Easy Chili Recipe That Feeds a Crowd for Under $5

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Kate

Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.

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Looking for a hearty, budget-friendly meal that can feed a whole family (or a party!) for less than $5? This Easy Chili Recipe is thick, flavorful, and packed with protein, using simple pantry staples to keep costs low.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or just need a cozy dinner, this chili delivers BIG on flavor without breaking the bank. Plus, it gets better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers!


🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Feeds 6+ People for Under $5 – Perfect for families or meal prep.
One-Pot & Easy – Just simmer & serve for a stress-free meal.
High in Protein & Fiber – Thanks to beans & ground beef.
Freezer-Friendly – Makes great leftovers for busy nights.
Customizable – Make it spicy, vegetarian, or extra hearty!


🛒 What You’ll Need

This cheap & delicious chili is made with basic pantry staples!

Main Ingredients:

½ lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option) 🛒 Best cheap ground beef options
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained & rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
½ onion, diced
1 tbsp tomato paste (or 2 tbsp ketchup as a budget swap!)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup water or broth
1 tbsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional, for smokiness)

💡 Want extra veggies? Add bell peppers, corn, or carrots for more nutrition!


👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

1️⃣ In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
2️⃣ Add onions & garlic, cooking until softened (2-3 minutes).

💡 Budget Tip: Stretch the meat by using ½ lb instead of 1 lb—the beans make up for it!

Step 2: Build the Chili Base

3️⃣ Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and paprika.
4️⃣ Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and water (or broth).
5️⃣ Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.

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Step 3: Simmer for Flavor

6️⃣ Let the chili simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7️⃣ Adjust seasonings as needed—add more salt, spice, or extra tomato paste if desired.

🔥 Want thicker chili? Simmer longer or mash some of the beans with a spoon!

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

🔟 Ladle into bowls and garnish with cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
🔟 Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice for extra heartiness!


💰 Cost Breakdown (Estimated per Serving)

IngredientCost
Ground beef (½ lb)$2.00
Kidney beans (1 can)$1.00
Black beans (1 can)$1.00
Diced tomatoes$1.00
Tomato sauce$0.50
Onion, garlic & spices$0.50
Total Cost:$4.75 (~$0.80 per serving!)

💡 Want to save even more?
✔ Use lentils or extra beans instead of meat.
✔ Swap canned beans for dry beans (cheaper in bulk).
✔ Buy store-brand tomato sauce & spices.


🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This rich, flavorful chili pairs well with:

🥖 Easy CornbreadCheap & simple cornbread recipe
🥗 Side SaladHomemade dressing ideas
🍚 Rice or QuinoaHow to cook perfect rice


Common Questions

Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! Just brown the meat first, then toss everything into a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

👉 Slow cooker chili cooking guide

How Can I Make This Vegetarian?

✔ Skip the ground beef and double the beans.
✔ Add chopped mushrooms or lentils for a hearty texture.

👉 Best vegetarian chili variations

Can I Freeze Leftover Chili?

Absolutely! Let chili cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

👉 How to freeze & reheat chili properly


🔗 Related Budget-Friendly Recipes

If you love cheap, hearty meals, check out:
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff – A Rich, Creamy Dinner on a Budget
One-Pot Spicy Cajun Chicken & Rice – Fast, Cheap & Delicious!
The 50 Grocery Challenge – Can You Eat for a Week on This Budget?

🔗 Want more meal-planning hacks?
Check out Meal Prep 101: How to Save Time & Money on Family Dinners.


🌟 Final Thoughts: A Cheap, Cozy Classic!

This Easy Chili Recipe is the ultimate budget-friendly comfort food, perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or stretching your grocery budget. With simple pantry ingredients and bold, smoky flavors, it’s a go-to recipe for anyone trying to save money while still eating well.

🔥 Tried this recipe? Drop a comment below & let us know how you customized it!

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