The Best Easy 5 Ingredient Chili Recipe for Cozy Weeknights

Whipping up a hearty chili doesn’t require culinary magic when you know this easy 5-ingredient chili recipe.

Kitchen shortcuts can become delicious meals with minimal effort.

Simplicity meets flavor in this streamlined approach to comfort food.

Packed with robust taste, each spoonful promises satisfaction without complicated preparations.

Smart cooks understand that fewer ingredients often mean faster cooking times.

Weeknight dinners become stress-free when you can throw together a meal in minutes.

Let’s uncover how these five components create a surprisingly rich and warming dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients For 5 Ingredient Chili

• Ground Beef or Ground Turkey: A hearty base that provides rich flavor and satisfying texture to the chili.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds a tangy and slightly acidic foundation to the chili.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates a smooth and thick consistency for the dish.
• Kidney Beans: Provides additional protein, fiber, and a classic chili texture.

• Chili Seasoning Mix: A blend of spices that delivers a robust and warm flavor profile to the entire dish.

• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream: Adds extra creaminess and a cool contrast to the warm chili.

Step-by-Step Guide For 5 Ingredient Chili

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by grabbing a large pot and heating it over medium flame. Toss in your ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns completely brown and loses its pink color. Carefully drain away any extra grease to keep your chili from becoming too oily.

Step 2: Build the Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans
• Tomato sauce

Stir everything together so the ingredients get friendly with each other.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in your chili seasoning mix.

Mix thoroughly to ensure every bite will be packed with delicious flavor. The seasoning will give your chili that classic warm and slightly spicy kick.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Let the chili bubble gently on the stove. Keep the heat low and stir occasionally.

This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to mingle and become rich and deep. Give it about 20-25 minutes of simmering time.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• A dollop of sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Crushed tortilla chips

Enjoy your comforting, homemade chili!

Pro Tips For Simple 5 Ingredient Chili

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option.
• Drain and rinse kidney beans to reduce sodium content and improve digestibility.
• Add depth by including diced bell peppers or onions during the meat browning stage for extra flavor.
• Enhance spice levels by mixing homemade chili seasoning with cayenne pepper or adding a dash of hot sauce.
• Let the chili simmer longer for more intense flavor development and tender meat texture.

Flavor Variations For 5 Ingredient Chili

• Veggie Chili Remix: Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or extra beans like black and pinto for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap regular seasoning for a hot Mexican-style blend to intensify heat and flavor.
• Slow Cooker Champion: Transfer all ingredients to a crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing deeper flavor infusion and tender texture.
• Hearty Ranch Chili: Mix in ranch seasoning packet with chili mix, then top with crispy bacon bits and ranch dressing for a creamy, rich experience.

Serving Suggestions For 5 Ingredient Chili

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the steaming chili over a bed of fluffy white rice for a hearty, filling meal that warms you from the inside out. The rice soaks up the rich, spicy sauce, creating a delightful texture and extending the dish.
• Nacho Chili Fiesta: Transform your chili into a crowd-pleasing appetizer by spooning it over crispy tortilla chips. Top with melted cheese, jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream for a zesty, shareable snack that's perfect for game nights.

How To Store 5 Ingredient Chili Correctly

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the chili completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Transfer frozen chili to the refrigerator overnight for gradual, safe thawing. Alternatively, use the defrost setting on the microwave for quick thawing.
• Warm chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of water or broth if the chili seems too thick. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is this chili spicy?

The spice level depends on the chili seasoning mix you use. Choose mild, medium, or hot seasoning based on your preference. You can also adjust heat by adding hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

• Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meat first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for a tender, flavorful chili.

Why Easy 5 Ingredient Chili Works Wonders

• Craft a Wholesome Breakfast: Dive into a nutritious morning treat packed with pumpkin's rich flavors and healthy ingredients that nourish your body and delight your taste buds.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Mix ingredients in two bowls, combine, and bake – no complicated steps or professional cooking skills required for this stress-free recipe.
• Customize Your Comfort: Add nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to personalize the dish, making it perfect for different preferences and adding exciting texture variations.
• Cozy Autumn Vibes: Capture the essence of fall with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg that transform a basic oatmeal into a seasonal celebration on your plate.

Easy 5 Ingredient Chili Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty five-ingredient chili delivers comfort and warmth with minimal effort. Robust flavors blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal that brings people together around the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 g) ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet (28 g) chili seasoning mix
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz / 227 g) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature, sautéing ground protein until completely caramelized and golden brown, carefully eliminating surplus liquid fat.
2. Incorporate whole diced tomato components, hearty kidney legumes, and smooth tomato reduction into the cooking vessel, creating a robust base.
3. Generously sprinkle specialized chili seasoning throughout the mixture, methodically stirring to guarantee uniform flavor distribution and ingredient integration.
4. Allow the culinary creation to gently bubble and simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes, periodically rotating and blending contents to enhance taste complexity and meld ingredients seamlessly.
5. Transfer the steaming chili into serving bowls, accompanied by complementary garnishes such as freshly grated cheese or creamy dairy topping for additional textural and flavor dimensions.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground meat to reduce excess fat and create a healthier chili without sacrificing flavor.
• Consider using turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, more diet-friendly version that still delivers robust taste.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting the chili seasoning mix or creating a homemade blend to suit personal preferences.
• Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini during the cooking process for added texture and vitamins.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg