Easy Chili Recipe (6 Ingredients) - The Cookie Rookie® {VIDEO} (2024)

Easy Chili Recipe (6 Ingredients) - The Cookie Rookie® {VIDEO} (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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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!

Easy Chili Recipe (6 Ingredients) - The Cookie Rookie® {VIDEO} (2)

Table of Contents

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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What spices do you use in chili?

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.

How long should you let chili simmer on the stove?

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.

Do you have to cook ground beef before adding it to chili?

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.

Can I make this chili without meat?

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.

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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 (6 Ingredients) - The Cookie Rookie® {VIDEO} (6)

Recipe

Easy Chili Recipe (Only 6 Ingredients!)

4.40 from 265 votes

Author: Becky Hardin | The Cookie Rookie

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Cook: 25 minutes minutes

Total: 30 minutes minutes

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Serves4 people

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Easy Chili made with only 6 ingredients! This simple homemade chili is made with pantry staples and thrown together in minutes.

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Ingredients

  • 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)
  • 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

    Easy Chili Recipe (6 Ingredients) - The Cookie Rookie® {VIDEO} (9)

  • 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

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  • Reduce heat to simmer and allow to cook for 15-20 minutes.

    Easy Chili Recipe (6 Ingredients) - The Cookie Rookie® {VIDEO} (11)

  • 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

Calories: 661kcal (33%) Carbohydrates: 68g (23%) Protein: 58g (116%) Fat: 19g (29%) Saturated Fat: 7g (44%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g Monounsaturated Fat: 8g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 111mg (37%) Sodium: 1775mg (77%) Potassium: 2335mg (67%) Fiber: 22g (92%) Sugar: 10g (11%) Vitamin A: 4647IU (93%) Vitamin C: 7mg (8%) Calcium: 160mg (16%) Iron: 13mg (72%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

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More Homemade Chili Recipes We Love

  • Classic Chili
  • Chili Con Carne
  • White Chicken Chili
  • Instant Pot Chili
  • Turkey Chili
  • Buffalo Chicken Chili
  • Sweet Potato Chili
  • Crockpot Chili
  • Spicy White Chicken Chili
  • Cincinatti Chili

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Easy Chili Recipe (6 Ingredients) - The Cookie Rookie® {VIDEO} (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Rumi Spice's top tips for making chili:
  • Brown the Meat.
  • Don't Forget Vegetables.
  • Elevate with Extra Flavor.
  • Only Add Flavorful Liquids.
  • Opt for Dried Beans.
  • Season Early and Often.
  • Add Some Acidity at the End.
  • Top It Off.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What does cinnamon do for chili? ›

Cinnamon. The beauty of ground cinnamon is that it brings a warmth to your chili, without being spicy. It works well with other flavors commonly found in chili (like tomato, cumin and chile powder) so you only need a little bit to achieve the desired balance.

Does chili need tomato paste? ›

Tomato paste may come in a small can (or tube), but it packs a powerful punch and is an essential flavor building block for dishes like chili and beef stew.

How do you make homemade chili taste better? ›

Use real tomatoes, not canned. Make sure all of your ingredients are fresh and good. Use lots of herbs and spices. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

What is chili magic? ›

Bush's Chili Magic transforms tomatoes and your favorite protein into a delicious weeknight chili. Stock your pantry with 15.5 oz recyclable cans of Bush's Classic Homestyle Chili Magic Chili Starter. Bush's Classic Homestyle Chili Magic is made from tender pinto beans in a mild chili sauce with traditional seasonings.

Why do you put butter in chili? ›

Butter smooths out the bitterness and adds its unique richness, making you take another bite without quite knowing why. A dash of sugar and vinegar gives a sweet-sour flavor that also makes the sauce rounder and more satisfying.

Does Wendy's put sugar in their chili? ›

Chili Concentrate: Chili Sauce (Water, Tomato Juice, Tomatoes, Calcium Chloride, Seasoning (Sugar, Salt, Corn Starch, Dried Chilies, Spices, Flavor Enhancer [Dextrose, Salt, Yeast Extract, Silicon Dioxide, Modified Corn Starch], Citric Acid, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Xanthan gum), Beans (Pink Beans, Red ...

Does chili taste better the longer you simmer it? ›

Not Cooking It Long Enough

A low and slow cook time—at least an hour total—is key for drawing out the most flavor in a pot of chili.

When to add onions to chili? ›

Let the beef mixture sit on the counter for 20 minutes. In a large pot over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the onions, garlic, and red pepper; cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes.

What kind of peppers are good in chili? ›

In this case, the question was, “What peppers go best in a chili recipe made with beef?” In the end, I decided on three: red and green bell peppers, both for sweetness and their perfect colour combination, and a jalapeño to raise the heat a tiny bit more.

What makes can chili taste better? ›

Although canned chili will already have some seasonings, fresh herbs and spices will add bolder flavor. You can upgrade your chili using ingredients you likely already have on your spice rack, such as chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

What makes the best chili meat? ›

The best chili meat is a combination of meats, often a mix of ground chuck, ground sirloin, brisket, diced tri-tip, and/or some bacon or sausage. Do your best to mix smaller pieces with larger pieces to stack textures and make it your own! Happy cooking!

Why doesn't my chili taste good? ›

Not Cooking It Long Enough

A low and slow cook time—at least an hour total—is key for drawing out the most flavor in a pot of chili.

What makes a good competition chili? ›

It contains NO beans or other “fillers”. Finely cut meat seems to be preferred to ground meat (although some cookoffs advertise as ground meat only). The chili contains very little or no grease. Winning chili must look good, smell good and taste good.

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