5-Ingredient Chili (Easy One Pot Recipe) Recipe
Introduction
This 5-Ingredient Chili is an easy, hearty one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavorful ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, beans, and a touch of heat, it’s simple to make and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste, you can add more at the end)
- 29 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes with garlic (2 (14.5-ounce) cans)
- 31 ounces chili beans (2 (15.5-ounce) cans, such as S&W)
- 7 ounces diced green chiles (or 1/2 can (4-ounce) diced jalapenos)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large (4-quart) saucepan over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and kosher salt. Break the beef up using a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked through.
- Step 2: Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chili beans, diced green chiles or jalapenos, and crushed red pepper flakes (adjust quantity depending on your spice preference). Stir well to combine, then reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. If it tastes flat, add a little more salt a pinch at a time until the flavors brighten.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder chili, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper and use green chiles instead of jalapenos.
- Add a diced onion or minced garlic with the beef for extra depth of flavor.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro for added richness.
Storage
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat substitutes or add extra beans and vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian chili.
How can I thicken the chili if it’s too watery?
Simmer the chili uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid, or stir in a small amount of tomato paste or masa harina to thicken it quickly.
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5-Ingredient Chili (Easy One Pot Recipe) Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This easy 5-Ingredient Chili recipe is a quick and flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Using simple pantry staples like lean ground beef, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chili beans, diced green chiles or jalapenos, and crushed red pepper flakes, this chili comes together in just a few minutes on the stovetop. It’s a hearty, comforting dish with a perfect balance of spice and savory flavors that can be easily adjusted to your taste.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
Vegetables & Beans
- 29 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes with garlic (2 cans, 14.5 ounces each)
- 31 ounces chili beans (2 cans, 15.5 ounces each, S&W recommended)
- 7 ounces diced green chiles (or 1/2 can, 4 ounces diced jalapenos)
Spices
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a large 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break the beef up into small pieces while cooking. Stir occasionally and continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked through and no longer pink.
- Add remaining ingredients: To the cooked beef, add the fire roasted diced tomatoes, chili beans, diced green chiles or jalapenos, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust salt as needed, adding a pinch at a time if the flavor seems flat. Stir well before serving.
Notes
- For a milder chili, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute diced green chiles with diced jalapenos or other chili peppers based on heat preference.
- This chili can be easily doubled for larger crowds.
- Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions if desired.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3 days and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: easy chili recipe, one pot chili, quick chili, 5 ingredient chili, beef chili, stovetop chili, weeknight dinner
