Name: 5-ingredient chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground meat; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 small can of tomato sauce; 1 can of kidney beans; 1 pkg chili seasoning

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Do you ever find yourself in a dinner bind? Do you want something hot and hearty, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? This 5-ingredient chili is the perfect solution! With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time. So fire up the stove and get cooking!

This 5-ingredient chili recipe is the perfect weeknight meal. It's easy to make, hearty, and delicious. Plus, it only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You'll love this simple chili recipe!

Table of Contents

Why you’ll love this weeknight chili:

It’s quick and easy. With just 5 simple ingredients and a short cooking time, you can have a delicious and hearty meal on the table in no time.
It’s so flavorful! Made with lean beef, rich tomatoes, tangy spices, and fresh veggies, this chili is packed with flavor. So good that you won’t even miss the beans.
It’s versatile. You can use this chili on its own as a satisfying dinner, or pair it with your favorite toppings for an easy weeknight meal. Whether you like it topped with shredded cheese, diced avocado, or jalapeno slices, this chili is sure to be a hit!
It is the perfect homemade meal to make when you are living with a chronic illness. It doesn’t take long to cook this healthy homemade meal.

Equipment needed to make weeknight chili:

Skillet

Pot

Can opener

Stirring spoon

Spatula

bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese

Ingredients for your 5-ingredient chili:

Ground meat

Can diced tomatoes

Small can of tomato sauce

Can of kidney beans

Pkg chili seasoning

How to make 5-ingredient chili

This is without a doubt the easiest chili recipe I have ever made. What I love about it is that it is also healthy and a hearty meal. It can fill you up quickly and can be customized to your family’s taste so easily.

Step 1. Cook the ground beef in a pan; drain.

Step 2. Add the cooked meat, a can of diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and a small can of tomato sauce.

Step 3. Add a packet of chili seasoning.

Step 4. Stir everything together and heat over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, or until the chili is hot and bubbly.

Step 5. Serve your weeknight chili with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, diced avocado, jalapeno slices, or sour cream.

What to serve/pair with your weeknight chili

Sides:

Chips or crackers

Breadsticks or cornbread

Refried beans or black beans

Desserts:

Apple slices or fruit salad

Cookies or brownies

Cocktails:

A glass of wine or cold beer

Non-alcoholic:

Coffee or hot tea

Popular substitutions & additions

There are many different ingredients that can be used to customize your chili and make it even more delicious. Some popular substitutions include adding diced bell peppers, chopped onions, and shredded cheese. Other popular additions to chili include corn kernels, black beans, sour cream, avocado slices, cilantro leaves, or jalapeno slices.

Additionally, you can use your favorite chili spices to enhance the flavor of your weeknight chili. Some popular options include cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. No matter what combinations you choose, this 5-ingredient chili is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Sometimes I use the following ingredients to get more of a kick and spice the chili up some.

Cheesy taco seasoning instead of regular taco seasoning

Italian seasoning to ground meat

Basil, garlic & oregano tomato sauce instead of plain tomato sauce

Fire-roasted canned tomatoes instead of plain tomatoes

Instead of using taco seasoning, you can also use: 1 tsp Lawry’s + 1 tsp onion

How to reheat & store 5-ingredient chili:

Best way to store weeknight chili:

To store your 5-ingredient chili, simply transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How long will 5 ingredient chili last in the refrigerator?

If stored properly, 5 ingredient chili will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze weeknight chili?

Yes, you can freeze your 5-ingredient chili. Simply transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat the chili, let it thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating it on the stove or in the microwave. Alternatively, you can reheat it directly from frozen and enjoy a quick and easy homemade meal.

How to reheat weeknight chili?

There are several different ways to reheat weeknight chili, depending on your preference and what you have available. Some popular options include reheating it over the stovetop in a pot or skillet or zapping it in the microwave for a quick and easy meal. Additionally, some people like to use their crockpot or Instant Pot to re-create the rich, hearty flavors of their favorite weeknight chili. No matter what method you choose, your 5-ingredient chili is sure to be delicious and satisfying every time!

Whether you are looking for a quick and easy dinner solution or just craving some delicious comfort food, 5-ingredient chili is the perfect option. This simple recipe is packed with flavor and requires minimal effort to make, making it the ultimate weeknight meal. Whether you enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favorite side dishes, toppings, and cocktails, this chili is sure to become a family favorite in no time. So why wait? Try out this delicious 5-ingredient chili today!

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