The Best 5 Ingredient Chili Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Whipping up a delicious chili doesn’t have to be complicated with this easy 5-ingredient chili recipe that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Busy home cooks can rejoice in a meal that comes together quickly and satisfies hungry appetites.

Every spoonful bursts with robust, hearty goodness that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

Simple pantry staples combine to create a rich, comforting dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Minimal chopping and just a single pot mean less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward approach, proving that delectable meals don’t require endless ingredients or complicated techniques.

You’ll be amazed at how such a short list of components can produce such a deeply satisfying chili that rivals more complex versions.

Key Ingredients for 5-Ingredient Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substance to the chili.
• Ground Turkey: A leaner alternative to beef with similar protein content.

• Onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic base that enhances the overall depth of the chili.

• Diced Tomatoes, Kidney Beans: Contribute moisture, texture, and classic chili components that make the dish complete and satisfying.

• Chili Powder: A spice blend that gives the chili its signature warm and robust flavor profile.

How to Make Quick and Tasty 5-Ingredient Chili

Step 1: Brown The Protein

Select ground beef or turkey and sizzle in a large pot over medium heat.

Cook thoroughly until no pink remains, then carefully drain away excess grease for a leaner chili.

Step 2: Soften Aromatic Vegetables

Toss chopped onions into the same pot and sweat them until they become translucent and tender, releasing their sweet flavor, which takes approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Develop Flavor Base

Sprinkle chili powder generously over the meat and onions, stirring to create a rich, spicy coating that will infuse the entire dish with warmth and depth.

Step 4: Combine Hearty Components

• Diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans

Mix ingredients thoroughly, allowing the tomatoes and beans to meld with the seasoned protein.

Step 5: Simmer And Develop Complexity

Allow the chili to gently bubble and simmer for 20-25 minutes.

Stir periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution, which helps ingredients blend seamlessly.

Step 6: Perfect And Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Ladle the hot, robust chili into bowls and enjoy immediately with optional toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream.

Pro Tips for Enhancing Your Chili’s Taste

• Add a splash of beef broth or a tablespoon of worcestershire sauce to enhance the overall taste profile of the chili.
• Easily substitute ground turkey for beef to create a leaner version without compromising on delicious flavor.
• Adjust chili powder quantity based on personal heat preference – start with less and gradually increase for desired spiciness.
• Mix kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans to create more texture and nutritional complexity in your chili.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep quick and convenient for busy weeks.

Variations to Customize Your 5-Ingredient Chili

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils, black beans, or textured vegetable protein. Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini for more nutrition.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use no-salt-added canned tomatoes, reduce chili powder, and substitute low-sodium kidney beans. Add fresh herbs like oregano or cilantro for enhanced flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Incorporate diced green chilies, jalapeños, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Top with pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro for an extra kick.
• Slow Cooker Adaptation: Brown meat and sauté onions beforehand, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper, richer flavors.

Serving Ideas for 5-Ingredient Chili

• Hearty Comfort Plate: Serve this chili in deep bowls for a cozy, warming meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, dollop sour cream, add fresh chopped green onions, or scatter crispy tortilla chips for extra crunch and flavor.
• Perfect Pairing Partners: Complement the chili with warm cornbread, fluffy white rice, or a crisp side salad to balance the rich, robust flavors of the dish.
• Leftover Magic: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or freeze for future quick and delicious meals that taste even better the next day.

Best Ways to Store Leftover 5-Ingredient Chili

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 4-6 months. Label containers with date and contents.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming and prevent cold spots.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat for this chili?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is this chili recipe spicy?

The recipe uses standard chili powder, which provides mild heat. If you want more spice, you can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to increase the kick.

• Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meat first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

• How can I make this chili more protein-rich?

Consider adding additional beans like black beans or adding diced chunks of beef for extra protein content.

Simple 5-Ingredient Chili with Big Flavor

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: Dive into a hassle-free meal that comes together in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Customize Your Chili: Mix and match protein options like ground beef or turkey, giving you flexibility to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Prepare a hearty, filling dish with affordable ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a delicious, satisfying meal using only five ingredients, proving that great flavor doesn't require complicated cooking techniques.

Easy 5 Ingredient Chili Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade easy 5 ingredient chili recipe delivers hearty comfort perfect for cold evenings. Robust flavors blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you will savor with friends and family.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or ground turkey

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, diced

Canned Ingredients:

• 2 cans (14.5 ounces or 411 grams each) diced tomatoes
• 2 cans (15 ounces or 425 grams each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Spices:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chili powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium flame and cook ground meat until thoroughly browned, eliminating any surplus grease.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions into the pot, sautéing until translucent and tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Sprinkle chili powder across the meat and onion mixture, thoroughly coating and distributing the spice evenly.
4. Pour diced tomatoes and kidney beans into the pot, gently mixing ingredients to create a uniform consistency.
5. Allow the chili to reach a gentle simmer, reducing heat to low and letting it develop flavors for 20-25 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent scorching.
6. Taste and refine seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired.
7. Serve piping hot, optionally garnishing with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped fresh herbs for enhanced texture and flavor profile.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains protein richness and hearty texture.
• Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium canned tomatoes and rinsing kidney beans thoroughly before adding to the pot.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of dark beer or a tablespoon of cocoa powder during simmering, which deepens the chili’s robust profile.
• Prepare extra portions and freeze in airtight containers for quick meals, as chili develops more intense flavors when reheated after 24-48 hours.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 258 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg