5-Ingredient Chili
I’ve included some videos I found relevant and helpful. 😍

Are you craving a hearty meal but short on time? This 5-ingredient chili recipe is perfect for you! It takes just 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have a delicious, comforting bowl of chili ready in no time with minimal effort.

You only need ground meat, onion, canned tomatoes, beans, and chili powder. The recipe is super flexible too. Feel free to use your favorite type of ground meat and beans. Add some cheese, green onions, or sour cream on top for extra flavor. This easy chili is great for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple 5-ingredient chili:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 3 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 2 cans (15 oz each) beans, drained (your choice of black beans, kidney beans, or a mix)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
That’s it! Just five easy-to-find ingredients for a tasty chili.
You can customize the recipe by picking your favorite type of ground meat and beans. The canned tomatoes with green chiles add extra flavor without needing more ingredients.
Don’t forget to grab some toppings if you want to dress up your chili. Popular choices include:
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
These extras are optional but can make your chili even more delicious!
Instructions
You’ll love how easy this chili is to make! Start by cooking your ground meat in a big pot. Use a slotted spoon to move the cooked meat to a plate. Keep 1 tablespoon of grease in the pot.
Next, cook the diced onion in the pot for 4-5 minutes until it’s soft. Then add everything else back in – the meat, canned tomatoes, beans, and chili powder. Give it all a good stir.
Bring the chili to a boil, then turn down the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Your chili is ready to eat right away. Serve it up in bowls and add any toppings you like. Try shredded cheese, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
If you’re not eating it all now, you can store the chili in the fridge. Just put it in a sealed container and it’ll stay good for up to 3 days. Perfect for leftovers!
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily customize this 5-ingredient chili recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
Protein options:
- Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
- Vegetarian crumbles for a meatless version
- Diced tofu for extra protein
Bean alternatives:
- Pinto beans
- Great Northern beans
- Chickpeas
Spice it up:
- Add a teaspoon of cumin for smokiness
- Throw in some cayenne pepper for heat
- Mix in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for depth
Veggie boost:
- Toss in frozen corn
- Add diced bell peppers
- Mix in some chopped zucchini
You can also experiment with different types of canned tomatoes. Try fire-roasted or seasoned varieties for extra flavor. Don’t forget to adjust the cooking time if you add more ingredients.
For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot. If you prefer a soupier consistency, add a cup of broth or water.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Want to make your chili even better? Here are some handy tips:
Add a splash of beer or coffee for extra depth. This simple trick can boost the flavor.
Try different bean combos. Mix black beans with kidney beans for variety.
Spice it up! Toss in some cumin or smoked paprika for a flavor twist.
Make a big batch and freeze portions for later. Chili freezes well for up to 3 months.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for 3-4 days.
Reheat chili on the stove or in the microwave. Add a bit of water if it’s too thick.
Top your chili with cheese right after heating. It’ll melt nicely.
Serve over rice or pasta to stretch the meal further.
Got extras? Use leftover chili as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.