No Beans Chili

Sometimes, you want a chili that’s full of meaty goodness, without the distraction of beans. No Beans Chili is the answer, offering a savory, rich, and hearty dish with all the robust flavors of traditional chili, but without any beans. Whether you’re avoiding legumes or just craving a more straightforward, beef-centric chili, this recipe delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

Made with lean ground beef, aromatic vegetables like onion and green pepper, and a combination of spices that pack a punch, this chili has the perfect balance of savory, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors. The use of tomato paste and chunky tomato puree creates a thick, rich base that complements the beef perfectly, while the addition of cornmeal helps thicken the chili further, giving it an extra velvety texture.

Serve it up with your favorite toppings—grated cheddar, sour cream, tortilla chips, or diced avocado—and you have a complete meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or game day. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple and Satisfying – This chili is full of flavor, with tender beef and the perfect blend of spices.
2. No Beans – For those who prefer a meat-only chili, this recipe skips the beans but doesn’t skimp on flavor.
3. Customizable Toppings – Add your favorite chili toppings, like sour cream or shredded cheese, to make it your own.
4. Hearty and Filling – The combination of beef, tomato, and cornmeal makes for a truly hearty dish.
5. Quick and Easy – This chili is simple to make, with minimal ingredients and easy steps.

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Ingredients

For the Chili:

• Olive oil
• Lean ground beef
• White onion
• Green pepper
• Jalapeño
• Garlic
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Mild chili powder
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Tomato paste
• Cornmeal
• Chunky tomato puree (or diced tomatoes)
• Beef stock

For the Toppings:

• Sliced scallions
• Sour cream
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Tortilla chips
• Diced avocado
• Diced onion

Variations

• Add More Heat: If you like your chili spicier, add more jalapeños, or include a few dashes of hot sauce or chili flakes.
• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
• Spicy Chili: Increase the amount of chili powder and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Add Vegetables: You can add diced carrots, zucchini, or corn for more texture and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Heat Oil and Brown the Beef

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, green pepper, and jalapeño to the pot with the beef. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables have softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices

Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.

Step 4: Add Tomato Paste and Cornmeal

Stir in the tomato paste and cornmeal, mixing well to combine. The cornmeal helps thicken the chili and add a smooth texture.

Step 5: Add Tomato Puree and Beef Stock

Pour in the tomato puree (or diced tomatoes) and beef stock, stirring to combine. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Adjust Seasonings

Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed—add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired. If the chili gets too thick, add a little more beef stock or water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Top

Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your choice of toppings: sliced scallions, sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, diced avocado, and diced onion.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder chili, remove the seeds from the jalapeño, or reduce the amount of chili powder.
• Thicken with Cornmeal: The cornmeal helps thicken the chili, but if you prefer a thinner consistency, add less or skip it altogether.
• Make Ahead: Chili often tastes better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave.
• Freezing: This chili freezes well, so you can make a double batch and store it for later. Just let it cool before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

How to Serve

This No Beans Chili is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with your favorite toppings. Serve with tortilla chips for crunch, grated cheddar cheese for creaminess, and sour cream for a cool contrast to the spice. You can also add a fresh touch with diced avocado or scallions for extra flavor.

For a complete meal, serve it alongside cornbread, rice, or a simple green salad. This chili is hearty enough to be a main dish, but it can also be served as a savory starter to any meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat in a pot over medium heat, adding a little beef stock or water if necessary to reach the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

2. Can I add beans to this chili?

While this recipe is meant to be “no beans,” you can certainly add beans if you prefer. Black beans or kidney beans work well.

3. How can I make the chili spicier?

Add extra jalapeños, chili powder, or a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.

4. Can I use water instead of beef stock?

You can substitute water for beef stock, but using stock will enhance the flavor and make the chili richer.

5. How can I make this chili more flavorful?

Let the chili simmer for longer to allow the flavors to develop. You can also experiment with adding a bit of brown sugar or a splash of vinegar to balance the acidity.

6. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or corn to the chili for extra flavor and texture.

7. How do I prevent the chili from being too thick?

Add more beef stock or water to adjust the consistency to your liking.

8. How long does it take to cook the chili?

This chili takes about 30-40 minutes to cook, but you can simmer it longer for more depth of flavor.

9. What are good toppings for this chili?

Top with sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, diced avocado, scallions, and tortilla chips for extra flavor and texture.

10. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can brown the beef and sauté the vegetables beforehand, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Conclusion

This No Beans Chili is a perfect comfort food that combines tender beef, rich spices, and a satisfying, thick broth. It’s ideal for those who prefer a meat-heavy chili without the beans, and with the addition of tasty toppings, it can be customized to suit any craving. Whether served as a hearty meal on its own or with your favorite sides, this chili is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s the perfect dish for colder weather, game days, or anytime you need a filling, flavorful meal.

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