No-Beans Chili Recipe for Hearty Comfort Meals

Cold winter nights demand a hearty no beans chili that warms you from the inside out.

Spices dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Rich ground beef mingles with tomatoes and secret seasonings for an unforgettable meal.

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl, promising to chase away the evening’s chill.

Each bite tells a story of bold, robust ingredients melding perfectly.

Southwest inspiration meets home-style cooking in this robust dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Grab a spoon and get ready to savor every mouthwatering spoonful of this remarkable chili.

Cooking Instructions for No Beans Chili

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Brown ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Break meat into small crumbles while cooking. Drain excess fat to keep the chili lean and delicious.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

Toss chopped onions into the pot and let them dance until soft and translucent. Sprinkle minced garlic and stir quickly, releasing its rich fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Build Robust Tomato Base

• Crushed tomatoes
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth

• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Worcestershire sauce

Mix everything until well combined.

Step 4: Slow Simmer Magic

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld together. Cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 5: Elevate and Enjoy

Taste the chili and adjust seasonings to your preference. Ladle into warm bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or crispy tortilla strips. Serve alongside warm cornbread or crispy tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Tips to Enhance No Beans Chili Texture

• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control spiciness- add less for mild or more for extra kick.
• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove all excess grease to prevent oily texture and enhance meat's natural flavors.
• Enhance Depth of Flavor: Add a splash of red wine or dark beer during simmering to boost complexity and richness of chili.
• Perfect Simmering Technique: Keep lid slightly ajar during cooking to allow steam to escape and help thicken sauce naturally.
• Meal Prep Champion: Chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for busy weeks.

Storing and Reheating No Beans Chili Meals

• Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Thaw chili in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating and prevent cold spots.

Favorite Pairings for No Beans Chili Bowls

• Choose bold red wines like zinfandel or cabernet sauvignon that can stand up to the chili's rich, meaty flavor profile and complement its smoky spices.
• Select craft amber ales or robust dark lagers that match the chili's hearty texture, with malty undertones enhancing the dish's deep, complex seasonings.
• Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila, offering a zesty contrast that cuts through the chili's richness and provides a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Serve a tangy sour cream or creamy Greek yogurt on the side, helping to balance the chili's heat while adding a smooth, cooling element to each spicy bite.

Spice Adjustments for No Beans Chili Versions

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version of the chili.
• Vegetarian Power Chili: Substitute beef with plant-based ground meat or extra firm tofu, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a protein-packed meatless option.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Reduce tomato quantities and replace with more beef and additional spices to lower carbohydrate content, serving over cauliflower rice instead of traditional sides.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium beef broth, skip added salt, and replace commercial spice blends with fresh herbs and homemade seasoning mix to control sodium intake while maintaining robust flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions on No Beans Chili Recipe

• What makes this chili recipe different from traditional chili?

This no beans chili focuses on rich, meaty flavor and robust spices, letting the ground beef and seasonings be the star without beans.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner protein alternative while maintaining the chili’s delicious taste profile.

• How spicy is this chili recipe?

The recipe has a moderate heat level from cayenne pepper, but you can easily adjust by reducing or increasing the amount to suit your spice preference.

• Is this chili recipe gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check Worcestershire sauce labels, as some brands contain gluten. Use a certified gluten-free version if needed.

No Beans Chili Recipe Packed with Rich Flavor

• Minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps make this chili perfect for busy families seeking a hearty meal without complicated techniques.
• Easily adjust spice levels and toppings to suit different preferences, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Slow simmering allows spices to develop deep, rich flavors that taste like it's been cooking all day- but takes less than an hour to prepare.

Ingredients Used in No Beans Chili Recipe

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the chili.
• Beef Broth: Deepens the meaty taste and provides extra liquid for simmering.

• Onion: Creates a sweet, foundational flavor for the chili.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic base note to the dish.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Provide a robust tomato base with different textures and concentrated tomato flavor.

• Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Oregano, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper: Create a complex, warm spice profile with heat and depth.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy, umami undertone to enhance overall flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps with initial browning and prevents sticking.

No Beans Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty no beans chili delivers robust southwestern flavor with ground beef, tomatoes, and smoky spices. Comfort meets zest in this quick one-pot meal that satisfies intense cravings and warms souls on chilly nights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (2 lbs) ground beef (80/20 or lean)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables and Tomato Base:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added depth)
• Olive oil (for cooking)

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Jalapeno slices
• Fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Prep the foundational protein by searing ground beef in a spacious cooking vessel, utilizing olive oil over moderate heat. Methodically fragment the meat while it caramelizes, ensuring thorough cooking and removing any surplus lipids.
2. Introduce diced onions to the rendered beef, allowing them to soften and become translucent. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly to unleash its aromatic essence without burning.
3. Pour crushed and diced tomatoes into the meaty base, complementing with tomato paste and robust beef broth. Layer complex flavor profiles by integrating chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Thoroughly amalgamate all components.
4. Elevate the liquid to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce thermal intensity to a gentle simmer. Cover the vessel and allow the concoction to meld and concentrate, periodically stirring to prevent scorching. Maintain this low-temperature transformation for approximately 45-60 minutes.
5. Conduct a final flavor assessment, calibrating seasonings to personal preference. Transfer the hearty mixture to serving vessels, accompanied by traditional garnishes like cornbread or crisp tortilla chips for textural contrast.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and maintain a rich, concentrated chili flavor.
• Use high-quality ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for optimal taste and texture.
• Adjust heat levels by controlling cayenne pepper amount, making it mild or spicy according to preference.
• Consider deglazing pot with a splash of red wine after browning beef to enhance depth of flavor and add complexity to the chili.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg