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
- 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.
- Aromatic Enhancement: Add diced onions to beef, sautéing until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and briefly stir to release fragrant notes without scorching.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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