This no-bean chili is a hearty mix of ground meat, tomatoes, and spices that brings warmth to any meal. It’s simple, tasty, and perfect for cozy nights in!
Who needs beans when you’ve got so much flavor? I love to top mine with cheese and a dollop of sour cream. It’s like a hug in a bowl! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: I often use ground beef for its rich flavor, but ground turkey or chicken are great lower-fat options. If you’re vegetarian, try crumbled tempeh or lentils as a substitute!
Onion: A medium onion provides sweetness and depth. If you’re short on time, chopped shallots can also work well. For a milder flavor, use green onions.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for a punchy flavor, but if you’re really in a hurry, you can use garlic powder. Just use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Spices: Chili powder is essential, but you can adjust the heat with more or less based on your taste. Smoked paprika adds a wonderful smoky flavor, so if you don’t have it, regular paprika will work, but it’ll be less smoky.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Chili?
The secret to amazing chili is layering flavors through cooking the ingredients properly. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook your onions: Make sure they are translucent and a bit golden to develop sweetness.
- Brown the meat: This adds depth; don’t rush it! Break it up, and let it get nice and brown.
- Simmer for flavor: Low and slow is key. The longer you let it simmer, the more the flavors meld together.
- Taste and adjust: After simmering, check for seasoning and add salt or spices to get just the right balance.
Don’t forget to garnish! A spoonful of sour cream and some fresh herbs make a huge difference in presentation and flavor.
Delicious No-Bean Chili Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnishes: sour cream, fresh cilantro or parsley, shredded cheese
You’ll Need About This Much Time:
This recipe will take around 15 minutes to prepare and about 40 minutes to cook, making the total time about 55 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, sprinkle in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant and delicious!
2. Brown the Meat:
Next, add your choice of ground beef, turkey, or chicken to the pot. Use a spoon to break it into smaller pieces and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink—about 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, feel free to drain it off now.
3. Mix in the Tomatoes:
Now, it’s time to stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix everything well so that the meat and tomatoes get to know each other!
4. Add the Liquid:
Pour in the beef broth (or water) and give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. Spice It Up:
Now it’s time for flavor! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the chili.
6. Simmer to Perfection:
Bring the chili to a bubbling boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the chili to thicken and flavors to develop.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Once it’s thickened to your liking, taste the chili! Adjust any seasonings as necessary, adding a little more salt or spices if desired.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your no-bean chili hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy a rich, hearty chili that’s warm, comforting, and completely bean-free!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that still adds plenty of flavor to the chili. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if it cooks faster than beef.
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness Level?
If you prefer your chili to be spicier, you can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder or skip the added spices altogether.
What Can I Use Instead of Beef Broth?
You can easily substitute beef broth with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water for a lighter flavor. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings if you’re using a low-sodium option to ensure it remains flavorful!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftover no-bean chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Enjoy it as a quick meal or lunch!
