SaucebookHow much does it cost to make chili?
With example prices, a batch of chili (a big pot, 8 bowls) costs about $12.67, or $1.58 per serving. Here's the ingredient-by-ingredient breakdown, and how to work out your own.
Costs are calculated from sample grocery prices, and yours will vary by store. Price it with yours.
Chili cost breakdown
Example prices, yours will vary. These are round example numbers to show the method, not quotes from any store.
| Ingredient | Amount used | Example price paid | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb | $5.20 per lb | $5.20 |
| Kidney beans | 2 cans (15 oz) | $1.00 per can | $2.00 |
| Diced tomatoes | 2 cans (14.5 oz) | $1.20 per can | $2.40 |
| Tomato paste | 1 small can | $0.80 per can | $0.80 |
| Onion | 1 large | $1.20 per lb, about 2 per lb | $0.60 |
| Bell pepper | 1 | $1.00 each | $1.00 |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | $0.60 per head (10 cloves) | $0.18 |
| Chili powder and cumin | 3 tbsp total | about $0.45 | $0.45 |
| Cooking oil | 1 tbsp | $4.00 for 48 oz (96 tbsp) | $0.04 |
| Batch cost | $12.67 | ||
| Cost per serving (8 servings) | $1.58 | ||
Chili is a classic cheap family meal because canned beans and tomatoes do most of the filling for very little. Toppings like cheese and sour cream aren't counted here; add them in the calculator if you use them.
How we worked it out
For each ingredient, we divided the package price by the package size, then multiplied by the amount used. The lines add up to the batch cost, and dividing by 8 servings gives the cost per serving. The full method is in how to cost a recipe.
Price your own chili
Your store, your brands and your portions are different. Paste your recipe into the cost per serving calculator, type what you paid, and see your real number in a minute. Planning the week? See more ideas for cheap family meals.
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Chili cost questions
How much does it cost to make chili?
With the example prices on this page, a batch (a big pot, 8 bowls) costs about $12.67, or about $1.58 per serving. Your cost depends on your local prices, so price your own.
What is the most expensive ingredient in chili?
In this example it's ground beef, at $5.20 of the $12.67 batch.
How can I make chili cheaper?
Buy the biggest line on sale or in bulk, use store brands for the staples, and portion carefully so the batch serves everyone.