When the weather turns cold and you need a meal that is both incredibly hearty and incredibly cheap, nothing beats chili. But who has time to chop onions and roast peppers on a Tuesday night?
This 5 Ingredient Chili is the answer to your prayers. It uses simple pantry staples and focuses only on the essential flavor components, delivering a robust, satisfying bowl of chili in under 30 minutes. It proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seriously Fast: Minimal chopping, minimal fuss. It’s an easy weeknight chili.
- Budget MVP: It uses affordable ground beef and canned goods to feed a crowd cheaply.
- Customizable Toppings: The simple base flavor is perfect for loading up with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.
- Pantry Raid Dinner: You likely have most of the 5 ingredients already!
What It Tastes Like
It tastes like classic, hearty American chili—savory, slightly spicy (depending on your bean choice), and thick. The ground beef gives it a substantial texture, while the various tomato and bean bases blend to create a rich, complex flavor profile despite the minimal ingredient count. It’s warm, satisfying, and deeply comforting.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is what you need for this quick dinner idea:
- Ground Beef: 1 lb ground beef (85/15 is great).
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 large can (28 oz) of diced tomatoes, undrained.
- Kidney Beans: 1 can (15 oz) of kidney beans, rinsed and drained.
- Substitution: Black beans or chili beans work too.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 can (15 oz) of plain tomato sauce. This is key for achieving thickness.
- Chili Seasoning: 1 large packet (1 oz) of store-bought chili seasoning mix.
- Substitution: You can use a blend of chili powder, cumin, and dried oregano instead.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Dump Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, kidney beans (rinsed and drained), and the entire packet of chili seasoning mix to the pot.
- Simmer & Cook: Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook, uncovered, for at least 15-20 minutes. Pro Tip: Simmering longer allows the flavors to deepen and the chili to thicken up nicely.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning (add salt and pepper if necessary, though the mix should contain enough). Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Storage & Freezing
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Chili almost always tastes better the next day!
- Freezing: Chili freezes wonderfully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving about 1 inch of headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! Omit the ground beef and use two additional cans of beans (like pinto or black beans) or a pound of crumbled plant-based beef substitute.
How do I make it spicy? Add a can of drained diced jalapeños or stir in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes when you add the rest of the ingredients.
What toppings are best? The most popular toppings are shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, and crushed tortilla chips.
Conclusion
This 5-Ingredient Easy Chili is your new weeknight warrior. It’s cheap, satisfying, and the easiest budget friendly meal you can make. Grab your crackers and enjoy!
