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Easy 3-Ingredient Chili

The easiest 3-ingredient chili recipe that’s made in 30 minutes or less! Thick, hearty and filled with flavor. This is the perfect easy soup recipe for fall! 

Bowl of chili topped with cheese, crushed tortilla chips and green onions.
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The Best Homemade Chili

When it comes to easy soup recipes, this quick chili recipe is at the top of my list. Some of my other favorites are taco soup, lasagna soup, crockpot chicken enchilada soup and hearty vegetable soup.

This easy to make, delicious to eat, easy 3-ingredient chili recipe has three basic ingredients that you can build upon to make your ultimate chili that’s perfect for your next football party! If you have a little more time to let your chili simmer, this Wendy’s chili recipe is a winner, too.

All that you need to make it is a pound of cooked and drained ground beef, a can of chili beans (undrained) and a can of chili ready diced tomatoes. Mix the meat, beans and tomatoes together in large pot, bring it to a boil and then simmer for about 30 minutes.

It’s as easy as that! Delicious and hearty chili that’s ready in no time. We love serving it with warm cornbread muffins or adding cornbread croutons on top. So yummy!

Only 3 Ingredients!

Chili cans and hamburger meat.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Chili beans: Make sure to use undrained beans. The sauce helps give that soupy consistency.
  • Diced tomatoes with green chiles: I like to use Rotel or Hunt’s Seasoned Diced Tomatoes in Sauce for Chili
  • Ground beef: Beef gives the chili a heartier flavor, however ground turkey will work too

Ways to Modify

At this point, you have a great bowl of thick and hearty chili. It serves four to six people and has a great flavor just on it’s own. But sometimes I like to get creative, and I’ll add in some extra ingredients to make it even better. Here are a few other ideas to spice up your chili:

  • Kick up the spice by adding chili powder, red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
  • Use a different meat like shredded chuck roast, stew meat, diced chicken, ground turkey or diced beef sausage.
  • Experiment with different beans – try adding a can of black, cannellini or kidney beans.
  • Top with onions, jalapenos, sour cream, or cheese.
  • Not a fan of cooked tomatoes? Blend the diced tomatoes in a blender to make tomato sauce – you still get the flavor without the chunks of cooked tomato.

How to Make Easy Chili

Simply follow the steps below to get started. Scroll down for the printable recipe.

Chili in a pot with wooden spoon.
  1. Mix ingredients together in pot. In a large pot, mix together the cooked beef, beans and tomatoes.
  2. Bring to a boil, then simmer. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for about 30 minutes.
  3. Add favorite toppings and enjoy. Add salt and pepper to taste. Then enjoy with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped tortilla chips and green onions.

Expert Tip

When adding different ingredients, the key is to keep the ratios 1 pound of meat, 1 can of beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes. If it’s too thick, just add a small can of tomato sauce, along with a little chili powder.

Chili in a white bowl with tortilla chips and cheese.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this easy 3-ingredient chili recipe in the crockpot?

Absolutely! Simply add all ingredients to the slow cooker and mix together. Then cook on low for 3 to 4 hours.

Can I make this chili with other types of meat or beans?

The key to this recipe is that it is offers limitless possibilities of variations. You can swap out the beef for turkey, Beyond meat, stew meat, chicken, etc. Want a different bean than chili? Add in whatever kind you like with a little chili seasoning. Have fun making this your own!

Looking for more chili recipes? You might also love this easy slow cooker turkey chili!

More Chili Recipes

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chili in a white bowl with tortilla chips and cheese

Easy Chili

5 from 18 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
The easiest 3-ingredient chili recipe that's made in 30 minutes or less! Thick, hearty and filled with flavor. This is the perfect easy soup recipe for fall! 
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound ground beef , cooked and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chili beans , undrained
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles , I use Rotel or Hunt's Seasoned Diced Tomatoes in Sauce for Chili
  • Kosher salt , to taste
  • Ground black pepper , to taste

Optional toppings: Cheese, Sour cream, Tortilla chips, Cilantro, Green onions

    Instructions

    • In a large pot, mix the meat, beans, and tomatoes together. Bring to a boil over medium heat and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer about 30 minutes.
    • Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy with your favorite toppings, such as cheese and sour cream.

    Notes

    Heat: For a little heat, use medium Rotel. For mild, use plain diced tomatoes or mild Rotel. If you’d like even more heat, add in 1 teaspoon chili powder.
    Crockpot: You could also combine in a crock pot and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
    Taking it up a notch: This is a EASY dump and go chili. If you’d like more flavor, try adding a diced onion and minced garlic with chili seasoning. If you’d like a homemade chili, try this chili recipe
    Storage: Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 568mg | Potassium: 650mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 64IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 3mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Course: Soup
    Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

    Originally written by Kristin from Yellow Bliss Road for I Heart Naptime.

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