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Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
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.
💡 Follow KateFi.com on Pinterest for:
- Frugal living hacks
- Budget-friendly meal ideas
- Creative side hustle tips
- DIY tricks that save you money
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)
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| 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 Cornbread – Cheap & simple cornbread recipe
🥗 Side Salad – Homemade dressing ideas
🍚 Rice or Quinoa – How 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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