Introduction: Can a Hearty Chili Be Made with Just Five Ingredients in Under 30 Minutes?
Craving a quick, comforting bowl of chili that’s packed with flavor? Easy 5-Ingredient Chili combines lean ground beef, beans, and a bold tomato base with chili powder for a simple yet satisfying meal. This recipe yields 6 servings, perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering. Ready to simmer a pot of cozy goodness? Let’s dive into this fuss-free recipe!
Overview: Why Easy 5-Ingredient Chili Shines
Easy 5-Ingredient Chili is loved for its simplicity, bold flavors, and quick preparation. Here’s what makes it special:
- Time Requirement: 5 minutes prep, 20-25 minutes cooking, totaling approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Difficulty Level: Easy—requires browning, simmering, and stirring, ideal for all skill levels.
- Why It’s Special: With just five ingredients, this chili delivers robust flavor and hearty texture, thanks to the combination of ground beef, two types of beans, and a spicy tomato base. This recipe serves 6, great for families or leftovers.
Perfect with cornbread, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for a complete meal.
Essential Ingredients
Easy 5-Ingredient Chili uses minimal pantry staples for a flavorful, hearty result. Here’s what you’ll need for 6 servings:
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides a savory, protein-packed base.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Forms the rich, tangy foundation.
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained: Adds hearty texture and protein.
- 1 (15-ounce) can chili beans, not drained: Contributes spicy flavor and sauce.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: Brings bold, spicy warmth.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasons to taste.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Ground Beef: Adds savory depth and protein.
- Tomato Sauce: Creates a rich, tangy base.
- Kidney and Chili Beans: Provide texture, protein, and extra flavor (chili beans add built-in spices).
- Chili Powder: Delivers the signature spicy kick.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for vegetarian.
- Tomato Sauce: Use crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce (adjust seasoning if needed).
- Kidney Beans: Replace with black beans, pinto beans, or navy beans.
- Chili Beans: Substitute with another can of kidney or pinto beans plus 1 teaspoon extra chili powder.
- Chili Powder: Adjust to taste or use a mix of 1 teaspoon each paprika, cumin, and cayenne.
- Salt and Pepper: Use garlic salt or seasoned salt for added flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based meat substitute, vegetable broth (replace some tomato sauce), and vegan chili beans.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; confirm chili beans and tomato sauce are gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Chili: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño with the beef.
- Smoky Chili: Include 1 teaspoon smoked paprika with the chili powder.
- Veggie-Packed Chili: Add 1 cup diced bell peppers or zucchini with the beans.
- Cheesy Chili: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar before serving.
- Southwest Chili: Add 1 teaspoon cumin and ½ cup corn kernels with the beans.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Easy 5-Ingredient Chili is a quick, one-pan process that yields a hearty, flavorful dish. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 1 can tomato sauce, 1 can kidney beans, 1 can chili beans, 2 tablespoons chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Drain kidney beans; keep chili beans undrained.
Tip: Use lean ground beef (85% or higher) to reduce grease; no other prep needed.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 pound lean ground beef; cook, stirring, until browned and crumbly, 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
Tip: Break up beef with a wooden spoon for even browning; lean beef minimizes draining.
Step 3: Add Beans and Sauce
- Stir in 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce, 1 (15-ounce) can drained kidney beans, and 1 (15-ounce) can undrained chili beans.
- Bring to a boil, stirring to combine.
Tip: Stir well to incorporate beans; the chili beans’ sauce adds extra flavor.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
- Stir in 2 tablespoons chili powder.
- Reduce heat to low; simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 15 minutes.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Tip: Taste after simmering to adjust salt, as canned beans and sauce vary in saltiness; simmer longer for thicker chili.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve hot, about 1 cup per serving, with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
Tip: Let chili rest 2-3 minutes off heat to meld flavors; serve with cornbread or crackers.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Easy 5-Ingredient Chili
Making Easy 5-Ingredient Chili is all about creating a hearty, flavorful dish with minimal effort. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Ground Beef: Savory, crumbled base for protein.
- Beans: Kidney and chili beans for texture and flavor.
- Tomato Sauce: Rich, tangy backbone.
- Chili Powder: Bold, spicy warmth.
Presentation Tips
- Serve in deep bowls with toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, or chopped cilantro for color.
- Pair with cornbread, tortilla chips, or holiday dishes like creamy corn soup for a festive spread.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chili powder or fresh herbs for flair.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Easy 5-Ingredient Chili is perfect for leftovers and meal prep.
- Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers; chili freezes well with minimal texture change.
- Make-Ahead:
- Prep ingredients (drain beans, measure spices) up to 1 day ahead; store separately.
- Cook chili fully and refrigerate; flavors deepen overnight.
- Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring, for 5-7 minutes, or microwave in 1-minute bursts, covered, until hot. Add a splash of water if too thick.
- Tip: Freeze in single portions for easy meals; top with fresh garnishes after reheating.
Recipe Variations
Easy 5-Ingredient Chili is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Spicy Chili: Add 1 teaspoon cayenne or a diced chili pepper with the beef.
- Vegan Chili: Use plant-based crumbles and vegan chili beans.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; confirm tomato sauce and chili beans are gluten-free.
- White Bean Chili: Replace kidney beans with white beans and add ½ teaspoon cumin.
- Sweet and Spicy Chili: Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar with the chili powder.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 kcal (varies with beef and beans).
- Protein: High, from beef and beans.
- Fat: Moderate, from beef.
- Carbs: Moderate, from beans and tomato sauce.
- Note: For precise nutrition, calculate based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion: Savor the Simple, Hearty Bliss!
Easy 5-Ingredient Chili is the ultimate quick comfort food, blending savory beef, hearty beans, and bold spices into a satisfying, no-fuss dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or meal prep, it’s easy to make and endlessly adaptable. So, grab your skillet, simmer this cozy chili, and enjoy a bowl of warmth. We’d love to hear how your chili turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
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Easy 5-Ingredient Chili
Description
Craving a quick, comforting bowl of chili that’s packed with flavor? Easy 5-Ingredient Chili combines lean ground beef, beans, and a bold tomato base with chili powder for a simple yet satisfying meal. This recipe yields 6 servings, perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering
Ingredients
Easy 5-Ingredient Chili uses minimal pantry staples for a flavorful, hearty result. Here’s what you’ll need for 6 servings:
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides a savory, protein-packed base.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Forms the rich, tangy foundation.
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained: Adds hearty texture and protein.
- 1 (15-ounce) can chili beans, not drained: Contributes spicy flavor and sauce.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: Brings bold, spicy warmth.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasons to taste.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Ground Beef: Adds savory depth and protein.
- Tomato Sauce: Creates a rich, tangy base.
- Kidney and Chili Beans: Provide texture, protein, and extra flavor (chili beans add built-in spices).
- Chili Powder: Delivers the signature spicy kick.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for vegetarian.
- Tomato Sauce: Use crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce (adjust seasoning if needed).
- Kidney Beans: Replace with black beans, pinto beans, or navy beans.
- Chili Beans: Substitute with another can of kidney or pinto beans plus 1 teaspoon extra chili powder.
- Chili Powder: Adjust to taste or use a mix of 1 teaspoon each paprika, cumin, and cayenne.
- Salt and Pepper: Use garlic salt or seasoned salt for added flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based meat substitute, vegetable broth (replace some tomato sauce), and vegan chili beans.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; confirm chili beans and tomato sauce are gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Chili: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño with the beef.
- Smoky Chili: Include 1 teaspoon smoked paprika with the chili powder.
- Veggie-Packed Chili: Add 1 cup diced bell peppers or zucchini with the beans.
- Cheesy Chili: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar before serving.
- Southwest Chili: Add 1 teaspoon cumin and ½ cup corn kernels with the beans.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 1 can tomato sauce, 1 can kidney beans, 1 can chili beans, 2 tablespoons chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Drain kidney beans; keep chili beans undrained.
Tip: Use lean ground beef (85% or higher) to reduce grease; no other prep needed.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 pound lean ground beef; cook, stirring, until browned and crumbly, 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
Tip: Break up beef with a wooden spoon for even browning; lean beef minimizes draining.
Step 3: Add Beans and Sauce
- Stir in 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce, 1 (15-ounce) can drained kidney beans, and 1 (15-ounce) can undrained chili beans.
- Bring to a boil, stirring to combine.
Tip: Stir well to incorporate beans; the chili beans’ sauce adds extra flavor.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
- Stir in 2 tablespoons chili powder.
- Reduce heat to low; simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 15 minutes.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Tip: Taste after simmering to adjust salt, as canned beans and sauce vary in saltiness; simmer longer for thicker chili.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve hot, about 1 cup per serving, with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
Tip: Let chili rest 2-3 minutes off heat to meld flavors; serve with cornbread or crackers.
FAQs
1. Why is my chili too watery?
Insufficient simmering can cause this; cook longer to thicken or add less tomato sauce.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, substitute with equal weight; cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if tomato sauce and chili beans are gluten-free (check labels).
4. Why is my chili too salty?
Canned beans or sauce may have high sodium; use low-sodium versions and season salt at the end.
5. Can I make this in advance?
Yes, cook fully and refrigerate; reheat with a splash of water for best texture.
6. What are the health benefits of this dish?
Beef and beans provide protein and fiber; moderate in fat, ideal for balanced diets with lean beef