Hearty No Bean Chili Recipe - Butter Your Biscuit (2024)

Published: by Wendie · 2 Comments

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No-Bean Chili is loaded with ground beef, tomatoes, and green chilis, a family favorite on a cold day. You'll love all the deep flavors in this meaty chili recipe.

Hearty No Bean Chili Recipe - Butter Your Biscuit (1)

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Chili without beans is otherwise known as a Texas chili or chili con carne, more like a spicy stew without the beans. This chili is loaded with so much flavor, you'll never even miss the beans. Served with all your favorite toppings and with a side of mySweet Honey Cornbreador simply saltine crackers.

Chili is always better the next day. The flavors have all that time to mesh together. I usually have some of this in the freezer for those Summer nights when we crave a chili dog. I do have a couple of other chili recipes that have beans,Roasted Poblano pepper Beef Chili,andmy Steak Chili Recipe.

Why this recipe works

This is the best chili it's loaded with ground beef, onions, tomatoes, peppers, and lots of yummy spices. Since the beans are left out it's perfect for topping hot dogs, baked potatoes, or even chili cheese fries. This chili without beans recipe is so easy to prepare and be made in advance and is perfect for the freezer!

Ingredients For No-Bean Chili

Hearty No Bean Chili Recipe - Butter Your Biscuit (2)

Ingredients Notes

Ground Beef: I recommend 80/20, but if you want a lean ground beef you can use that. Ground turkey can also be used.

Onion: I prefer to use a sweet onion.

Cocoa: Make sure it's unsweetened.

Flavorful spices: chili powder, cumin, oregano

Canned tomatoes: do not drain

Beef broth: Low sodium to help control the sodium level.

How to make No Bean Chili

Hearty No Bean Chili Recipe - Butter Your Biscuit (3)

Step 1: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven on medium heat and add in the ground beef, onions, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Next add in the chili seasonings and tomato paste.

Hearty No Bean Chili Recipe - Butter Your Biscuit (4)

Step 3: Followed by the beef stock, tomatoes, green chiles, and bay leaf.

Step 4: Simmer stirring occasionally, then add in cilantro and serve!

Hearty No Bean Chili Recipe - Butter Your Biscuit (5)

Recipe Tips

Make this chili in advance it's always better after a day or two and the flavors blend.

The chili needs to simmer for at least an hour but you can leave it longer if needed.

Heat level Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to turn up the heat.

Hearty No Bean Chili Recipe - Butter Your Biscuit (6)

FAQ's

Can I make this in the slow cooker?

Absolutely, just brown the ground beef add all the ingredients into the crockpot, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

How to store this recipe

Store this easy no bean chili in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Or freeze for up to 3 months.

How long do I cook chili?

I like to use my5qt Cast Iron Potfor this no-bean chili and it's done in an hour. Although the longer you simmer chili the better it gets. It will thicken up more and the flavors will become richer.

What toppings go on chili?

Shredded cheddar cheese
Onions
Sour cream
Diced avocado
Cilantro
Salsa
Diced tomato
Green onions
Red onion
Fritos or tortilla chips

Which ground meat is best for beanless chili?

I like to use ground beef that's 80/20 because I feel it has the best flavor. You can definitely use a 90/10 for a lean ground beef option. Or swap out the beef altogether and use ground chicken or ground turkey.

More comfort food recipes

  • Hearty Beef Stew
  • Loaded Potato Soup
  • Slow Cooker Bean and Bacon Soup
  • Mini Freezer Chicken Pot Pies

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Hearty No Bean Chili Recipe - Butter Your Biscuit (11)

No-Bean Chili

Wendie

This delicious no-bean chili is loaded with ground beef, tomatoes and green chilis. It's savory, filling and so satisifying!

4.41 from 50 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Entrees

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6

Calories 342 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 8 cloves of garlic minced
  • 1 6- oz can tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 5 cups beef broth, low sodium
  • 2-15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1-15 oz can diced tomatoes with liquid
  • 1-7 oz can green chilis
  • 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

  • Heat a large pot on medium-high heat and add ground beef, onions, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, add in garlic and cook another 30 seconds. Drain fat from the beef.

