Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy 3-Ingredient Chili is a comforting, no-fuss meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with flavor. The base recipe is simple, yet the possibilities for adding layers of taste are endless. It’s hearty, filling, and loved by everyone, making it a go-to chili recipe for families and anyone looking to enjoy a bowl of warmth without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with chili spices
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans (undrained)
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Cook the beef: In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the tomatoes and beans: Stir in the diced tomatoes with chili spices and the chili beans (undrained).
- Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. For best results, simmer longer to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or hot sauce to elevate the heat.
- Three-Bean Chili: Add black beans and kidney beans to the base for more texture and flavor.
- Southwestern Chili: Include a can of corn, green chiles, and taco seasoning for a southwestern twist.
- Healthier Option: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version of this chili.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: This chili freezes well for up to 2–3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Reheat in a pot over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or skip the meat altogether for a hearty bean chili.
Can I use a different type of beans?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the chili beans for black beans, kidney beans, or even white beans depending on your preference.
How can I make the chili spicier?
Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to increase the heat. You can also use spicy chili beans or a can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the chili in a slow cooker. Brown the beef first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
Can I add vegetables to this chili?
Definitely! You can add diced onions, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
What toppings go well with this chili?
Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, or chopped cilantro. Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread also make great additions.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, this chili is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beans and chili spices.
Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe.
How do I make the chili thicker?
If you prefer a thicker chili, you can add a bit of tomato paste or cook it uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
You can use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to dice them and add extra chili spices to match the flavor of canned chili-seasoned tomatoes.
Conclusion
This Easy 3-Ingredient Chili is a versatile and quick recipe that delivers great taste with minimal effort. Whether you stick to the basic ingredients or customize it with your favorite add-ins, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings, this chili is both comforting and satisfying for the whole family.
Print
Easy 3-Ingredient Chili
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy 3-Ingredient Chili is the ultimate comfort food, made with just three simple ingredients: ground beef, chili beans, and seasoned diced tomatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s quick to prepare, customizable, and packed with rich flavor. Whether you like it mild or spicy, this chili recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings in no time!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with chili spices
1 (15 oz) can chili beans (undrained)
Instructions
-
Cook the beef: In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
-
Add the tomatoes and beans: Stir in the diced tomatoes with chili spices and the chili beans (undrained).
-
Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. For best results, simmer longer to let the flavors meld together.
-
Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add chili powder, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
For more texture, try adding different beans or corn.
Ground turkey is a lighter alternative to ground beef if you want a healthier version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
