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

Leave a Reply

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

FAQs

What does butter do to 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.

What is no bean chili made of? ›

Easy No Bean Chili

Ground beef, onions or shallots, and garlic are browned then simmered with tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, fire roasted tomatoes, beef stock, and green chilis, plus herbs, spices, and seasonings for just 20 minutes. If you love classic chili, you will LOVE this easy no bean recipe.

Why do Texans eat 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.

How to thicken chili without flour or cornstarch? ›

Sorry, Texas chili purists, but beans can totally be your BFF when attempting to thicken chili. In a bowl, use a fork to smash ½ cup to 1 cup of kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans into a paste. Stir this bean mash into the chili and allow it to simmer for 5 to 10 additional minutes.

When to add butter to chili? ›

Saute the ground meat til all pink is gone. Drain meat, place back in pot. Add stick of butter, add this to the bean mixture, cover and let simmer for 40 minutes.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What do you call chili with no beans? ›

Texans in particular are likely to reject beans; in fact, the no-bean version is often referred to as Texas chili.

Who eats chili with no beans? ›

“If you know beans about chili, you know that chili has no beans!” thundered Wick Fowler, journalist and chili fan from Texas, the state that made (beanless) chili its official state dish in 1977.

Who makes chili with no beans? ›

HORMEL® Chili No Beans adds excitement to any meal occasion. How about pouring HORMEL® Chili on hot dogs for a simple, easy dinner upgrade? You'll want to keep several cans of HORMEL® Chili No Beans on hand in the pantry because that same excitement can be poured on fries, chips, in the bowl—anything!

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.

What did cowboys eat chili? ›

Suppression only fueled this fire and in the 1800's chili was a staple food for cowboys, ruffians, and Adventurers on the Western Frontier. It was even served up in jails. Originally made of dried beef, fat and spices carried in saddlebags, then reconstituted over campfires. It was cheap and hearty and filling.

Is chili without beans good for you? ›

Bring On the Beans

But for health purposes, you don't want to skip them—whether you're using them in place of or in addition to meat. Adding just 1 cup of beans to your recipe adds about 15 grams of protein, up to 15 grams of fiber, plus potassium, folate, and other nutrients.

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Chili should be thick and hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but sometimes there's just a bit more liquid than you want in the pot. While you can simply keep simmering the chili, that method risks overcooking softer ingredients like the beans, losing all your nice texture to mushy monotony.

Does tomato paste make chili thicker? ›

Add tomato paste: Use up to one can of tomato paste in the last hour of cooking to thicken a pot of chili. Simmer for at least 30 minutes. This is not only a thickener, but it also lends plenty of rich tomato flavor.

Does butter thicken chili? ›

Butter & Flour

You can still thicken your chili with some pantry staples you most likely have on hand. Butter and flour are commonly used to give sauces and stews a rich texture (like gumbo, for example).

What gives chili the most flavor? ›

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 brings out the flavor in 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.

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