No-Bean Chili is a hearty and spicy dish without any beans! It’s packed with juicy ground meat, rich tomatoes, and lots of spices that bring great flavor to every spoonful.
This chili warms you up and tastes even better the next day. I love serving it with some cheese on top and a side of cornbread. Perfect for cozy nights in! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein, giving the chili its hearty base. You can easily swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, consider using crumbled tempeh or mushrooms!
Olive Oil: Ideal for cooking, it adds a nice flavor. However, feel free to use vegetable oil or avocado oil if that’s what you have on hand.
Diced Tomatoes: A must for that robust tomato flavor. You can use fresh tomatoes instead, but be sure to blanch and peel them first. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a wonderful smoky taste if you prefer.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin are key here. If you’re missing something, paprika or taco seasoning could work as a substitute. Adjust the spices based on your heat preference!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Chili?
A big part of making delicious chili is all about layering flavors. Here’s how you can achieve that:
- Start with sautéing onions in olive oil. Cooking them until they’re translucent builds a sweet base.
- Add garlic just before the meat for a fresh, fragrant burst.
- Brown the meat well! This caramelizes the proteins, adding depth.
- Don’t forget to toast your spices briefly to enhance their flavors before adding the liquids.
- Let your chili simmer uncovered. This allows it to thicken and flavors to intensify, so be patient!
Enjoy your cooking experience and feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your taste!
How to Make No-Bean Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or oregano leaves for garnish
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This No-Bean Chili takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30-40 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need just around 50 minutes to have a delicious, hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat Up the Oil:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Make sure it’s hot enough so that when you add the onions, they begin to sizzle right away!
2. Sauté the Onions:
Add the finely chopped onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it’s softened and turns translucent. This will create a nice flavor base for your chili.
3. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You want it to be fragrant but be careful not to burn it!
4. Brown the Meat:
Now it’s time to add the ground beef (or turkey). Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
5. Spice It Up:
Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute to toast the spices, which helps to bring out their flavors.
6. Combine the Base:
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir everything well until combined. You’ll start to see the chili begin to take shape!
7. Simmer:
Bring your chili to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring now and then. This will help thicken the chili and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
8. Adjust Seasoning:
After simmering, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt or chili powder if you want more flavor or heat!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh basil or oregano leaves. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top makes it extra creamy and delicious!
Enjoy your rich and comforting No-Bean Chili!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and works well in this chili. Just make sure to cook it until it’s fully browned before adding the spices and other ingredients.
How Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
If you want to amp up the heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. You can also sprinkle in some hot sauce when serving to give each bowl an extra kick!
Can I Make This Chili Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this chili a day in advance! In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover No-Bean Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers!
