This Easy Chili Recipe is quick, simple, and delicious! You only need 6 ingredients, including ground beef, beans, chili seasoning, broth, and salsa (my secret ingredient for convenience). This flavorful homemade chili is always a hit, and a cozy dinner will be on the table in just 30 minutes!
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What’s in this 6-Ingredient Chili
You only need a handful of ingredients, one pot, and 30 minutes to make this super easy chili recipe. It’s the perfect recipe for beginners because it’s totally foolproof!
- Ground Beef: Use ground beef, or swap it with ground chicken or ground turkey.
- Chili Seasoning: I use my homemade chili seasoning, but you can use your favorite.
- Beans: A can of kidney beans is quick and convenient. You can use your favorite type of bean if you prefer.
- Salsa: A jar of chunky salsa adds all the flavor and texture you’d usually need multiple ingredients for. Try a spicy salsa if you want to add some heat.
- Broth: I use low-sodium beef broth for the best flavor.
- Cilantro: Cilantro is definitely optional, so if you don’t like like it, skip it!
What are the best toppings for easy chili?
I love to load up every bowl of homemade chili with lots of toppings, and you can really add whatever you want. Here are some favorites.
- Shredded Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Crackers
- Garlic Croutons
- Green Onions
- Sliced Jalapenos
- Bacon Crumbles
- Cilantro
- Hot Sauce
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Typical chili spices include things like chili pepper and chili powder, garlic and onion powder, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, paprika, and oregano. Using a chili seasoning blend brings everything together, so it’s much easier and quicker.
This quick chili recipe only needs about 15-20 minutes to simmer on the stove. If you have the time, feel free to let it simmer a little longer to continue deepening the flavor.
Yes, you need to cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, Then you can add the rest of the ingredients to make the chili.
Yes, if you prefer a meatless chili, simply skip the first steps with the ground beef. Add all ingredients to the pot and simmer together. You could also use a plant-based meat crumble, in place of the beef, following the same instructions.
How to Store and Reheat Easy Chili
Store leftover chili in an airtight container, and keep it in the refrigerator up to 4 days. It’s quick and easy to reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between. You can also reheat it on the stovetop, gently simmering and stirring until warmed through.
This is a great make ahead recipe, because the flavor only gets better while it sits in the fridge.
How to Freeze Quick and Easy Chili
Let it cool to room temperature, then store beef chili in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags (to freeze flat). Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What to Serve with Homemade Chili
This flavorful, easy chili recipe makes for the best comfort meal. I always serve cornbread or another hearty bread with it (like beer bread or rosemary focaccia), and Air Fryer baked potatoes make a good side dish too. It also makes a great topping for chili dogs. And this recipe is a gameday favorite that pairs well with meatball subs, cheese fries, and Instant Pot Pulled Pork.
Easy Chili Recipe (Only 6 Ingredients!)
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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
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Heat beef in a dutch oven over medium high heat, crumbling as it cooks.1½ pounds lean ground beef
- Once beef is crumbled, stir in the chili seasoning and continue to stir while it cooks.1 ounce chili seasoning
- When beef is no longer pink, stir in the beans, salsa, beef broth, and cilantro. Stir to fully combine.30 ounces kidney beans, 32 ounces chunky salsa, 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth, ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Reduce heat to simmer and allow to cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve with garnishes of your choice.Sour cream, Shredded cheese, Crackers, Fresh cilantro, Chopped onions, Sliced jalapeños
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
- Note: If you want your chili spicier, you can grab a spicier salsa. Works like a charm!
- Nutritional information does not include optional ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Which is better to use light or dark kidney beans?
I usually like the dark kidney beans for a chili recipe!
Easiest, most delicious chili I have ever made!! Thank you!!!!
You’re welcome, Amy! I’m glad you loved it!
My husband said this was the best chili he’s ever had and proceed to eat 3 bowls as well as pack the rest up for lunch all week. Good thing I doubled the recipe!
Good thinking!! Always a plus when the husband is a fan!
Hi, what is I want to do this in the crock pot how long to I leave it for??
This is a great recipe! I used stew meat and hamburger and it came out perfect!
Thanks for trying it out Erica, I’m glad you liked it!!
How do you use stew meat? Just brown it? Or do you get it chopped really fine from butcher !
This super quick 6 ingredient chili got higher praise than any of the other chili recipes I’ve tried in our 25 year marriage ???? My only change was adding a little cornstarch to thicken it.
Made this simple chilli recipe and it’s restaurant-grade taste!! :3 Actually better than fast food Mexican restaurants!
Is this possible to put in a crock pot?
I haven’t tried it yet but I think you could!
You can, I did for 2.5 hours on low!
This takes longer than 5 minutes to prep. The ground beef took 14 minutes.
Hi! I was counting browning the beef as part of the cook time. Hope you loved the recipe!
Those look like kidney beans to me.
Try being nice… delivery is everything…