This no-bean chili packs a flavorful punch with ground meat, tomatoes, and loads of spices! It’s thick, hearty, and perfect for chilly days or cozy nights.
I love how simple it is to make this chili! Just brown the meat, mix everything together, and let it simmer. Cheesy cornbread on the side makes it even better! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is perfect for sautéing the onions and garlic. You can substitute it with vegetable oil or even butter. I love the flavor butter brings to the dish!
Ground Beef: Feel free to swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. I often use ground turkey for a healthier twist!
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are essential for flavor! If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works too, but I recommend trying to find smoked for that depth of flavor. You can also adjust the cayenne for your spice preference!
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes in their juice and tomato sauce are crucial for a nice base. If you prefer fresh tomatoes, you can use them, just chop them up and add extra broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor in My Chili?
To get the best taste out of your no-bean chili, pay attention to the way you cook the ingredients. Here’s how:
- Start by sautéing onions until they’re soft and translucent; this builds a great base flavor.
- Don’t rush the browning of the meat—taking your time helps develop deep, rich flavors.
- When adding spices, toast them in the pot for a couple of minutes to unlock their full potential! This small step makes all the difference.
- Let your chili simmer low and slow. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully over 30-45 minutes.
These tips ensure you’ll have a deliciously hearty chili every time! Enjoy your cooking!
No-Bean Chili Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh herbs or shredded cheese for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30-45 minutes of cooking. So, you’ll be enjoying your delicious no-bean chili in about 1 hour total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté it for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This step is key to building a flavorful base.
2. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
3. Cook the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink—about 7-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the chili from being greasy.
4. Spice It Up:
Now, stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices, which helps bring out their flavors.
5. Make the Base:
Add in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and oregano. Give it a good stir to combine everything together.
6. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow all the flavors to meld together nicely.
7. Final Touches:
After simmering, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if needed—add more salt, pepper, or chili powder for extra heat if desired.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hot no-bean chili garnished with fresh herbs or shredded cheese, if you like. This chili is delicious on its own, or you can pair it with cornbread or serve it over rice for a heartier meal.
This hearty no-bean chili is rich and flavorful, perfect for a comforting meal without the beans. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. It will still provide plenty of flavor, especially with the spices in the recipe. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly before adding other ingredients!
How Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
If you love heat, you can increase the cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions. For even more spice, try adding some hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes while it simmers.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container!
What’s the Best Way to Serve No-Bean Chili?
This chili is delicious on its own, but you can serve it over rice for a heartier meal or with cornbread on the side. Topping it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs adds an extra touch! Enjoy!