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.

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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

Why do people put butter in their 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.

Why do Texans say no beans in chili? ›

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.

Can you put butter in chili? ›

"This recipe gives you the choice of ground meats or cubed meats For the ground meat type, after browning the ground beef, just drain it, toss the stick of butter in, and continue on with the recipe. The butter makes the chili, believe me.

What does peanut butter do to chili? ›

It also can help add richness by complementing the chile powder with its nutty sweetness, and the healthy fats in peanut butter can even tame your chili if it's too spicy. Next time, when making your favorite tomato-based chili recipe, consider adding a hearty tablespoon or two of peanut butter.

What does vinegar do in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

What is chili called without beans? ›

Commercial chili prepared without beans is usually called "chili no beans" in the United States.

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.

What state does not put beans in chili? ›

Beans in chili? Not if you're from Texas! While some people claim that chili can be made with a variety of ingredients—including beef and bean chili, chipotle chicken chili, or dare we say veggie chili—anyone from the Lone Star State would argue that traditional chili simply does not contain beans.

What is the trick to a good chili? ›

Rumi Spice's top tips for making chili:
  1. Brown the Meat.
  2. Don't Forget Vegetables.
  3. Elevate with Extra Flavor.
  4. Only Add Flavorful Liquids.
  5. Opt for Dried Beans.
  6. Season Early and Often.
  7. Add Some Acidity at the End.
  8. Top It Off.

Does my chili need tomato paste? ›

Tomato paste is a great way to add bonus tomato flavor, and thickness, to a chili recipe. To get the best flavor it needs to be browned. Add a couple tablespoons (or a whole can if you want a thicker soup base) directly to the pan after cooking the meat and onions.

How does Martha Stewart make chili? ›

Add chili powder, cocoa, and tomato paste; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes more. Add tomatoes, broth, and cooked beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, until thickened slightly, 25 to 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; serve with sour cream and chives.

Why do you put brown sugar in chili? ›

The brown sugar gave it a sweet/tangy flavor that reminded me of BBQ-sauce! Th chili was so good - it was hard to stop eating it! I did had some extra veggies (1 cl. garlic, 1 celery stalk, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper, 1 hot pepper) and used a can of diced tomatoes rather than tomato juice.

Why do people put baking soda in chili? ›

According to the magazine's food experimenters, the baking soda treatment will definitely keep the meat tender and juicy when cooked.

Why does butter make meat taste better? ›

A great steak stands on its own, but even the best cuts benefit from a touch of butter. The reason lies in the fat-soluble flavor compounds found in both butter and meat. When combined, these compounds create a richer, more intensified taste experience.

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).

Why do chefs use butter? ›

Because our job in the main is to create the best tasting food we can. Butter, oil, and salt taste better. Just how it is, and in many types of cooking or especially baking there is no good substitute for butter or oil from a chemistry perspective not just a flavor perspective.

Why do chefs cook with butter? ›

Chefs cook with butter because it makes everything taste better. “[Butter] is usually the first thing and the last thing in just about every pan. That's why restaurant food tastes better than home food a lot of the time—butter,” Anthony Bourdain said on an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show.

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