This easy 5 ingredient chili turns ground beef, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, and canned chili into a thick, satisfying dinner in about 40 minutes. It is the kind of recipe you can make on a busy weeknight with a short grocery list.
Browning fresh beef with onion and garlic gives the pot a homemade base, and the canned chili brings the spices and beans for you. A 20 minute simmer lets everything blend, and a handful of cheddar finishes each bowl.
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Why This Easy 5 Ingredient Chili Recipe Works
Canned chili with beans does the heavy lifting on seasoning and beans, so you do not need a long spice list or a pot of soaked beans.
Fresh onion, garlic, and beef make the pot taste far richer than canned chili straight from the can, and the diced tomatoes add brightness and extra volume.
The recipe stretches easily. Double it for a crowd, or use leftovers over baked potatoes, hot dogs, or tortilla chips.
Ingredients for Easy 5 Ingredient Chili
- 1 lb ground beef (or sausage)
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, no salt added
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chili with beans
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
Ground beef or sausage: Beef gives a classic chili flavor, while mild Italian sausage adds more seasoning. Cook either one to 160 degrees F.
Canned chili with beans: Look for a reduced sodium version if you can find one, since canned chili is the main source of salt in this pot.
Diced tomatoes: They add moisture and brightness. No salt added tomatoes help keep the sodium in check.
Onion and garlic: They add fresh flavor that makes the pot taste homemade. Mince the garlic finely so it melts into the chili.
How to Make Easy 5 Ingredient Chili
1. Brown the meat. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up, until no pink remains and it reaches 160 degrees F.
2. Soften the vegetables. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until soft and fragrant. If the pot looks dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
3. Add the cans. Stir in the diced tomatoes and both cans of chili, then bring to a boil over medium high heat.
4. Simmer. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick.
5. Serve. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar.
How to Serve Easy 5 Ingredient Chili
Ladle the chili over warm cornbread hoecakes or serve it with garlic bread, honey butter dinner rolls, and a side of creamy macaroni salad. Top bowls with extra cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
How to Store and Reheat Easy 5 Ingredient Chili
Cool the chili within 2 hours and refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until it reaches 165 degrees F, adding a splash of water if it has thickened.
Tips and Variations for Easy 5 Ingredient Chili
Pick the right meat. Ground sausage or half beef and half sausage makes a more seasoned pot.
Add a pinch of spice. A teaspoon of chili powder or 1/2 teaspoon of cumin boosts the flavor without changing the method.
Make it spicy. Stir in diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
Use a big pan. A wide Dutch oven helps the pot reduce evenly and prevents scorching.
Thicken it up. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes longer, or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste.
Serve it loaded. Spoon the chili over baked potatoes or tortilla chips for a quick second dinner.
Double it. The recipe doubles well in a large pot for game day.
Store safely. For general guidance on storing prepared foods, see this Purdue Extension guide to storing leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy 5 Ingredient Chili
What are the five ingredients in easy 5 ingredient chili?
Ground beef, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, and canned chili with beans. Cheddar is an optional topping.
Can I make easy 5 ingredient chili in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef, onion, and garlic first, then cook everything on low for 4 to 6 hours.
Can I freeze easy 5 ingredient chili?
Yes. Freeze for up to 3 months in airtight containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. Add a tablespoon of oil for browning and cook it to 165 degrees F.
How do I make it less salty?
Pick reduced sodium canned chili and no salt added tomatoes, and skip salty toppings.
Easy 5 Ingredient Chili
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Can opener
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage
- 1 medium white onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz, no salt added
- 2 can chili with beans 15 oz each
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
Cooking
- Brown. Cook the beef over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes until it reaches 160 degrees F.
- Soften. Cook the onion and garlic for 3 to 5 minutes. Add olive oil if the pan is dry.
- Combine. Add the tomatoes and canned chili and bring to a boil.
- Simmer. Cook on low for 20 minutes, uncovered, stirring now and then.
- Top. Serve in bowls with shredded cheddar.
