Hearty Easy 5 Ingredient Chili Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Crafting a delicious chili with just five ingredients might sound like a culinary magic trick.

Simplicity can unlock incredible flavor combinations that surprise even seasoned home cooks.

Minimal effort meets maximum satisfaction in this streamlined recipe.

Kitchen novices and busy professionals will appreciate how quickly this dish comes together.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building depth and richness.

Bold spices and hearty proteins create a comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Pro Tips for Simple 5 Ingredient Chili

• Remove all excess fat after browning to prevent greasy chili and ensure a cleaner, healthier dish.
• Sauté onions and garlic until golden to release their natural sweetness and enhance overall taste profile.
• Let chili cook on low heat to allow ingredients to meld together, developing richer, more complex flavors.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or monterey jack for unique taste variations.
• Chili tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and reheat for intensified flavors.

Variations on Easy 5 Ingredient Chili

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Southwestern Chili: Add diced green chilies and swap regular beans for black beans to create a zesty flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Chili Bowl: Use cauliflower rice as a base instead of traditional serving and reduce bean quantity for fewer carbohydrates.
• Turkey Lean Chili: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter, lower-fat protein option that maintains robust taste.

Serving Ideas for 5 Ingredient Chili

• Comfort Companion Pairing: Serve this hearty chili alongside warm, buttered cornbread or crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Topping Extravaganza: Customize your chili with a vibrant array of toppings like diced green onions, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips for added crunch and flavor.
• Meal Prep Magic: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for make-ahead lunches or freezing in individual portions for quick weeknight dinners.
• Side Dish Delight: Pair with a fresh green salad or coleslaw to balance the rich, hearty flavors of the chili and add a refreshing contrast to your meal.

How to Store Easy 5 Ingredient Chili

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's cooled completely before sealing.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 4-6 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power. Stir every 30 seconds until heated thoroughly, about 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent drying.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat?

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

• Is this chili spicy?

The heat level depends on the type of chili with beans you use. Choose mild, medium, or hot varieties based on your spice preference.

• How can I make this chili more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or diced zucchini during the cooking process to boost nutritional value and add more texture.

• Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

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

Why Easy 5 Ingredient Chili Is a Winner

• Simplify Cooking: Minimal steps and basic kitchen skills mean anyone can master this delicious dish, from cooking novices to seasoned home chefs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Hearty and satisfying, this chili brings warmth and flavor that appeals to all ages, making it an ideal family dinner or casual gathering meal.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, canned tomatoes, and beans creates a wallet-friendly option that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.

What You’ll Need for Easy 5 Ingredient Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the foundation for the chili.
• Sausage: An optional alternative that adds extra spice and richness to the dish.

• Onion: A classic ingredient that brings depth and sweetness to the chili.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and pungent flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes: Provides a tangy base and adds moisture to the chili.
• Chili with Beans: Offers a convenient mix of beans and additional chili flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and creamy cheese that adds a delicious finishing touch to the chili.

Easy Steps to Make 5 Ingredient Chili

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Select ground beef or sausage and cook in a large pot over medium heat.

Break the meat into small crumbles and cook until it turns completely brown.

Carefully drain any excess fat to keep the chili from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté these ingredients until the onions become soft and start to look translucent, releasing their delicious fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Build the Chili Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Chili beans

Stir all ingredients together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Let the chili cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

Remove the chili from heat and serve in warm bowls.

Top with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for an extra layer of creamy goodness.

Enjoy this comforting meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Easy 5 Ingredient Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty chili brings comfort with its bold Mexican-inspired flavors, blending simple ingredients into a robust meal. Spicy ground beef, aromatic spices, and rich beans create a satisfying dish you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef or sausage

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 white or yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Canned Ingredients:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) diced tomatoes
• 30 ounces (850 grams) chili with beans
• Cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high temperature and thoroughly brown the ground meat, ensuring complete separation and caramelization.
2. Drain any accumulated fat from the meat, preserving the rich protein base.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the pot, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and aromatic.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes and prepared chili beans, stirring to combine all ingredients uniformly.
5. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent bottom scorching and promote flavor melding.
6. Once cooking time completes and flavors have developed, transfer chili to serving bowls.
7. Garnish with generous sprinkles of shredded cheddar cheese, creating a creamy and tangy topping that complements the robust chili.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef or turkey to reduce fat content and make the chili healthier.
• Customize spice levels by adding jalapeños or hot sauce for extra kick, or keep it mild for sensitive palates.
• For vegetarian option, replace meat with plant-based ground protein or additional beans like black beans or kidney beans.
• Enhance flavor by adding a splash of worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika during cooking for deeper, richer taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg