Homemade chili is a delicious and cheap dinner any time, but this easy chili recipe is even better as it calls for just 3 ingredients! Make it today in a crockpot or on the stove!
Homemade chili is a staple in our home, and since we like to eat for under $200 a month, the fact that it’s an easy chili recipe AND super cheap makes it a very common meal for us!
With 3 simple ingredients and a few spices, this easy chili recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes and can be made as a crockpot chili recipe with ease!
Homemade Easy Chili Recipe
While many areas of the country call for beans in their chili, down here in Texas we cut the beans and pump up the beef instead! However, if you are from “bean chili” country, feel free to add them!
This is a delicious chili recipe on its own, but you can also treat it like a base and add extra items if you wish, like chili peppers and so on.
Generally we serve this easy chili recipe with a generous garnish of raw cheese and a side of sourdough crackers.
I make this on the stovetop generally, however, you can make it in a crockpot with only a slight modification!
Variation: Crockpot Chili Option
To make this in a crockpot, simply saute the onions and beef, then add them to the crockpot with all remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-6.
Homemade Chili FAQs
Can you freeze this chili?
Yes! You absolutely can and we do it all the time! Just store the desired amount (we do 3-4 cups) in a ziploc bag and freeze flat. Once the chili is frozen, you can then stack or store upright.
To defrost frozen chili, we place a bag in the fridge the night before, then heat it in a pan on the stove. You can also place the thawed chili from the fridge in a crockpot, add some extra water (1/4 cup of water per cup of chili), stir and heat on low for 4 hours.
Easy Chili Recipe
Homemade chili is a delicious and cheap dinner any time, but this easy chili recipe is even better as it calls for just 3 ingredients! Top with cheese and serve with crackers.
Ingredients
- 2 8oz cans tomato paste
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2-4 lbs ground beef (we use ground brisket)
- 2 Tbsp ground chili powder
- salt, pepper, garlic (to taste)
- 8 cups water
Instructions
-
Combine water and tomato paste and whisk until smooth.
-
In a large soup pot, saute onion and ground beef until brown, add tomato juice on top.
-
Add spices and stir until well combined. Cover and continue cooking over med-low heat for 30-45 minutes.
-
Serve with cheese and crackers.
Recipe Notes
* To make this in a crockpot, simply saute the onions and beef, then add them to the crockpot with all remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-6.
** Add beans or any other desired additions with the spices.
*** This chili is even better the next day, so make it ahead if you can.
**** Freezes well in ziploc bags, if desired.
Mirlandra says
This sounds really wonderful! I saved this for later and I’m going to add it to our meal plan soon! Thank you :)
Victoria says
Yay, thank you Mirlandra! I hope y’all enjoy it as much as we do!