Hearty No Beans Chili Recipe

Robust No Beans Chili Recipe: Flavorful Comfort in Every Spoonful

Chili lovers rejoice over this robust no beans chili recipe that delivers pure meaty satisfaction.

Packed with savory ground beef and a blend of rich spices, this hearty no beans chili will warm your soul on chilly evenings.

The secret lies in building deep, complex flavors through carefully selected ingredients and slow simmering techniques.

Each spoonful promises a burst of robust seasonings that dance across your palate with intense heat and depth.

Chunks of tender beef mingle with aromatic tomatoes and bold spices, creating a classic comfort dish that stands out from traditional chili preparations.

Carnivores and spice enthusiasts will appreciate this straightforward, protein-packed meal that comes together effortlessly.

Get ready to become the star of dinner with this irresistible chili that proves sometimes simplicity reigns supreme.

Chili Night Gear: What You’ll Need

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking and simmering the entire chili recipe.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed to chop onions and mince garlic precisely.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
  • Can Opener: Required to open canned tomatoes and broth.
  • Ladle: Great for serving the finished chili.

How to Cook Up No Beans Chili

  • Fire Up the Flavor Launcher

Grab your trusty cooking pot and warm up some olive oil. Toss in ground beef and transform it into crispy, golden goodness by breaking it apart while cooking. Wave goodbye to any extra fat by draining if needed.

  • Awaken the Aromatics

Drop chopped onions into the pot and dance them around until they soften and become translucent. Invite minced garlic to join the party, letting it sizzle and release its magical aroma.

  • Build the Flavor Fortress

Pour in tomatoes – crushed, diced, and a dollop of tomato paste. Splash in beef broth like a culinary artist. Sprinkle a carnival of spices: chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir with passion to create a flavor explosion.

  • Let the Magic Simmer

Crank up the heat until bubbles start playing, then dial it down low. Cover your pot and let the chili perform its delicious transformation for 45-60 minutes. Peek and stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks.

  • Taste and Celebrate

Take a moment to sample your masterpiece. Adjust seasonings until your taste buds dance. Serve piping hot with whatever toppings make your heart sing – maybe some cornbread or crunchy tortilla chips.

Extra Tips & Spice Ideas for No Beans Chili

  • Chili Champion's Secret Techniques: Smart Cooking Hacks
  • Meat Mastery: Choose 80/20 ground beef for maximum flavor and juiciness without excessive grease, ensuring a rich, hearty texture in your chili.
  • Spice Symphony: Bloom dried spices in hot oil for 30 seconds before adding liquid to intensify their complex flavors and create a deeper, more robust taste profile.
  • Low and Slow Magic: Keep chili simmering at the lowest heat possible, allowing ingredients to meld together and develop deeper, more complex flavors without burning.
  • Diet-Friendly Swaps: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, leaner versions that still deliver incredible taste and protein.
  • Heat Control: Adjust cayenne pepper gradually, starting with less and tasting as you go to manage spice levels perfectly without overwhelming the dish's fundamental flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 6

No Beans Chili: The Ingredient Essentials

For Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Provides hearty, rich flavor and substantial texture to the chili, choose lean cuts for less grease and better consistency.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances meat's umami depth, adding complex savory undertones to the protein foundation.
For Aromatic Foundations:
  • Onion, Garlic: Builds robust flavor base, creating layers of savory complexity and traditional chili depth.
For Tomato Components:
  • Crushed Tomatoes, Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Creates vibrant, tangy sauce base with rich, concentrated tomato essence, select high-quality brands for best results.
For Liquid Base:
  • Beef Broth: Adds moisture and intensifies overall meaty flavor profile, opt for low-sodium versions for better seasoning control.
For Spice Blend:
  • Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Oregano, Cayenne Pepper: Delivers bold, warming spice spectrum with smoky undertones, balancing heat and earthiness.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasoning that amplifies and harmonizes all ingredient flavors.
For Cooking Preparation:
  • Olive Oil: Provides initial cooking medium, helps prevent sticking and adds subtle fruity undertone.

How to Plate No Beans Chili with Flair

  • Game-Night Champion: Pile this hearty chili into big bowls for the ultimate comfort food that'll make sports fans cheer.
  • Tex-Mex Feast: Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and crispy tortilla strips for a restaurant-style presentation.
  • Cozy Winter Meal: Pair with warm cornbread or buttery garlic toast to create a satisfying dinner that warms you from the inside out.
  • Leftovers Lunch Upgrade: Pack in a thermos for work or school, adding fresh toppings just before eating to keep the textures crisp and exciting.

No Beans Chili: Storing for Later

  • Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover chili in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated, maintaining robust flavors and hearty texture.
  • Freezer Magic: Portion chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm chili slowly on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent scorching. Microwave works in pinch, stirring midway through heating.
  • Meal Prep Strategy: Cook double batch and divide for multiple meals. Chili tastes even better next day as spices continue melding. Perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests, offering delicious convenience without compromising taste.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Hearty No Beans Chili Recipe

Hearty No Beans Chili Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty no beans chili delivers robust flavors from traditional Mexican-inspired spices and ground beef. Warm spices and rich meat create a comforting meal perfect for cold evenings and gatherings where you’ll savor each satisfying spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 or lean)
  • 3 tbsps chili powder
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsps ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 2 tbsps tomato paste
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added depth)
  • Olive oil (for cooking)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped green onions
  • Jalapeno slices
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Protein Preparation: Sear ground beef in a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat, breaking meat into crumbles while caramelizing and draining excess fat.
  2. Aromatic Enhancement: Add diced onions to beef, sautéing until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and briefly stir to release fragrant notes without scorching.
  3. Flavor Layering: Combine crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Infuse with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, mixing thoroughly to create a rich, complex base.
  4. Simmering Transformation: Bring mixture to a robust boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let chili simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for 45-60 minutes.
  5. Final Refinement: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve in warm bowls, garnishing with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions, paired with cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Sear Meat Perfectly: Brown ground beef thoroughly on medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces to develop rich, caramelized flavor and prevent clumping.
  • Prevent Flavor Burning: Add garlic quickly after onions and stir rapidly to release aromatics without scorching, which can create bitter undertones.
  • Simmer Strategically: Keep chili at low, consistent heat during cooking to allow ingredients to meld and develop deep, complex taste without drying out or burning.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne and chili powder quantities based on personal heat tolerance, starting conservatively and incrementally increasing for desired intensity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star