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

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  • 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 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 is the secret to really good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids. Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

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 is the most important spice in chili? ›

Spices: Freshly ground cumin is a must. If it's not fresh, then don't bother. Secret Ingredients & Technique: I like extra hot chili, so I round up all spicy ingredients. I cool it down by piling on lots of fresh fixins' including scallions, cilantro, and sour cream.

What is the best liquid for chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

How to add richness to chili? ›

Here are some of the most common (and most effective) flavor boosters to add to your chili recipe.
  1. Booze (Beer, Wine, or Liquor) ...
  2. Liquid Smoke. ...
  3. Brine or Vinegar. ...
  4. Soy Sauce. ...
  5. Fish Sauce. ...
  6. Worcestershire Sauce. ...
  7. Coffee or Espresso Powder. ...
  8. Chocolate.
Aug 23, 2021

Why do you put vinegar in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

What makes can chili taste better? ›

Professional chefs shared their favorite ways to turn a can of chili into a tastier option. Cocoa, beer, and cinnamon are ingredients that'll boost the flavor of your dish. Fresh toppings are an easy way to add new flavor and texture to the premade meal.

What is the most flavorful meat for chili? ›

Texas Chili - Chuck

Most chili lovers will tell you that this is the ideal cut of meat for stew and chili. Chuck is initially a very tough cut of beef, but when you consider the fact chuck is highly marbled, it turns out this is perfect for the low-and-slow way to cook the perfect Texas chili.

How do you get the depth of flavor in chili? ›

To enhance the flavor of your chili, brown the meat before adding it to the pot. This step not only caramelizes the meat, but gives your chili more texture, adding a depth that cannot be achieved by simply simmering it in the chili.

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.

Do you cook onions or meat first for chili? ›

Making homemade chili is quite simple. You'll first need to cook the onions and garlic. Then you'll add your beef and cook it through. You'll finally add the peppers and seasonings, stirring it together to get that beautiful flavor together.

Do you drain kidney beans for chili? ›

You'll want to drain the kidney beans, but rinsing them is optional. Doing so will reduce the amount of sodium that gets carried into the dish. I choose to let mine sit in the strainer for awhile, but I don't rinse them.

Do people put sugar in chili? ›

The chili tastes completely different without the brown sugar so if you like a subtle sweetness in your chili then you've just got to go for it! Trust me, it will not make your chili taste like candy. It's all about balance between spicy, smoky, and sweet.

What to use instead of cumin in chilli? ›

8 Good Substitutes for Cumin
  • Ground coriander. Cumin and coriander grow from a plant in the parsley, or Apiaceae, family. ...
  • Caraway seeds. ...
  • Chili powder. ...
  • Taco seasoning. ...
  • Curry powder. ...
  • Garam masala. ...
  • Paprika. ...
  • Fennel seeds.

How do you darken chili flavor? ›

We're all about adding some cocoa to your chili, especially in the early stages of cooking when you're blooming your spices, but I like to drop a few pieces of dark chocolate into the pot too.

What can I add to a can of chili to make it taste better? ›

Professional chefs shared their favorite ways to turn a can of chili into a tastier option. Cocoa, beer, and cinnamon are ingredients that'll boost the flavor of your dish.

What spices add depth of flavor? ›

Spices like black peppers, cinnamon, ginger and cumin add depth to foods. Aromatic vegetables, such as onions, garlic and pepper, add complexity to dishes without adding salt. Boost flavor with fruit, such as citrus juice and citrus zest.

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