Easy 5-Ingredient Chili Recipe: Weeknight Dinner Winner!

Chili is a classic comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings, game days, or any time you’re craving a hearty and flavorful meal. But who has time for complicated recipes with a laundry list of ingredients? This easy 5-ingredient chili recipe is your answer to a delicious and satisfying dinner that comes together in minutes. Yes, you read that right – just FIVE ingredients! This recipe is not only incredibly simple but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding your favorite toppings or tweaking the spice level. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of warm, delicious chili without spending hours in the kitchen.

## Why This 5-Ingredient Chili Recipe Works

This recipe focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal effort. By using high-quality canned ingredients and a simple spice blend, we create a chili that’s both quick and satisfying. The key is choosing ingredients that pack a punch on their own. Here’s why this recipe is a winner:

* **Quick and Easy:** Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast.
* **Minimal Ingredients:** Only requires 5 readily available ingredients, making it budget-friendly and convenient.
* **Customizable:** Easily adaptable to your taste preferences – adjust the spice level, add your favorite toppings, or substitute ingredients.
* **Flavorful:** Despite its simplicity, this chili is packed with rich, savory flavor.
* **One-Pot Meal:** Less cleanup is always a bonus!

## The 5 Magic Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

1. **Ground Beef (or Ground Turkey/Chicken):** The foundation of our chili, providing protein and hearty flavor. We are aiming for about 1 pound for a generous batch.
2. **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** Adds acidity, sweetness, and bulk to the chili. Use a large (28-ounce) can for the best results. You can use plain diced tomatoes or fire-roasted for a smokier flavor.
3. **Canned Chili Beans:** Provides texture, fiber, and that classic chili bean flavor. A 15-ounce can is ideal. Look for chili beans in chili sauce for extra flavor.
4. **Chili Seasoning Packet:** The secret weapon! This pre-mixed blend of spices adds depth and complexity without having to measure out individual spices. A standard 1-ounce packet is perfect.
5. **Tomato Sauce:** The unsung hero, that ties the chili together, adds body and richness. Go for a 15-ounce can.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your 5-ingredient chili:

**Step 1: Brown the Ground Meat**

* In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef (or your choice of ground meat) over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
* Cook until the meat is no longer pink and is evenly browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
* **Tip:** Drain off any excess grease after browning the meat. This will prevent the chili from becoming too greasy.

**Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients**

* Once the ground meat is browned and drained, add the canned diced tomatoes (undrained), canned chili beans (undrained), chili seasoning packet, and tomato sauce to the pot.
* **Tip:** For a thicker chili, you can drain half of the liquid from the canned diced tomatoes or chili beans.

**Step 3: Simmer the Chili**

* Stir all the ingredients together well to ensure the chili seasoning is evenly distributed.
* Bring the chili to a simmer over medium heat. Once 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.
* **Tip:** For an even richer flavor, simmer the chili for 30 minutes to an hour. Just be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

**Step 4: Taste and Adjust (Optional)**

* After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. If you want a milder chili, add a spoonful of sour cream or a dollop of plain yogurt.
* **Tip:** A squeeze of lime juice can brighten the flavor of the chili and add a touch of acidity.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. Top with your favorite chili toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, avocado, or tortilla chips.

## Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this 5-ingredient chili recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for variations and substitutions:

* **Meat:** Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat substitute instead of ground beef.
* **Beans:** Experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans. You can use a combination of beans for a more complex flavor.
* **Tomatoes:** Try using crushed tomatoes or tomato puree instead of diced tomatoes. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky flavor.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of chili seasoning to your liking. For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. You can also add a chopped jalapeno pepper to the pot while simmering.
* **Vegetarian Chili:** Omit the ground meat and add an extra can of beans or a can of corn for a vegetarian version.
* **Add Vegetables:** Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, or celery with the ground meat for extra flavor and nutrients.
* **Slow Cooker Chili:** Brown the ground meat on the stovetop, then transfer it to a slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

## Topping Ideas

The toppings are where you can really customize your chili and add your personal touch. Here are some popular chili topping ideas:

* **Shredded Cheese:** Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or a Mexican cheese blend are all great choices.
* **Sour Cream:** Adds a creamy and tangy element.
* **Chopped Onions:** Red onions, white onions, or green onions add a sharp, fresh flavor.
* **Avocado:** Adds a creamy and healthy fat.
* **Jalapenos:** Adds a spicy kick.
* **Tortilla Chips:** For crunch and texture.
* **Cilantro:** Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
* **Lime Wedges:** A squeeze of lime juice brightens the flavor of the chili.
* **Hot Sauce:** For extra heat.

## Tips for the Best 5-Ingredient Chili

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your chili will taste. Choose lean ground beef, good quality canned tomatoes, and fresh chili seasoning.
* **Don’t Skip the Simmering Time:** Simmering the chili allows the flavors to meld together and develop. The longer you simmer it, the better it will taste.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the chili after simmering and adjust the seasoning as needed. Don’t be afraid to add more chili seasoning, salt, pepper, or other spices to suit your taste.
* **Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot:** A heavy-bottomed pot will help prevent the chili from sticking to the bottom and burning.
* **Stir Occasionally:** Stir the chili occasionally while it’s simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom and burning.
* **Let it Rest:** If you have time, let the chili rest for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to develop even further.

## Serving Suggestions

This 5-ingredient chili is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Cornbread:** A classic chili pairing.
* **Saltine Crackers:** Another simple and satisfying option.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A comforting and kid-friendly meal.
* **Baked Potato:** Top a baked potato with chili and your favorite toppings.
* **Nachos:** Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with chili and cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Chili Dogs:** Top hot dogs with chili, cheese, and onions.

## Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

This 5-ingredient chili is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

**Storage:**

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, freeze the chili in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

**Reheating:**

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the chili in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the chili in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)**

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

* Serving Size: 1 cup
* Calories: 300-400
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 5-10g

## Conclusion

This easy 5-ingredient chili recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and customizable. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love. So, next time you’re short on time and craving chili, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy your delicious and effortless chili!

## Recipe Card

**Easy 5-Ingredient Chili Recipe**

A quick, easy, and flavorful chili recipe that requires only 5 ingredients!

**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15-30 minutes
**Total Time:** 20-35 minutes
**Servings:** 6

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
* 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
* 1 (15-ounce) can chili beans
* 1 (1-ounce) packet chili seasoning
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

**Instructions:**

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, chili beans, chili seasoning, and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir well.
3. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour for richer flavor, stirring occasionally.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings.

**Notes:**

* For a thicker chili, drain some of the liquid from the diced tomatoes or chili beans.
* Adjust the spice level by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
* Get creative with toppings! Try shredded cheese, sour cream, onions, avocado, or tortilla chips.