5-Ingredient Crockpot Chili Recipe: Minimal Prep, Ready in 6 Hours

Table of Contents

• Your Simple 5-Ingredient Crockpot Chili Recipe (Ready in 6 Hours)
• Spice Storage Tips for Better Flavor
• How to Choose the Best Ingredients
• Make-Ahead Spice Mix for Faster Cooking
• When to Add Spices for Maximum Flavor
• Smart Ingredient Substitutions
• Frequently Asked Questions

Your Simple 5-Ingredient Crockpot Chili Recipe (Ready in 6 Hours)

Looking for an easy crockpot chili with just 5 ingredients? This foolproof recipe delivers rich, restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. You'll need:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)
• 1 (28 oz) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (12 oz) bag frozen mirepoix (onion, celery, carrots)
• 1 (28g) packet homemade chili seasoning mix (recipe below)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until no pink remains (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
2. Combine ingredients: Transfer browned beef to slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, black beans, frozen mirepoix, and chili seasoning mix. Stir to combine.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
4. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 6 hours | Servings: 6 | Calories: 320 per serving

Spice Storage Tips for Better Flavor

Proper spice storage keeps your 5-ingredient chili tasting fresh. Follow these simple guidelines:

• Store spices in airtight containers away from heat and light
• Keep whole spices up to 3 years, ground spices up to 1 year
• Label containers with purchase dates
• Store in a cool, dark place (not above your stove)

Do	Don't
Airtight opaque containers	Clear jars near heat sources
Cool, dark pantry location	Refrigerator door shelves
Freshly labeled containers	Original store packaging

How to Choose the Best Ingredients

When making chili with just 5 ingredients, each one matters. Here's what to look for:

• Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for best flavor (the fat carries spice flavors)
• Tomatoes: Fire-roasted crushed tomatoes add depth without extra ingredients
• Beans: Black beans hold their shape best during slow cooking
• Mirepoix: Frozen works perfectly and saves prep time
• Seasoning: A quality pre-mixed blend replaces multiple individual spices

Ingredient	Why It Matters
80/20 ground beef	Fat content carries flavor compounds throughout cooking
Fire-roasted tomatoes	Adds caramelized notes without extra steps
Black beans	Maintains texture during long cooking
Frozen mirepoix	Provides consistent sweetness without prep work
Pre-mixed seasoning	Ensures balanced flavor with fewer ingredients

Make-Ahead Spice Mix for Faster Cooking

Prepare this simple seasoning blend ahead of time for instant flavor:

Basic 5-Ingredient Chili Seasoning Mix

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Pro tip: Double or triple this mix and store portions for multiple meals. One batch makes enough seasoning for 2-3 batches of chili.

When to Add Spices for Maximum Flavor

Timing your spice additions makes a big difference in flavor. Try this simple method:

1. With the beef: Add half your seasoning mix when browning the meat - this helps the fat absorb flavors
2. With the liquids: Add the remaining seasoning when you add tomatoes and beans
3. Before serving: Taste and add a pinch more seasoning if needed

Important note: Let your chili rest for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to blend together for better taste.

Smart Ingredient Substitutions

Don't have everything on hand? These simple swaps keep your chili delicious:

If You're Missing	Try This Instead	Ratio
Cumin	Coriander plus a pinch of chipotle powder	1:1 for coriander + ¼ tsp chipotle
Chili powder	Paprika and cayenne pepper	1 tbsp paprika + ½ tsp cayenne
Garlic powder	Fresh minced garlic	⅛ tsp powder = 1 clove fresh
Smoked paprika	Regular paprika plus liquid smoke	1 tsp paprika + 2 drops liquid smoke
Oregano	Marjoram	Use equal amount

Important: Always taste after making substitutions and adjust as needed. Different brands vary in strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 5 ingredients for crockpot chili?

The 5 essential ingredients are: ground beef, fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, black beans, frozen mirepoix (onion/celery/carrot mix), and a homemade chili seasoning blend. This creates a complete, flavorful chili without needing additional ingredients.

Can I really make good chili with just 5 ingredients?

Yes! The key is choosing quality ingredients that do multiple jobs. Fire-roasted tomatoes add depth, frozen mirepoix provides sweetness, and a well-balanced seasoning mix replaces multiple individual spices. This approach creates surprisingly complex flavor with minimal ingredients.

How can I make my chili taste better with fewer ingredients?

Focus on proper spice timing - add half your seasoning when browning the meat so the fat absorbs flavors, and the rest with the liquids. Let the chili rest 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend. Using a quality pre-mixed seasoning blend also ensures balanced flavor without needing multiple individual spices.

What's the easiest way to make chili with limited ingredients?

Brown your ground beef, then add it to your slow cooker with crushed tomatoes, drained beans, frozen mirepoix, and your seasoning mix. Cook on LOW for 6 hours. No extra chopping or prep needed - just combine and cook. The frozen mirepoix eliminates vegetable prep while still providing flavor.

Can I prepare the seasoning mix ahead of time?

Absolutely! Mix the chili seasoning ingredients in a small container and store for up to 6 months. Make multiple batches at once to have seasoning ready whenever you want to make chili. One batch makes enough for 2-3 chili recipes, saving time when you're ready to cook.