This Simple Four Ingredient Chili recipe is one that everyone will love. Some of my family are pretty picky eaters so chili doesn’t always go over well with them, I recently tried an easy version that has fewer ingredients but still has great flavor! Chili is also budget-friendly, so you can add it to your meal plan without it costing you a ton.

The best part of cooking is trying different recipes! Making recipes a little simple can help anyone enjoy things like chili more. You can also try and get your kids in the kitchen, they may love helping you. Are you ready to learn how to make this chili? Let’s get started!

Four Ingredient Chili Recipe

I’ll be honest, when it comes to teenagers, they keep me busy! At one point in my life, I thought it would be easier to have teens than little ones, but that is proving me wrong.

Sometimes for dinner, I only have a few minutes to throw something delicious and semi-healthy together. I feel as though with our schedules, taking the time to put four ingredients in a pot and make a meal out of it is pretty easy! This is a great option to make in the slow cooker.

How Do You Make Chili From Scratch?

You’re in luck because I’m going to show you HOW to make this delicious Simple Four Ingredient Chili Recipe from scratch. You don’t need many ingredients and it’ll taste totally delicious. Follow along as I show you how to make this!

What are the Best Ingredients for Chili?

I’d say the best ingredients for chili is ground beef, beans, toppings, and veggies! The toppings are also an important part of making this chili. I love to add cheese to mine. What about you?

What Tools Do I Need to make Chili?

Cheese Shredder – if you don’t have shredded cheese, you can shred your own.
Chili pot – I love having a pot to cook chili in. Having one on hand is quite convenient.
Onion chopper – If you get tired of chopping onions by hand, you can always use an onion chopper!

What Goes with Chili?

Whenever I’m making chili, I’m always wondering what can go with it. Thankfully, this isn’t a hard decision and there is plenty to go with this chili. Here are some of my favorite options:

How to Make Simple Four Ingredient Homemade Chili

Ingredients You Need

1 Pound Ground Beef
Tomato Juice
Chili Beans
Chili Seasoning
Topping Options
Shredded Cheese
Sour Cream
Chives
Onion, diced

Instructions

Start by browning the ground beef in a pot. Add in the tomato juice, chili beans, and chili seasoning and let it cook on medium heat for 30 minutes. You can also put all the ingredients in a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Can You Use Homemade Chili for Chili Hot Dogs

One of the best things to do with left over chili is to grill a bunch of hot dogs and use it on top. You’ll feel like you’re at a baseball game enjoying a chili dog!

How long is Homemade Chili good for

To maximize the shelf life of cooked chili for safety and quality, refrigerate the chili promptly in covered airtight containers.

Properly stored, cooked chili will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

The Best Toppings for Chili

My favorite chili side is absolutely corn bread, but my husband would say his is peanut butter sandwich. Pretty much any bread will soak up whatever is left in the bottom of my bowl! We have an easy homemade bread recipe that’s great with chili too! If you need to stretch out the meal, serve it over white rice or even potatoes.

I always put out a collection of toppings… and while everyone has a different idea as to what goes with chili, I have a few staples:

sour cream
red or green onion
cheddar cheese or monterey jack
jalapenos
cilantro, avocado & lime wedges
croutons or tortilla chips

Can You Freeze Chili

Absolutely! Chili freezes and reheats beautifully. We freeze it in single sized portions for lunches or in freezer bags for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Defrost in the fridge overnight and heat in a saucepan (or the microwave) to serve. You can put it back into a slow cooker too if you want to let it heat up slowly for a couple hours!

Can you Can Homemade Chili

Yes! You’ll need a pressure canner, jars, rings and new lids to can chili. The only thing I have ever read about canning chili is that the beans could potentially get soggy, and you may want to add them when you decide to make the chili to eat.

If you enjoy growing your own tomatoes and peppers in the summer, canning chili is a great way to use them and stock your cabinets with quick and delicious meals for your family.

Is Homemade Chili Good for You

Yes, it’s lean beef loaded with tomatoes and beans (and veggies if you’d like). Tons of fiber, protein and flavor all in one bowl! Be sure you’re using lean beef and drain any fat (or use ground chicken/turkey if you prefer). I like to use half beef and half turkey to make it a healthier version. This is a great Keto recipe if you’re on that type of diet and it’s also Gluten free of course!

Choose low sodium or low sugar products to reduce the salt and sugar in this recipe.

The next time you’re in the mood for chili, I hope you’ll consider making my Simple Four Ingredient Chili Recipe. What’s your favorite part about this chili?

I love canning salsa with my tomatoes and there’s times I will pour part of a jar of salsa in my chili to give it a little kick.