  • Add in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cocoa powder, and mix in with the ground beef for about 1 minute.

  • Add in beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with liquid) chilis, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1 hour.

  • Remove bay leaf and mix in cilantro.

  • Serve with your favorite toppings.

Video

Notes

If you prefer beans in your chili, add 2 (15-ounce) cans of drained pinto beans.

Make this chili in advance it's always better after a day or two and the flavors blend.

The chili needs to simmer for at least an hour but you can leave it longer if needed.

Heat level- Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to turn up the heat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 342kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 604mgFiber: 6gSugar: 9g

Keyword chili

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Hearty No Bean Chili Recipe - Butter Your Biscuit (12)Wendie

    Just straight chili powder.

  2. Hearty No Bean Chili Recipe - Butter Your Biscuit (13)Jessie

    Hi what type of chili powder do you use is it the mix blend or just straight chili powder like the New Mexico chili powder?

    Thanks

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Hearty No Bean Chili Recipe - Butter Your Biscuit (2024)

FAQs

Why do people put butter in their chili? ›

Butter smooths out the bitterness and adds its unique richness, making you take another bite without quite knowing why. A dash of sugar and vinegar gives a sweet-sour flavor that also makes the sauce rounder and more satisfying.

Why do Texans make chili without beans? ›

If you go pretty much anywhere in Texas you will find chili ingredients simple and rarely differing: meat, sauce, peppers and spices. Carol Hanco*ck, President and CEO of the International Chili Society, told Texas Living there is a specific reason why Texas chili contains no beans: it's tradition.

What does peanut butter do to chili? ›

It also can help add richness by complementing the chile powder with its nutty sweetness, and the healthy fats in peanut butter can even tame your chili if it's too spicy. Next time, when making your favorite tomato-based chili recipe, consider adding a hearty tablespoon or two of peanut butter.

How does Martha Stewart make chili? ›

Add chili powder, cocoa, and tomato paste; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes more. Add tomatoes, broth, and cooked beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, until thickened slightly, 25 to 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; serve with sour cream and chives.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

A cup of strong, brewed coffee will work wonders for your pot of chili, imparting a deep, roasted flavor that will make the chili taste like it simmered away all day long. For maximum flavor, reduce the coffee along with a blend of tomato paste, aromatic veggies and spices like we do in our Spicy Vegetarian Chili.

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

Why are beans forbidden in chili? ›

No-beans side argue that beans distract your mouth from the beef and spices that chili is supposed to showcase. Texans in particular are likely to reject beans; in fact, the no-bean version is often referred to as Texas chili.

What is chili without beans called? ›

No bean chili, also known as Texas chili or Chile con carne, is a spicy stew made without any beans. It traditionally contains meat (usually ground beef), tomatoes, peppers, onions, aromatics and flavorful spices.

Why do you put brown sugar in chili? ›

The brown sugar gave it a sweet/tangy flavor that reminded me of BBQ-sauce! Th chili was so good - it was hard to stop eating it! I did had some extra veggies (1 cl. garlic, 1 celery stalk, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper, 1 hot pepper) and used a can of diced tomatoes rather than tomato juice.

What does soda do to chili? ›

It adds warmth, depth of flavor, acidity, and even a little sweetness, although you likely wouldn't be able to recognize that the sweetness you're tasting came from soda. If you're used to a spicy bowl of chili, soda can also help balance those elements out for a more complex flavor combination.

Does butter help with chili? ›

Milk and dairy products contain a protein called casein that is able to bind with capsaicin before it reaches our tongue, so it can reach fewer receptors, and lessens the sensation of spice. If your dish is too spicy, try adding heavy cream, yogurt, sour cream or butter to help mellow it out.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

Why does butter make meat taste better? ›

The reason lies in the fat-soluble flavor compounds found in both butter and meat. When combined, these compounds create a richer, more intensified taste experience.

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