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!

overhead view of a bowl of easy homemade chili with toppings and crackers

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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.

how to make quick and easy chili step by step photo instructions
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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.

close up on a ladle full of beef and bean chili

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.

hand dipping a cracker into a bowl of homemade chili
Recipe Card

Easy Chili Recipe (Only 6 Ingredients!)

4.41 from 268 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Becky Hardin
featured easy chili recipe
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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Equipment

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

Instructions 

  • Heat beef in a dutch oven over medium high heat, crumbling as it cooks.
    1½ pounds lean ground beef
    the ground beef is being cooked in a skillet.
  • 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
    a pot full of chili in a black pan.
  • Reduce heat to simmer and allow to cook for 15-20 minutes.
    chili in a pot on top of a stove.
  • Serve with garnishes of your choice.
    Sour cream, Shredded cheese, Crackers, Fresh cilantro, Chopped onions, Sliced jalapeños

Video

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.
Calories: 661kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 58gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 1775mgPotassium: 2335mgFiber: 22gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 4647IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 160mgIron: 13mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

More Homemade Chili Recipes We Love

Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

4.41 from 268 votes (253 ratings without comment)
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48 Comments
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Melissa T.
Melissa T.
January 31, 2023 9:34 am

So easy and so delicious! I skipped the chili seasoning and used Bushes chili beans therefore no rinsing. I used less beef broth because of my beans. I like Aldi’s organic salsa.5 stars

Carol K
Carol K
January 26, 2023 2:02 pm

I really enjoyed this recipe! I made it with half ground beef, and half turkey, mild chili seasoning, and mild salsa. I had to use cilantro from a tube, because that’s what I had on hans. It was so easy to make, it felt like I was cheating. I’ll definitely be making this one again.5 stars

Eva
Eva
January 24, 2023 1:06 pm

What kind of salsa is everyone using in this recipe?

Melissa T.
Melissa T.
January 31, 2023 9:35 am
Reply to  Eva

I love Aldi’s organic mild salsa.

irene
irene
December 28, 2022 4:23 pm

The recipe is perfect as it is i just added a little more beef broth thank you for sharing this delicious recipe that is now a must every sunday5 stars

Taylor
Taylor
December 21, 2022 8:01 am

Can you make this recipe in the crock pot?

Samantha Marceau
December 21, 2022 9:29 am
Reply to  Taylor

Sure! We also have a crockpot chili recipe (click here)!

Becki
Becki
December 10, 2021 7:32 pm

My husband loved this chili!! He had a coworker over to help on a project and he went back to work telling everyone I made the BEST chili he’s ever eaten and now I’m asked to make a pot for 40 for Christmas 😊5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
December 17, 2021 1:39 pm
Reply to  Becki

Good luck with that!!

Vicky
Vicky
March 14, 2021 7:20 pm

How many carbs and fiber per serving or in this 4 serving recipe? Thank you4 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
March 17, 2021 1:40 pm
Reply to  Vicky

The nutrition facts are down below Vicky! You can adjust it based on serving size!

Vicky
Vicky
March 17, 2021 2:14 pm
Reply to  Becky Hardin

I looked under the Nutrition Information, but carbs and fiber are not listed. I didn’t see it listed under comments either. Thank you.4 stars

Cathy
Cathy
January 23, 2023 7:21 pm
Reply to  Vicky

I checked also and carbohydrates and fiber #s are missing.

Samantha Marceau
January 24, 2023 9:12 am
Reply to  Cathy

We’re sorry about that! We’ve just rechecked and updated the recipe!

Lucy
Lucy
February 21, 2021 1:40 pm

Easy and delicious5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
February 23, 2021 9:34 am
Reply to  Lucy

Thanks for stopping by and sharing, Lucy!

ToddlerTaxi
ToddlerTaxi
February 7, 2021 3:16 pm

Thanks for this recipe! It was quick, easy and delicious! Served with cornbread.5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
February 12, 2021 3:15 pm
Reply to  ToddlerTaxi

Thanks for stopping by!

Rachel
Rachel
November 2, 2020 2:10 pm

What brand of salsa is the best to use for this recipe?

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
November 3, 2020 9:32 am
Reply to  Rachel

You can use your favorite brand, as long as it’s super chunky salsa! The chunkier the better.

Kenny
Kenny
November 21, 2022 4:11 pm
Reply to  Becky Hardin

Does it have to be chunky? I don’t like tomatoes so can’t eat big chunks of it

Samantha Marceau
November 21, 2022 4:37 pm
Reply to  Kenny

The chili might be too runny if you go for a smoother salsa, but you can certainly try!