Love all things chili? Try my venison chili, Instant Pot white chicken chili, keto chili, and vegan chili next. You can find me and my family indulging in bowls of chili all winter long . But when there are picky eaters to please, I’ll make them my no bean chili instead. Also called Texas chili, this pot of spiced tomato and beef goodness is just as filling, hearty, and warming as the classic, making it a popular choice for everyone.
Why I love this recipe
Best chili for bean-haters. Did you know that you DO NOT need beans to make a great pot of chili? Chili without beans swaps the beans for protein-packed beef, giving you a hearty meal that pleases even the pickiest eaters. It’s also great if you are watching your carbs. Quick and easy. Simply dump everything in the pot, let it simmer, and voila! You have an epic pot of chili in about 30 minutes. Even better the next day. Like my pork green chili, I turn to this beanless chili recipe when I need a flavor-packed dish for meal prep. It stores well and tastes even better over time! Multiple cooking methods. Not only can you make my chili stovetop, but I’ve also tested it on the slow cooker and Instant Pot.
Ingredients needed
Ground beef. A Texas chili staple. I like to make chili with lean ground beef so there’s still some fat and flavor, but stew beef also works as a substitute. Vegetables. Onion, garlic cloves, bell peppers, and jalapeno peppers start the chili with savory and spicy flavors. Olive oil. To sauté the vegetables. Salt and pepper. To taste Beef broth. To thin the chili. Diced tomatoes. Fresh or canned. Seasonings. Taco seasoning, ground cumin, and smoked paprika give the chili its classic smoky-savory flavors. Don’t worry – this blend isn’t too spicy! Cilantro. For garnish.
How to make no bean chili
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. “Very yummy and easy!” – Shy
Arman’s recipe tips
Make sure your ground beef isn’t too lean. Otherwise, the chili will miss out on that delicious beefy flavor. I like an 80/20 ground beef because it still contains some fat but isn’t overly greasy. Feel free to use regular paprika if you don’t have smoked paprika. Alternatively, add one teaspoon of regular paprika and one teaspoon of chili powder so you don’t miss out on the smoky flavor. Use other ground meat. Sometimes, I like to make this easy homemade chili with ground turkey, venison, bison, or pork instead of beef. A 1:1 mix of ground beef and ground pork is good, too. Adjust the heat. I like the level of heat in this recipe, but if you like chili with no spice, omit the jalapeno peppers. If you love heat, make this recipe extra spicy by swapping the jalapenos for poblano peppers or serrano peppers. Don’t forget the toppings! Garnish your bowls of chili with guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, fresh cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips.
Storage instructions
To store: After it cools, transfer the leftover chili to an airtight container. Store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 week. Instant Pot method: Start by cooking the vegetables in the oiled Instant Pot on Sauté mode. Next, add the beef and brown as normal. Stir in the rest of the ingredients, turn off Sauté mode, and seal the lid on top. Cook on high pressure for 8 to 10 minutes, then allow the natural release for 10 minutes before a quick release. Slow cooker method: Sauté the vegetables and beef in a pot on the stove as normal. Dump the mixture and the rest of the ingredients into the slow cooker. Cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 5 to 6 hours. To freeze: Beanless chili freezes well for up to 6 months, making it a fantastic freezer meal! Just let the leftovers thaw in the fridge before reheating. To reheat: Reheat the individual servings quickly in the microwave or a pot over medium heat on the stovetop.
Frequently asked questions
More cozy beef dinners
Meatballs and gravy Beef tips and gravy Beef shanks Stuffed pepper soup
