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Easy Beginner Chili Recipe 5-Ingredient One-Pot Hearty Comfort Meal

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A quick and easy one-pot chili recipe using just five ingredients, perfect for beginners and busy weeknights. This hearty comfort meal is flavorful, forgiving, and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 packet (about 1 oz / 28 grams) chili seasoning
  • 14.5 oz (411 grams) canned diced tomatoes
  • 15 oz (425 grams) canned kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • Optional: 1/4 cup (60 ml) water or beef broth to loosen chili if needed

Instructions

  1. Dice one medium onion finely and drain and rinse your canned beans.
  2. Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until no longer pink and starting to brown (8-10 minutes). Drain excess fat if desired.
  3. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent (3-4 minutes).
  4. Sprinkle the chili seasoning packet evenly over the beef and onions, stirring well to coat everything (1 minute).
  5. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice and the rinsed beans. Stir gently to combine (2 minutes).
  6. Reduce heat to low and partially cover the pot. Let the chili simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of water or beef broth if it gets too thick.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional chili powder if desired (1 minute).
  8. Serve warm, optionally topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Notes

If chili becomes too thick during simmering, add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen. Browning the beef adds depth of flavor. Drain fat for a lighter chili but keep some for richness. Use fresh onions for better texture and aroma. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Customize seasoning with smoked paprika or hot sauce for extra flavor. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili, easy chili recipe, one-pot meal, beginner recipe, ground beef chili, hearty chili, quick dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://milacook.com/easy-beginner-chili-recipe-5-ingredient-one-pot-hearty-comfort-meal/