Easy 5 Ingredient Chili Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Flash

Whipping up a mouthwatering chili with just 5-ingredient magic feels like culinary wizardry.

Simple techniques can unlock incredible flavor combinations.

Seasoned home cooks and kitchen novices alike will appreciate this streamlined approach.

Minimal prep work means you spend less time chopping and more time enjoying.

Bold spices and hearty protein create a satisfying meal that warms from the inside out.

Comfort meets convenience in this no-fuss recipe that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

You’ll want to bookmark this go-to dish for quick and delicious dinners.

What Makes Five-Ingredient Chili a Quick Fix

• Conquer Simplicity: This chili recipe breaks down complex cooking into just five ingredients, making it a dream for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Speed Up Dinner: Perfect for weeknight meals, this recipe transforms ground beef and basic pantry staples into a hearty, satisfying dish in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions let everyone personalize their bowl, making it a crowd-pleasing meal that keeps everyone happy.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, canned beans, and seasoning mix means you can feed a hungry family without breaking the bank, proving delicious meals don't require expensive components.

Simple Ingredients That Deliver Great Flavor

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of this classic chili recipe.

• Kidney Beans, Diced Tomatoes: These ingredients add rich texture and create the classic chili base with robust flavor and moisture.

• Chili Seasoning Mix: A blend of spices that provides the signature warm and bold chili flavor profile to the dish.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness to the overall chili flavor.

How to Put Together Five-Ingredient Chili

Step 1: Sizzle The Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium flame and cook the ground beef until it transforms into deliciously browned crumbles. Drain away any excess fatty liquid to keep your chili lean and delectable.

Step 2: Soften The Onion Companion

Toss in the chopped onion and let it dance in the pot until it becomes translucent and tender, releasing its sweet aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Combine Flavor Powerhouses

• Kidney beans (with their liquid)
• Diced tomatoes
• Chili seasoning mix

Stir everything together, allowing the ingredients to mingle and create a robust flavor profile.

Step 4: Let The Chili Simmer And Develop

Reduce the heat and let your chili bubble gently for 20 minutes. Give it an occasional stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Watch as the flavors deepen and meld together.

Step 5: Serve With Delightful Possibilities

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls and invite everyone to personalize their meal with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.

Enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips for Getting Maximum Flavor with Minimal Ingredients

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent greasy chili and ensure a cleaner flavor profile.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier option with less fat content.
• Enhance depth of flavor by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika during cooking.
• For vegetarian version, swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans, maintaining the same cooking technique.
• Let chili rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and develop a richer taste.

Flavor Twists to Elevate Your Chili

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or black beans for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to increase heat level and create a zesty flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning beef and let simmer on low for 4-6 hours for deeper flavor development.
• Low-Carb Chili: Swap kidney beans for diced zucchini or cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining hearty texture.

Serving Suggestions for Simple Chili

• Cozy Game Night Companion: Ladle this hearty chili into small bowls for a perfect board game gathering, pairing it with tortilla chips and cold beverages.
• Tailgate Party Star: Serve in portable containers with shredded cheese and sour cream for an easy stadium-friendly meal that feeds a hungry crowd.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Top with crispy bacon bits, green onions, and a dollop of Greek yogurt to transform this simple chili into a gourmet-style comfort dish that feels restaurant-worthy.
• Budget-Friendly Meal Prep: Portion the chili into meal prep containers for quick lunches throughout the week, adding a fresh side salad for extra nutrition and variety.

How to Store Your Five-Ingredient Chili

• Refrigerate leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store chili in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's cooled completely before sealing the container.
• Freeze chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 4-6 months, leaving some space for expansion.
• Reheat refrigerated chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches 165°F, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• What type of ground beef works best for this chili?

Lean ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content provides the best flavor and texture without making the chili too greasy.

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Canned diced tomatoes are recommended because they have consistent moisture and acidity, which helps develop the chili’s flavor profile more reliably than fresh tomatoes.

• Is this chili spicy?

The chili seasoning mix determines the heat level. If you prefer mild chili, choose a mild seasoning mix or reduce the amount of seasoning used.

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

Add an extra can of beans or include black beans alongside kidney beans to increase the protein content without changing the recipe’s basic structure.

Quick 5 Ingredient Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired chili delivers robust flavors with minimal ingredients. Home cooks can quickly prepare this hearty meal, experiencing delicious comfort without complex kitchen skills.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion

Beans and Tomatoes:

• 1 (15 ounces) can kidney beans
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes

Seasoning:

• 1 packet chili seasoning mix

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high temperature and thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring complete crumbling and rendering out excess fat.
2. Drain the meat and return to the pot, then incorporate finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent and aromatic.
3. Pour in the entire contents of kidney beans without draining, including the liquid, along with diced tomatoes and sprinkle the chili seasoning mix evenly across the surface.
4. Reduce heat to low and allow the mixture to gently simmer, periodically stirring to prevent scorching and ensure consistent flavor melding.
5. After approximately 20 minutes, when the chili has thickened and developed a rich, robust consistency, remove from heat.
6. Ladle into serving bowls and customize with preferred garnishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or crispy tortilla strips.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent greasy chili and reduce overall fat content.
• Experiment with lean ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein alternative.
• Consider adding a splash of beef broth or water if the chili becomes too thick during simmering.
• Customize heat levels by choosing mild, medium, or spicy chili seasoning mix based on personal preference.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg