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5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipes: Amazing & Easy

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Emma Fabiana

November 8, 2025

A bowl of chili, one of the 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipes, featuring ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and cheese.

You know those nights, right? The ones where you walk in after a super long day, the fridge is looking a little sad, and the thought of a complicated meal makes you want to just… order pizza. Again. Well, I’ve been there SO many times, and that’s exactly why I’m SO excited to share these [5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipes (No Fail)] with you! Seriously, these are lifesavers. We’re talking minimal fuss, maximum flavor, and you probably already have most of the stuff in your pantry. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights when you just need something satisfying and *fast*.

A pan filled with a delicious 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipe, featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and sauce.

Why You’ll Love These 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipes (No Fail)

Okay, so why is this recipe *so* good for those crazy nights? Trust me, there are a few super reasons!

  • Seriously Speedy: We’re talking just a few minutes of prep and a quick simmer. Perfect for when you’re starving!
  • Barely Any Shopping: With only five ingredients, you’ll likely only need to grab one or two things (if that!).
  • Mess-Free Cooking: Mostly one-pot wonders, which means less cleanup. Hallelujah!
  • Always a Winner: These 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipes (No Fail) are tried-and-true. Everyone loves them!

A bowl of hearty chili, a delicious and easy 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipes dish, with ground beef, beans, and tomatoes.

Gather Your Simple Ingredients

Okay, the best part about these 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipes (No Fail) is how darn simple the ingredient list is. You truly only need a few things:

First up, you’ll need about a pound of good old ground beef. Then, grab one onion – give it a quick chop. For that juicy flavor, we’re using one 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes, and you want to keep that juice in there! Next, a 15-ounce can of kidney beans, make sure you rinse and drain those babies. And the magic little spice that ties it all together? Just one teaspoon of chili powder. That’s literally it!

Effortless Steps for Your 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipe

Honestly, making these 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipes (No Fail) is ridiculously easy. It’s basically foolproof, even if you’re stuck in a time crunch or just not feeling super motivated in the kitchen. You’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time! It reminds me a bit of how simple my ground turkey chili is to whip up.

  1. First things first, grab your biggest skillet and get it over medium-high heat. Toss in your pound of ground beef. Let it cook and break it up with your spoon until it’s all nicely browned. You don’t want any pink left! While it’s cooking, go ahead and drain off all that extra fat. Nobody wants a greasy final product, right?
  2. Now, add that chopped onion right into the skillet with the beef. Sauté it all together until the onions start to look soft and a little see-through, which usually takes about 5 minutes or so. Give it a good stir to make sure it doesn’t stick.
  3. Okay, here’s where the magic really happens! Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (don’t forget that juice – it’s packed with flavor!), the rinsed and drained kidney beans, and that teaspoon of chili powder. Give it a really good mix so everything is well combined.
  4. Bring the whole mixture up to a gentle simmer. Once you see those little bubbles happily bubbling away, turn the heat down to low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir it every so often to make sure nothing’s sticking to the bottom of the pan. This lets all those yummy flavors meld together beautifully.
  5. And voilà! Your 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipe (No Fail) is ready to go. Serve it up hot and enjoy!

A bowl of hearty chili, one of the easy 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipes, topped with sour cream and cheese.

Tips for Success with Your No-Fail Ground Beef Recipe

Alright, so you’ve got the basic idea for these 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipes (No Fail), but let me give you a few little secrets I’ve picked up over the years to make sure it’s absolutely perfect *every single time*. First off, don’t skimp on the quality of your ground beef if you can help it! A good 80/20 blend gives you the best flavor and a nice richness. Also, make sure your onion is chopped relatively fine so it cooks down nicely and doesn’t stay in big chunks. And seriously, don’t rush that simmer time – it’s crucial for letting those flavors really get to know each other!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Now, the beauty of these 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipes (No Fail) is how adaptable they are! If you’re not a fan of kidney beans, go ahead and try black beans or even pinto beans. Just give ’em a good rinse and drain, of course. Feeling a little more adventurous? I sometimes toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the chili powder if I want a bit more kick. Or, hey, if you have a can of corn just lying around, drain it and throw that in too! It adds a little sweetness and texture. Totally up to you and what you have on hand!

Serving Suggestions for Your 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Dish

This hearty ground beef dish is fantastic on its own, but it really shines when you serve it up with some tasty sides to make it a full meal. Honestly, it’s so versatile! It’s amazing over a bed of fluffy white rice, or if you’re feeling a bit more like comfort food, some warm cornbread on the side is just heavenly. And for something a little lighter and fresher, a simple green salad from my collection of salads pairs up beautifully and balances everything out perfectly.

Overhead shot of a hearty 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipe in a wooden bowl, garnished with fresh herbs.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let this yummy 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipe (No Fail) cool down a bit first, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready for more, just reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat or pop it in the microwave. Stir it occasionally to warm it through evenly. It tastes almost as good the second time around!

Frequently Asked Questions About 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipes

Got questions about these super easy 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipes (No Fail)? I totally get it! Let’s clear up a few things:

Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground beef, it’s super adaptable. Ground turkey or even ground chicken would work beautifully. Just keep in mind that leaner meats might need a tiny splash of oil when you start browning them, as they don’t release as much fat. The flavor will be a little different, but still delicious with the chili powder and tomatoes!

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Oh, that’s a great question! To make this a vegetarian delight, just skip the ground beef altogether. You can add an extra can of beans (like black beans or chickpeas!) or even some chopped mushrooms or bell peppers when you add the onions. You’ll still get all that hearty goodness and amazing flavor from the tomatoes and chili powder. It makes for a really satisfying meatless meal!

Can I freeze this dish?

You sure can! This 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipe (No Fail) freezes like a dream. Once it’s completely cooled, pack it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It should last in the freezer for a good 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Easy peasy!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a quick note – these numbers are estimates, okay? When you whip up these awesome 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipes (No Fail), your final serving will probably be around 350 calories, with about 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 25g of carbs. You’ll also get a good dose of fiber, around 7g per serving. Keep in mind, the exact amounts can change a bit depending if you use leaner beef or a different kind of bean!

Share Your Culinary Creations!

Okay, now it’s YOUR turn! Have you made these super simple 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipes (No Fail)? I’d absolutely LOVE to hear what you thought! Drop a comment below, give it a star rating if you can, or tell me about any cool variations you came up with. Your feedback is what makes this so much fun – and super helpful for other home cooks too! You can always reach out through my contact page if you have questions or want to share something specific!

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A bowl of hearty 5-Ingredient Ground Beef chili topped with shredded cheese and green onions.

5-Ingredient Ground Beef Recipes (No Fail)


  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 30 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Simple and quick ground beef recipes with only five ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tsp chili powder

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain fat.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and chili powder.
  4. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Serve hot.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Serve over rice or with cornbread.
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: ground beef, 5-ingredient, easy recipe, quick dinner, no-fail recipe

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