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This easy chili recipe is filled with beans, tomatoes, corn, and plenty of Mexican spices. I’ve made this chili with meat and without and it’s delicious both ways.
I’m sharing the easiest chili recipe I make with you today, because as simple as it is, it remains my go-to dinner plan when we arrive home from traveling and I don’t have time or motivation to head for the store.
Simple Chili Recipe
Originally, this was simply an assortment of canned goods that I combined one afternoon when we had just arrived back in town and there wasn’t a bit of fresh food in the house.
After every single person at the table commented on how much they enjoyed the meal, I decided to scribble out a list of the ingredients and make it again. I’ve tweaked the ingredients a little bit here and there but no matter what, it comes out delicious every time.
The convenience of this recipe can’t be beaten. Ten years later, with the same nine cans of beans, tomatoes, green chile, and corn, it all still adds up to a comforting, warm, satisfying, and healthy meal.
Best Easy Chili Recipe
I’ve made many chilis in my day and many, like Hearty Pepper Chili, and White Chicken Chili, have become staples for family meals when we’re in the mood for something hearty.
On the days when I know we want something meaty and spicy, I whip up a batch of Spicy Five Bean Chili with Steak and Sausage.
This simple chili recipe is a return to the basics of chili. Tender beans (and meat, if you choose) and green chiles stewed with fire roasted tomatoes and spices to create a spectacular marriage of flavors that can be served in so many ways.
I’ve made versions of this chili both with and without meat. In the past, I have used 1 pound of ground beef, cooked and crumbled, plus (4) Italian sausage links (this was about 1 pound) browned on each side in a medium-heat skillet and then sliced into bite-size rounds.
I’ve also made this with 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of hot sausage. The chili can also be made with 3 cups of cooked, chopped chicken or turkey. Just about any variety of meat that you enjoy can be added to this recipe.
Chili with Canned Beans
Because this recipe relies almost entirely on canned ingredients, it’s a fantastic option when you’re low on groceries or without access to fresh produce. I keep these canned goods on hand just to ensure this remains the easiest chili recipe ever.
Chili and cornbread is a classic American pairing that always reminds me of past camping trips. This chili would also be delicious served with sour cream, cheese, and salsa and scooped with tortilla chips or in Frito Pie.
Slather it on hot dogs to make easy chili dogs, ladle it over baked potatoes, combine it with the best ever Creamy Macaroni and Cheese for the ultimate chili mac, or just eat as is. This is the one chili recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.
Tip: Put this chili on your meal plan for the end of the week when you might be low on fresh produce before your shopping day. Nothing about it tastes “canned” and it’s an economical, tasty way to use up pantry items.
Easiest Chili Ever
Want to know how to make easy chili? Just combine all the ingredients in a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, cover with lid and simmer, stirring occasionally for 2-10 hours.
In a hurry? You can simply bring the chili to a boil, simmer 15 minutes, and then serve it. However, if you have the chance to cook it longer, I highly recommend it. The flavors will be even better if you allow everything to simmer together for a while. Serve with the toppings of your choice.
While you can just bring all the ingredients in the chili to a simmer and serve right away, this is a recipe that greatly benefits from time. The longer you simmer your chili, the better all the delicious spices and flavors can meld.
I often cook this chili in the slow cooker. Toss everything in the Crock-Pot in the morning and your home will be filled with the enticing aroma of chili all day long. You’ll hardly be able to wait for dinner time!
You can also “slow cook” this recipe on the stovetop. Simmer for several hours (at least two but as many as 10) and you’ll be rewarded with an incredible dinner.
Chili is also a great “next day” meal! The flavors will have even more time to mingle and come together in the fridge overnight making reheated leftover chili just as good for lunch the next day.
Vegetarian Chili
I sometimes add meat to this chili but it’s still quite tasty without any meat at all. The beans are packed with protein that makes this a stick-to-your-ribs vegetarian meal that satisfies even the most voracious meat lovers in my family! If you omit the cheese on top, it’s even vegan to boot.
For another hearty chili recipe to try, check out our White Chicken Chili and Sean’s favorite Hearty Pepper Chili. If you’re lucky enough to have leftover chili on hand, try a Chili Cornbread Casserole too.
This chili recipe is hearty, warm, slightly spicy, and peppered with plenty of hot green chile flavor. It uses ingredients you’re likely to already have in your pantry and is as easy as it gets.
It’s perfect for beginning cooks or anyone looking for a nice, simple, economical, homemade meal without a ton of fuss or mess.
