Easy 5 Ingredient Chili: The Simplest Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Easy 5 Ingredient Chili: Craving a warm, hearty bowl of chili but short on time and ingredients? Look no further! Imagine a rich, flavorful chili simmering on your stovetop, ready in under 30 minutes, and requiring only five simple ingredients. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not! This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights and impromptu gatherings.

Chili, in its various forms, has a long and fascinating history, evolving from humble beginnings in the American Southwest to a beloved comfort food enjoyed worldwide. While traditional chili recipes can involve a laundry list of spices and hours of simmering, this streamlined version captures the essence of chili’s satisfying flavor without all the fuss. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, less is truly more.

People adore chili for its incredible versatility and comforting qualities. The combination of savory ground meat (or a vegetarian substitute), hearty beans, and a touch of spice creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! This easy 5 ingredient chili is perfect for meal prepping, freezing for later, or serving a crowd. The best part? You can customize it to your liking with your favorite toppings, from shredded cheese and sour cream to chopped onions and avocado. So, ditch the takeout menu and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort. You’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can pack into a dish with just five key components.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (1 ounce) packet chili seasoning
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

Okay, let’s get started! This chili is so simple, it’s almost embarrassing. But trust me, it’s delicious and perfect for a weeknight meal. Here’s how we’re going to make it:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: First, grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Place it over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef. Now, break it up with a spoon or spatula and cook until it’s browned all over. Make sure to drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy chili! I usually tilt the pot and use a spoon to scoop out the grease. You can also use a colander if you prefer.
2. Add the Beans and Tomatoes: Once the beef is browned and drained, add the can of kidney beans (undrained – we want that flavorful liquid!), and the can of diced tomatoes (also undrained). Don’t drain them! The liquid adds body and flavor to the chili.
3. Stir in the Chili Seasoning: Now, sprinkle in the entire packet of chili seasoning. Give everything a good stir to make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed. This is where the magic happens! The chili seasoning is what gives this dish its signature chili flavor.
4. Add Water and Simmer: Pour in the cup of water. Stir everything together again. Bring the chili to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I usually let mine simmer for about 30 minutes, but even 15 minutes will do in a pinch.
5. Taste and Adjust: After simmering, give the chili a taste. Does it need more chili seasoning? A pinch of salt? Maybe a little pepper? Now’s the time to adjust the flavors to your liking. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away! So, start with a little and add more as needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy: That’s it! Your easy 5-ingredient chili is ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and top with your favorite chili toppings. I like to add shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, and a dollop of guacamole. But the possibilities are endless!

Tips and Variations:

This chili is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your taste:

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your chili. Diced onions, bell peppers, or even corn would be great additions. Just add them when you add the beans and tomatoes.
• Use Different Beans: Kidney beans are classic, but you can use other types of beans, such as black beans, pinto beans, or even great northern beans.
• Spice it Up: If you like your chili spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño pepper.
• Make it Vegetarian: To make this chili vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and add another can of beans or some diced vegetables. You can also use a plant-based ground beef substitute.
• Slow Cooker Chili: This recipe is also perfect for the slow cooker. Simply brown the ground beef, then add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Instant Pot Chili: For an even faster chili, use an Instant Pot. Brown the ground beef using the sauté function. Then, add all the ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
• Toppings Galore: Don’t forget the toppings! Here are some of my favorites:
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Chopped onions or scallions
  • Diced avocado or guacamole
  • Tortilla chips or crackers
  • Hot sauce
  • Cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Detailed Ingredient Breakdown:

Let’s dive a little deeper into each ingredient and why it’s important for this chili:

• Ground Beef: The foundation of our chili! I usually use 80/20 ground beef, which has a good balance of flavor and leanness. You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer. Just make sure to drain off any excess grease after browning.
• Kidney Beans: These beans add a hearty texture and a slightly sweet flavor to the chili. I use canned kidney beans for convenience, but you can also cook dried kidney beans if you have the time. Just make sure to soak them overnight before cooking.
• Diced Tomatoes: These tomatoes provide acidity and moisture to the chili. I use canned diced tomatoes, but you can also use fresh tomatoes if they’re in season. Just make sure to peel and dice them before adding them to the chili.
• Chili Seasoning: This is the secret ingredient that gives our chili its signature flavor. You can buy pre-made chili seasoning packets, or you can make your own. A typical chili seasoning blend includes chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
• Water: The water helps to thin out the chili and allows the flavors to meld together. You can also use beef broth or chicken broth for a richer flavor.

Troubleshooting:

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common chili problems and how to fix them:

• Chili is Too Thick: If your chili is too thick, simply add more water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Chili is Too Thin: If your chili is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to thicken it up.
• Chili is Too Spicy: If your chili is too spicy, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to each bowl. You can also add a pinch of sugar to help balance out the heat.
• Chili is Too Bland: If your chili is too bland, add more chili seasoning, cumin, or garlic powder. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
• Chili is Burning: If your chili is burning, immediately remove it from the heat and transfer it to a clean pot. Scrape off any burnt bits from the bottom of the pot. Add a little water or broth to the new pot and continue cooking on low heat.

Storage and Reheating:

This chili is even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Storage: Allow the chili to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chili for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat the chili, simply place it in a pot over medium heat and cook until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Just be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from splattering.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

• Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving
• Protein: Approximately 25-35 grams per serving
• Fat: Approximately 15-25 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30 grams per serving

Enjoy your delicious and easy 5-ingredient chili!

Conclusion:

This Easy 5 Ingredient Chili isn’t just a recipe; it’s a weeknight dinner savior, a crowd-pleasing party dish, and a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. I truly believe this is a must-try for anyone looking for a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly simple meal. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself turning to again and again, especially when time is short and cravings are high.

Why is it a must-try? Because it delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Seriously, five ingredients! That’s less than you probably have in your fridge right now. And the beauty of it is that those five ingredients – ground beef, diced tomatoes, chili beans, chili seasoning, and tomato sauce – work together to create a symphony of flavors that will warm you from the inside out. It’s the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet, all in one comforting bowl.

But the best part? It’s endlessly customizable! Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat, like turkey or chicken, for a leaner option. Add a can of corn for a touch of sweetness and texture. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in a diced bell pepper or onion for extra flavor. For those who like a little more heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce will do the trick.

Serving suggestions? The possibilities are endless! I love serving this chili with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and a handful of crispy tortilla chips. A side of cornbread is always a welcome addition, too. You can also use this chili as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or even hot dogs. And don’t forget the toppings bar! Let everyone customize their own bowl with their favorite additions.

Looking for variations? Consider making a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans. You could also try adding a can of black beans or kidney beans for a different flavor profile. For a thicker chili, simmer it for a longer period of time, allowing the sauce to reduce and the flavors to meld together even more. And if you’re short on time, you can even make this chili in a slow cooker. Just throw all the ingredients in, set it on low, and let it simmer for 6-8 hours.

I’m confident that you’ll love this Easy 5 Ingredient Chili as much as I do. It’s a simple, satisfying, and incredibly versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal.

I truly hope you give this recipe a try. And when you do, please share your experience! Let me know what you think in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What were your favorite toppings? I’m always eager to hear your feedback and learn from your culinary adventures. Happy cooking!

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