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

Scale

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.

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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.