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I’ve been making this homemade No Bean Chili for decades. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for chili lovers who prefer chili without beans. Packed with lean ground beef, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, this chili is both nourishing and delicious, with a whopping 28 grams of protein per cup.
Why I Love This Recipe
This no bean chili is a fantastic meal for any day of the week, offering deep, complex flavors without the added beans. It’s especially great for those following a low-carb diet or anyone looking for a filling meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- Lean Ground Beef: Provides a high-protein base.
- Onions and Bell Pepper: Add natural sweetness and a crunchy texture.
- Cayenne Pepper and Red Pepper Flakes: Brings a touch of heat.
- White Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Oregano, Black Pepper, and Cumin: These spices add depth and warmth.
- Chili Powder: The key spice that gives the chili its classic flavor.
- Tomato Paste and Tomato Juice: Create a rich, thick base for the chili.
How to Make Homemade Chili Without Beans
Step 1: Start by browning the lean ground beef in a deep skillet over medium heat. Once fully cooked, drain the excess grease.
Step 2: Add the chopped onions and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until they are soft and translucent.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato juice, water, and tomato paste in the skillet. Season the mixture with chili powder, cumin, black pepper, oregano, sugar, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper, mixing well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Step 4: Increase the stove’s heat to bring the chili to a slight boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Serve the chili hot. It pairs wonderfully with Fritos, cheese, and sour cream for a delectable Frito pie, or use it to top chili cheese dogs.
Tips
- Simmering: Allow the chili to simmer slowly to develop a richer flavor.
- Grilled Meat Option: For an added smoky flavor, grill the beef before crumbling it into the skillet.
- Adjust Heat: Tailor the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
Chili Meat Substitutions
For this no bean chili recipe, you can easily substitute a variety of meats to cater to different tastes or dietary needs. Here are some great options:
- Turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option than beef and still absorbs the spices well, making it a healthy alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Chicken: Ground chicken or even finely chopped chicken breast can work well in chili. It’s lighter in flavor and texture but still hearty.
- Pork: Ground pork or even small chunks of pork shoulder can add a richer, deeper flavor to your chili.
- Bison: This is another lean meat, similar to beef but with a richer and slightly sweeter flavor. It’s excellent in chili for those looking for a beef alternative that’s still hearty.
- Venison: If you have access to it, ground venison is a lean and flavorful meat that stands up well to the strong flavors of a good chili.
- Sausage: For a spicier chili, consider using chorizo or Italian sausage. If using sausage, you might want to adjust the spices accordingly to balance the flavors.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
- Refrigeration: Store the chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooled chili in an airtight container for up to a month.
FAQs
Absolutely! If you decide to add beans, simply stir in your preferred type of cooked beans during the last 30 minutes of simmering.
This chili goes well with cornbread, over rice, or with a side of a crisp green salad for a lighter touch. It’s also perfect for making chili cheese dogs.
Enjoy this filling and flavorful Healthy Homemade No Bean Chili, whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or needing a satisfying meal that feeds a crowd effortlessly.
More Dinner Recipes
- Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Bites
- Birria Ramen
- Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
- Steak Burrito Bowl
- Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli
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No Bean Chili
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
- 46 ounces tomato juice
- 12 ounces tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, omit if you don't like spicy chili
- 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Start by browning the 2 pounds lean ground beef in a deep skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat once meat is cooked.
- Slice the 1 medium bell pepper and 1 medium onion and add them to a food processor. Pulse until chopped into small peices.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook with the meat for 2 minutes, or until onion and bell pepper are softened.
- Add the 46 ounces tomato juice, 1 cup water, 12 ounces tomato paste, 1 Tablespoon chili powder, 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the mixture. Stir until combined.
- Increase the hear slightly and bring the chili mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for two hours, stirring occasionally.
- Scoop into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This no bean chili is hearty and delicious and full of flavors. Add in your favorite beans for even more protein and flavor.