The Easiest Chili Recipe Ever
Ingredients
- 28 ounces ranch style pinto beans, do not drain
- 14 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 14 ounces white beans, do not drain
- 14 ounces tomato sauce
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes
- 14 ounces fire roasted tomatoes with green chile
- 7 ounces chopped green chile
- 14 ounces yellow corn, drained
- 2 tablespoons Mexican spice mix or taco seasoning
- Optional: 1-2 lbs meat of your choice cooked
- Toppings: shredded cheese sour cream, green onions, corn chips
Instructions
- STOVE-TOP DIRECTIONS: Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a simmer over medium low heat, cover with lid and simmer, stirring occasionally for 2-10 hours. (Yes, you can simply bring the chili to a boil, simmer 15 minutes and then serve it. However, if you have the chance to cook it longer, I highly recommend it. The flavors will change into something even better if you allow them to simmer together for a while.) Serve with the toppings of your choice. Enjoy!
- CROCK-POT DIRECTIONS: Combine all ingredients in a large crock-pot. Cook on LOW for 8-12 hours. Serve with the toppings of your choice. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{recipe originally published 2/26/14 – recipe notes and photos updated 4/24/24}
This sounds good to me. I love "open and dump" recipes. I like V-8 Hot and Spicy and wonder how that might be to add a little? Pinned it!
The sauce looks so rich and flavorful. Another home-run Mary! Hope you are doing great.
Yum!
That is super easy!
Thank you, this will be great to warm up to during our crazy March weather in Wisconsin.
This sounds delicious. I’m trying it tonight!
Do you drain the beans first?
I do not drain the beans for this recipe.
On this, you say meat of your choice. In your opinion, would this do well with chicken?
Hmmm, I’ve never tried this with chicken, but I think it would work. I’d add the cooked chicken right at the end of the cooking process. Let me know how you like it!
I can’t find ranch style pinto beans…is there a substitute?
You can typically find “chili beans” in most grocery stores and they will work nicely.
Can you make this with ground turkey meat instead of ground beef?
Sure you can, Rosa. Enjoy the chili!
hah where it the recipe
The recipe is at the bottom of this post, just above your comment.
Great recipe! This is now our go to chili recipe!! Easy ingredients and easy prep (and easy on the wallet!) My picky 8 year old even enjoy it (gasp!) Thank you for sharing! Looking forward to trying more of your recipes.
I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying the chili, Joy!
What if i dont add tomato? My family hates tomatoes do u think itll still taste good?
If you want to skip the diced tomatoes and just add more tomato sauce, that should work. However, I don’t think you can skip all of the tomato products. There won’t be enough liquid and it won’t be thick like chili with any other substitute.
My very first chili recipe and I couldn’t stop going back for seconds! What else do you make?!
How many persons will this serve.
Need chili for a food bank serving 40 persons
Hi Kitty! There is a built-in recipe multiplier in the recipe card. Just click on the number of servings and adjust with the scrolling feature.
Amazing recipe, I made it 2 weeks ago with ground beef and my boys loved it. Will make it again this weekend without meat for my vegetarian friend. Easy and very tasty, I put all the ingredients(no corn) in a pot on the stove for 2 hours, and I couldn’t believe how good a few cans of beans can taste together!
I’m so glad that you are enjoying the chili, Enas!
Please discuss what ranch style beans are. What goes into “Mexican spices”?
I use original brand “Ranch Style Beans” here. However, you can also use a store-brand of “chili beans” if they aren’t available in your area. The Mexican spice mix is my homemade taco seasoning that is linked above. You can use regular taco seasoning from the store as well.
Howdy Y’all! This weather calls for a hearty pot of chili!!!! And let me tell you… This hit my palate like a wrecking ball! It’s fast, EAAASSSSYYYY, and oh so YUMMY! I am a single mom of 4, that works for the school district, I need recipes like this! It was fun to make, even my kids can do it, it was fun to set the pot on the table and dig in! We rolled with easy and garnished it with sharp cheddar and fritos!!! It made enough for 2 nights. Thank you Sister for sharing this recipe! Much love from our table to yours!
Ashley🙏
I’m thrilled to hear that you liked the chili and it was hit with the family, Ashley! I’m all about EASY recipes to make meals easier.
Chili doesn’t have beans or tomatoes or corn.
So this dish isn’t chili.
Well, to each their own, Ryan. This is certainly the way that my family and many others enjoy eating chili. The corn is always optional for us, but never the tomatoes or beans.
Can you double this and make in a large cast iron pot fueled by propane
I’m guessing that would work fine. That will make a HUGE amount of chili.
this is such a amazing recipe.