Chili is a warm and comforting dish that many people love. It’s perfect for a cold day or a casual gathering with friends and family. This Easy Chili Recipe requires only six simple ingredients, making it an accessible dish for anyone, even if you’re new to cooking. With its rich flavors and hearty texture, it will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Why Make This Recipe
This Easy Chili Recipe is not only simple to prepare, but it’s also highly satisfying. The six ingredients come together to create a delicious meal that can feed a crowd. Plus, it allows for creativity with toppings, so everyone can customize their bowl to their liking. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to serve at a potluck, this recipe is sure to please.
How to Make Easy Chili
Making this chili is a breeze! Follow these straightforward steps for a tasty dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 ounce chili seasoning (store-bought or homemade (1 packet))
- 30 ounces kidney beans (fully drained and rinsed (2 (15-ounce) cans))
- 32 ounces chunky salsa (2 (16-ounce) jars) – the chunkiest you can find (see note)
- 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional garnishes: Sour cream, Shredded cheese, Crackers, Fresh cilantro, Chopped onions, Sliced jalapeños
Directions
- Heat the lean ground beef in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, crumbling it as it cooks.
- Once the beef is crumbled and browned, stir in the chili seasoning and keep stirring while it cooks.
- When the beef is no longer pink, add the kidney beans, chunky salsa, beef broth, and fresh cilantro. Stir to combine everything well.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and allow the chili to cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Serve hot with your choice of garnishes.
How to Serve Easy Chili
Once your chili is ready, serve it in bowls. You can offer a variety of toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped onions, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and crackers on the side. This allows everyone to enjoy their chili just the way they like it.
How to Store Easy Chili
To store any leftover chili, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Easy Chili
- Opt for lean ground beef to keep it healthier.
- Experiment with different types of beans if you prefer, like black beans or pinto beans.
- For extra flavor, add diced bell peppers or corn to the chili.
- Adjust the spice level by using spicy salsa or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Variation
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or additional beans. You can also add more vegetables, such as zucchini or carrots, for a hearty twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the ground beef first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
2. Is this chili spicy?
The spice level depends on the chili seasoning and salsa you use. Choose mild salsa and seasoning if you prefer a less spicy dish.
3. Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors improve when the chili sits. You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Easy Chili
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef Opt for lean ground beef to keep it healthier.
- 1 ounce chili seasoning Store-bought or homemade (1 packet).
- 30 ounces kidney beans Fully drained and rinsed (2 (15-ounce) cans).
- 32 ounces chunky salsa The chunkiest you can find (2 (16-ounce) jars).
- 1.5 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Optional Garnishes
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Crackers
- Fresh cilantro
- Chopped onions
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat the lean ground beef in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, crumbling it as it cooks.
- Once the beef is crumbled and browned, stir in the chili seasoning and keep stirring while it cooks.
- When the beef is no longer pink, add the kidney beans, chunky salsa, beef broth, and fresh cilantro. Stir to combine everything well.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and allow the chili to cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Serve hot with your choice of garnishes.
