Easy 5 Ingredient Chili Recipe

When life gets busy and you need a hearty, satisfying meal without the fuss, this Easy 5 Ingredient Chili Recipe is your answer. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this simple chili proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something truly delicious.

I’ve simplified this classic comfort food down to just five essential ingredients that work together to create a rich, flavorful chili that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Whether you’re a beginner cook or just looking to streamline your dinner routine, this recipe will become your go-to for quick, satisfying meals.

What is “Easy 5 Ingredient Chili”?

Easy 5 Ingredient Chili is a simplified version of traditional chili that focuses on the essential flavors without compromising on taste. This recipe strips away unnecessary complexity while maintaining all the hearty, warming qualities that make chili such a beloved comfort food.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – using just five main ingredients, you can create a robust, filling meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or meal prep sessions. It’s the kind of recipe that proves sometimes less really is more, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients List for Easy 5 Ingredient Chili

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 packet (1 oz) chili seasoning mix

That’s it! Just five simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. The magic happens when these ingredients come together and simmer into a delicious, satisfying chili that tastes like it took hours to make.

How to Cook Easy 5 Ingredient Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this Easy 5 Ingredient Chili is straightforward and foolproof. Here’s how I break down the process to ensure perfect results every time:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:

• Dice the onion into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Drain and rinse the kidney beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and starch.
• Have your chili seasoning packet ready to go.
• Open the can of crushed tomatoes and give it a quick stir.

2. Brown the Ground Beef:

• Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains.
• The beef should develop nice browned bits, which add flavor to the chili.

3. Add the Onions:

• Add the diced onions directly to the pot with the browned beef.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
• The onions will release moisture that helps deglaze the pot and pick up those flavorful browned bits.

4. Season and Add Tomatoes:

• Sprinkle the chili seasoning packet over the beef and onion mixture.
• Stir well to coat everything evenly with the spices.
• Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

5. Add Beans and Simmer:

• Gently fold in the drained kidney beans, being careful not to mash them.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
• Cover and let the chili simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• The longer simmer time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

6. Final Seasoning and Serve:

• Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed with salt and pepper.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
• Serve hot with your favorite toppings and sides.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this Easy 5 Ingredient Chili is how adaptable it is. Here are some substitutions and variations I recommend:

• Ground Meat: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for different flavors and dietary needs.
• Beans: Try black beans, pinto beans, or a mix of different beans instead of just kidney beans for variety.
• Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes instead of crushed for a chunkier texture, or try fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
• Seasoning: Make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder if you prefer to avoid packet seasonings.
• Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers with the onions for extra vegetables and color.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with such a simple recipe, there are a few pitfalls I’ve learned to avoid over the years:

• Not Browning the Beef Properly: Take time to properly brown the ground beef. This develops flavor that makes a huge difference in the final dish.
• Skipping the Bean Rinse: Always drain and rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium and prevent the chili from becoming too salty.
• Rushing the Simmer: Don’t skip the simmering time. Those 20-25 minutes allow the flavors to develop and meld together properly.
• Overcooking the Beans: Add beans toward the end and stir gently to prevent them from breaking apart and making the chili mushy.
• Not Tasting for Seasoning: Always taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. Different brands of seasoning packets vary in saltiness and heat level.

How to Serve Easy 5 Ingredient Chili

This versatile chili can be served in numerous ways to suit different occasions and preferences. I love serving it as a main course with warm cornbread or crusty bread rolls on the side. The combination of the hearty chili with bread creates a satisfying, complete meal.

For a more casual approach, serve the chili over baked potatoes, rice, or even pasta for a filling dinner. You can also use it as a topping for hot dogs to create chili dogs, or serve it with tortilla chips for a fun chili and chips appetizer.

Presentation Ideas for Easy 5 Ingredient Chili

While chili might seem like a simple dish, there are plenty of ways to make it look appealing and restaurant-worthy:

• Colorful Toppings: Create a toppings bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro.
• Bread Bowl Presentation: Serve the chili in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, impressive presentation.
• Layered Approach: In clear bowls, layer the chili with cheese and sour cream for an attractive visual effect.
• Garnish Artfully: A simple sprinkle of paprika and a dollop of sour cream with a few cilantro leaves creates an elegant finish.

Easy 5 Ingredient Chili Recipe Tips

Here are my top tips for making the best possible chili with this simple recipe:

• Choose the Right Ground Beef: I recommend 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture. Leaner beef can result in drier chili.
• Let It Rest: Allow the chili to sit for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve.
• Make It Ahead: This chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop overnight.
• Double the Recipe: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch for future meals.
• Customize the Heat: If you like spicier chili, add a diced jalapeño with the onions or choose a hot chili seasoning packet.

How to Store Easy 5 Ingredient Chili

Proper storage is key to enjoying this chili beyond the initial meal. Allow the chili to cool completely at room temperature, but don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours for food safety reasons.

Transfer the cooled chili to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth if the chili has thickened too much during storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Q: Is this chili spicy?
A: The heat level depends on your chili seasoning packet. Most standard packets provide a mild to medium heat level that’s family-friendly.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Yes! Bell peppers, corn, or diced jalapeños are great additions. Add them when you add the onions.

Q: What if I don’t have kidney beans?
A: Any canned beans work well. Black beans, pinto beans, or a bean medley are all excellent substitutes.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and add an extra can of beans or use plant-based ground meat instead.

Q: How can I thicken my chili if it’s too watery?
A: Let it simmer uncovered for additional time, or mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the chili.

Conclusion

This Easy 5 Ingredient Chili Recipe proves that simple doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. With just five basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or preparing for a casual gathering with friends, this chili delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bowl.

The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its simplicity, but in its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit different tastes and dietary needs while maintaining that classic chili flavor we all love. I encourage you to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different toppings and serving suggestions.

Remember, the best chili is the one that brings people together around the table. This easy recipe gives you more time to enjoy the company and less time worrying about complicated cooking techniques. So grab your ingredients, fire up that pot, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Happy cooking!