There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a bowl of chili that warms you from the inside out. This Easy Chili Recipe (Only 6 Ingredients!) Recipe is not just delicious but also wonderfully straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a hearty, flavorful meal without fussing over too many steps or complicated ingredients. With just six simple staples, you’ll whip up a chili that bursts with bold spices, rich beefiness, and a lovely kick of freshness from cilantro. It’s truly a must-have recipe when you want something cozy, quick, and tasty on the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how only six ingredients can come together to create such an amazing dish. Each component is carefully chosen to add depth of flavor, great texture, and vibrant colors that make this chili so enjoyable and satisfying.
- Lean ground beef (1½ pounds): The hearty base that gives your chili richness and a satisfying meaty texture.
- Chili seasoning (1 ounce): The magic spice blend that brings warmth and complexity; store-bought or homemade works perfectly.
- Kidney beans (30 ounces, drained and rinsed): Adds creaminess and a lovely bite while balancing the meat’s richness.
- Chunky salsa (32 ounces): Provides vibrant tomato flavor, chunks of vegetables, and a hint of sweetness; opt for the chunkiest you can find!
- Low-sodium beef broth (1½ cups): Keeps the chili moist and intensifies the meaty flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Fresh cilantro (¼ cup chopped): A bright, fresh herb that lifts all the flavors and adds a pop of green color.
How to Make Easy Chili Recipe (Only 6 Ingredients!) Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating your lean ground beef in a heavy-bottomed dutch oven over medium-high heat. Break it apart as it cooks so it crumbles evenly. This step sets the foundation with rich, browned flavors that are irresistible.
Step 2: Add the Chili Seasoning
Once the beef is nicely crumbled and beginning to brown, sprinkle in the chili seasoning. Stir continuously for a minute or two to let those fragrant spices bloom and coat the meat evenly. This step packs in the essence of chili flavor you’re after.
Step 3: Combine Beans, Salsa, Broth, and Cilantro
After your beef has cooked through and lost its pinkness, stir in the drained kidney beans, chunky salsa, beef broth, and chopped cilantro. Mix everything well so the beans and salsa meld perfectly with the seasoned meat.
Step 4: Let it Simmer
Turn your heat down to low or medium-low and allow the chili to simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes. This simmering step lets all the flavors marry together and the chili thicken to just the right consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once simmered and beautiful, ladle your chili into bowls and get ready to dress it up with your favorite garnishes. This chili is comfort in a bowl, ready to be enjoyed with loved ones or just by yourself after a long day.
How to Serve Easy Chili Recipe (Only 6 Ingredients!) Recipe
Garnishes
Add a dollop of sour cream to bring creaminess that balances the spices, sprinkle shredded cheese for melty richness, or top with fresh chopped onions and sliced jalapeños to add crunch and a little extra heat. Fresh cilantro leaves add a refreshing herbal note that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
This hearty chili pairs beautifully with simple sides like buttery crackers for texture contrast, warm cornbread for a hint of sweetness, or even a crisp green salad when you want to add some freshness to the meal. Each side allows the chili’s flavors to really shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your chili over steamed rice or baked potatoes for a different but equally satisfying experience. You can also transform it into a chili cheese dip by topping with lots of cheese and baking until bubbly, perfect for game days or casual gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chili keeps exceptionally well. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make this Easy Chili Recipe (Only 6 Ingredients!) Recipe ahead for busy weeks, it freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warm throughout. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative and works well with the chili seasoning. Just be mindful that turkey can cook a bit faster and may be slightly drier, so keep an eye on the simmering time.
Is it necessary to use chunky salsa?
Using chunky salsa adds wonderful texture and a vibrant, fresh-tasting element to the chili, but if you only have smooth salsa, it will still work. You might want to add a bit of diced fresh tomatoes or vegetables to maintain texture.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! To amp up the heat, add sliced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or extra chili powder during cooking. The base recipe is very adaptable, so you can tailor it to your preferred spice level.
Is rinsing canned beans necessary?
Yes, rinsing kidney beans helps remove excess sodium and any canning liquid flavors, resulting in cleaner taste and better texture in your chili.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with extra beans, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The chili seasoning and salsa will still deliver great flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chili Recipe (Only 6 Ingredients!) Recipe offers amazing comfort food with minimal effort and fuss. It’s a reliable classic that anyone can master and enjoy anytime, whether for a cozy family dinner or casual get-together. So go ahead, give it a try, and savor the perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and warmth in every spoonful!
Print
Easy Chili Recipe (Only 6 Ingredients!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful meal made with just six simple ingredients. It features lean ground beef simmered with chili seasoning, kidney beans, chunky salsa, and beef broth, finished with fresh cilantro. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s versatile and can be served with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and jalapeños.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 ounce chili seasoning (store-bought or homemade, about 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)
- 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Optional Garnishes
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Crackers
- Fresh cilantro
- Chopped onions
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat the lean ground beef in a dutch oven over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks until browned.
- Add Chili Seasoning: Stir in the chili seasoning thoroughly, continuing to cook and stir to evenly coat the beef with the spices.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the beef is no longer pink, add the drained kidney beans, chunky salsa, beef broth, and chopped fresh cilantro to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low or medium-low to maintain a simmer. Let the chili cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the chili into bowls and top as desired with sour cream, shredded cheese, crackers, extra cilantro, chopped onions, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use the chunkiest salsa available for added texture and flavor.
- For a spicier chili, add more jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
- Drain and rinse the kidney beans to reduce sodium content and prevent the chili from being too thick.
- This chili can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
