Simple, Tasty Slow Cooker No Bean Chili Recipe For All

Chili nights call for a hearty slow cooker no bean chili that packs serious flavor without the traditional legumes.

Robust ground beef simmers in a rich, spicy sauce that warms you from the inside out.

Bold spices and tomatoes create a deep, comforting profile that stands out from classic chili recipes.

Every bite delivers a punch of savory goodness that satisfies even the most discerning comfort food lovers.

This protein-packed dish comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Carnivores and spice enthusiasts will find themselves reaching for seconds of this delectable, bean-free chili.

Let’s uncover the secret to a mouthwatering meal that promises to become a new family favorite.

Why This No-Bean Chili Is Rich and Bold

• Crafts a rich, deeply satisfying chili with layers of complex taste that dance together perfectly.
• Requires simple steps like browning beef and tossing ingredients into slow cooker, making cooking almost effortless for busy home cooks.
• Offers flexible seasoning options where you can adjust spices and heat levels to match your personal flavor preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys their ideal chili experience.
• Slow cooker method means you can walk away and let the appliance do the work, freeing up time for other activities while your meal develops incredible depth of flavor.

Ingredients List for Bean-Free Chili

• Ground Beef, Ground Chuck: Rich and hearty protein that forms the foundation of this delicious chili.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add depth and subtle sweetness to the chili's flavor profile.
• Garlic, Garlic Powder: Powerful ingredient that provides a robust and classic savory undertone.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Vibrant base that creates a rich, thick sauce with bright acidity.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Oregano, Cayenne: Warm and complex spice combination that delivers authentic chili flavor and gentle heat.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes and rounds out the overall taste of the dish.

Cooking Directions for No Bean Chili

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and ground chuck.

Crumble the meat with a wooden spoon, ensuring no pink remains.

The goal is a deep, rich brown color that promises intense flavor.

Break down the meat into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker.

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Diced onion
• Green bell pepper
• Minced garlic
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Cayenne pepper
• Sugar

Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients, ensuring every spoonful will be packed with robust taste.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set the slow cooker to low heat for 8 hours or high heat for 4 hours.

The longer cooking method allows flavors to develop and meld together, creating a rich and deeply satisfying chili.

Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that builds anticipation.

Step 4: Final Flavor Adjustment

Thirty minutes before serving, taste the chili and make final seasoning adjustments.

• Extra salt
• Additional chili powder
• More sugar for balance

This is your opportunity to personalize the chili and make it uniquely yours.

Tips for Thick, Hearty No Bean Chili

• Take time to thoroughly brown ground beef in a skillet, ensuring no pink remains for rich, deep flavor and avoiding steamed-looking meat chunks.
• Experiment with spice quantities, starting with recommended amounts and adjusting cayenne and chili powder to match your heat preference without overwhelming the dish.
• Allow ample cooking time on low setting for maximum flavor development, which helps ingredients meld and tenderize meat more effectively than rushing with high-heat settings.
• Consider adding a splash of beef broth or dark beer during cooking to boost umami depth and create more complex, rounded taste profile without changing core recipe.
• Let chili rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to settle and sauce to slightly thicken, resulting in more cohesive and satisfying final dish.

Storage Tips for Beanless Chili Leftovers

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 4 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chili in microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Pour chili into saucepan. Add splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Heat until steaming hot and reaches 165°F throughout.

Best Things to Eat with No Bean Chili

• Flavor Fusion Pairings: Match Your No Bean Chili
• Craft a Cornbread Companion: Bake a slightly sweet, buttery cornbread that soaks up the chili's rich sauce and provides a perfect textural contrast. The subtle sweetness balances the chili's spicy notes and creates a hearty comfort meal.
• Select a Bold Beer Buddy: Choose a robust amber ale or dark porter that stands up to the chili's intense flavors. These beer styles complement the meaty richness and help cut through the spiciness with their malty undertones.
• Design a Fresh Topping Bar: Set out crisp toppings like sharp cheddar cheese, cool sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. These garnishes add brightness, creaminess, and extra layers of flavor that enhance the chili's deep, savory profile.
• Serve with Tangy Slaw Side: Prepare a zesty coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing to provide a crunchy, acidic counterpoint to the chili's heavy texture. The vinegar's tang helps refresh the palate between hearty bites.

Fun Ways to Switch Up No Bean Chili

• Lean Protein Switch: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version that still packs robust flavor.
• Veggie-Packed Option: Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or cauliflower chunks to increase vegetable content and create a more nutrient-dense meal.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Reduce tomato sauce quantity and replace sugar with erythritol or stevia to lower carbohydrate content while maintaining similar taste profile.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute meat with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu, using smoked paprika to replicate meaty depth and maintaining original spice blend.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat for this chili?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a mix of meats for variety and different flavor profiles.

• Is this chili spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level. If you want less spice, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For more heat, add extra cayenne or include some diced jalapeños.

• Do I need to brown the meat before putting it in the slow cooker?

Absolutely! Browning the meat first develops deeper flavor and helps remove excess fat, which creates a more robust and tasty chili.

• Can I make this chili without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking. Simply combine all ingredients in a large pot and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Slow Cooker No Bean Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker no bean chili delivers rich, meaty comfort without legumes, perfect for low-carb enthusiasts. Spicy, robust flavors blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chuck

Tomato-Based Ingredients:

• 2 (15 ounces/425 grams) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (15 ounces/425 grams) cans diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 (6 ounces/170 grams) can tomato paste

Seasonings and Vegetables:

• 1 small white onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 56 tablespoons (840 milliliters) chili powder
• 112 teaspoons (560 milliliters) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) minced garlic, (or 2 teaspoons/10 milliliters garlic powder)
• 3/4 teaspoon (3.75 milliliters) dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) granulated sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon (0.625 milliliters) cayenne pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Caramelize the ground beef and chuck in a sizzling skillet over medium-high heat, meticulously breaking down the meat until no pink remains. Thoroughly drain excess fat to ensure a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
2. Transfer the perfectly browned meat into the slow cooker, creating a hearty base for the chili. Incorporate tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to establish a robust liquid foundation.
3. Enhance the mixture with aromatic ingredients: finely chopped onions, vibrant green bell peppers, pungent garlic, and a symphony of spices including chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and a touch of sugar. Thoroughly blend all components to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Secure the slow cooker lid and set to low temperature for 8 hours, or alternatively, high for 4 hours. The extended cooking process allows ingredients to harmonize and develop deep, complex flavors.
5. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, conduct a flavor assessment. Calibrate seasonings with additional salt, chili powder, or sugar to achieve your desired taste profile. Adjust carefully to maintain the chili’s intricate balance of flavors.

Notes

• Perfectly brown the beef by ensuring the skillet is hot enough to create a deep caramelized crust, which adds rich flavor complexity to the chili.
• Allow meat to drain excess fat after browning to prevent a greasy texture and keep the chili’s consistency lean and clean.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper and chili powder, letting home cooks control the spiciness according to their personal preference.
• For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, replace sugar with a small amount of erythritol or skip sweetener entirely to maintain the recipe’s core flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg