly: This chili recipe requires just five ingredients, making it a speedy and straightforward meal perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Even novice cooks can master this recipe with simple steps and minimal kitchen skills, ensuring a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with hearty ground beef, beans, and rich tomato base, this chili delivers classic flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner option.
• Versatile Topping Potential: Customize your chili with endless topping combinations like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips to keep the meal exciting and personalized.

Easy 5 Ingredient Chili Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Homestyle Chili brings bold southwestern flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Packed with ground beef, beans, and rich spices, this simple one-pot wonder delivers maximum comfort in minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground turkey

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 15-ounce can kidney beans
• 1 medium onion

Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high temperature, crumble ground beef and cook until completely browned, eliminating any accumulated grease.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions into the pot, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Sprinkle chili seasoning across the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute spices evenly and develop deep flavor profiles.
4. Pour diced tomatoes and kidney beans into the pot, gently mixing all ingredients to combine completely.
5. Reduce heat to low, allowing the chili to simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent scorching and enhance melding of flavors.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, ensuring balanced and robust chili characteristics.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and intensify.
8. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with preferred toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and achieve a cleaner, more concentrated chili flavor.
• Consider using lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option with reduced fat content.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting the amount of chili seasoning or adding fresh jalapeños for extra heat.
• Make the recipe vegetarian by replacing ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional beans like black beans or pinto beans.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 305 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg