Quick & Cozy Easy No-Bean Chili Recipe for Family Dinners

Winters demand hearty comfort food that warms you from the inside out, and this mouthwatering easy no-bean chili recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Packed with robust flavors and tender meat, this chili brings serious satisfaction to your dinner table.

Meat lovers will rejoice in the rich, spicy blend of ground beef and aromatic seasonings.

Every bite promises a delightful explosion of taste that cuts through cold evenings.

Quick to prepare and supremely delicious, this chili stands out as a crowd-pleasing meal that requires minimal effort.

Home cooks seeking a no-fuss dinner solution will appreciate how effortlessly this recipe comes together.

Grab your pot and get ready to serve up a bowl of pure, comforting goodness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Make No-Bean Chili That’s Still Hearty

• Meat Preparation

Brown ground beef in a large pot, breaking it into tasty bite-sized pieces until perfectly cooked and slightly crispy.

• Veggie and Spice Blend

Toss chopped onions, green peppers, jalapeño, and minced garlic into the pot. Sprinkle in warm spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder for a flavor explosion.

• Tomato Magic

Swirl in tomato paste and cornmeal, creating a rich base that’ll make your chili thick and satisfying.

• Liquid Gold

Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef stock, gently scraping the bottom of the pot to capture all those delicious browned bits.

• Slow Simmer

Let the chili bubble gently on low heat, allowing flavors to mingle and develop. Give it an occasional stir and let the magic happen.

• Finishing Touches

Top with sharp cheddar cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, and sprinkle fresh scallions. Enjoy immediately or save for later – this chili tastes even better the next day.

Tips to Add Depth and Kick to No-Bean Chili

• Elevate Your No-Bean Masterpiece
• Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for maximum flavor and juiciness. Leaner meats can become dry, so watch your cooking time carefully.
• Bloom your spices by toasting them briefly in the pot before adding liquid. This technique releases deeper, richer flavors that transform ordinary chili into an extraordinary dish.
• Want a milder version? Remove jalapeño seeds or swap with mild green chiles. Craving more fire? Keep the seeds or add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra kick.
• Transform this stovetop recipe into a hands-off meal by transferring ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, letting flavors meld beautifully while you relax.
• Repurpose cold chili as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or stuffed into quesadillas. Each serving becomes a delicious new adventure that stretches your meal budget.

Serving No-Bean Chili With Your Favorite Toppings

• Game Night Companion: Ladle this hearty chili into small bowls for easy snacking during board games or movie marathons with friends.
• Tailgate Triumph: Pack the chili in a thermos for outdoor sports events, topping with shredded cheese and crispy tortilla chips for extra crunch.
• Comfort Bowl Makeover: Serve over crispy waffle fries or cornbread for a decadent twist that transforms the classic chili into a cozy, indulgent meal perfect for chilly evenings.
• Breakfast Surprise: Transform leftovers into a morning treat by topping a fried egg and adding the chili for a spicy, protein-packed breakfast that'll kickstart your day.

Storing No-Bean Chili for Maximum Enjoyment

• Batch Cooking Bliss: Whip up a double batch of this hearty chili and divide it into individual meal-sized containers for quick weeknight dinners that save time and effort.
• Freezer-Friendly Champion: Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. Flat-packed bags stack neatly and thaw faster, making meal prep a breeze.
• Refrigerator Revival Trick: Revive chilled chili by adding a splash of beef stock when reheating to restore its original rich texture and prevent dryness. Stir gently over medium-low heat for best results.
• Smart Garnish Strategy: Keep toppings like shredded cheese, chopped scallions, and sour cream separate until serving to maintain their fresh texture and prevent soggy leftovers.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Easy No-Bean Chili

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor depth for even cooking.
• Ground Beef: Choose lean cuts for healthier chili with rich, robust meat texture.
• White Onion: Provides sweet and sharp undertones that build foundational flavor profile.
• Green Bell Pepper: Adds crisp vegetable freshness and subtle earthy crunch.
• Jalapeño: Introduces gentle heat and vibrant pepper complexity.
• Garlic: Brings intense aromatic depth and classic savory undertones.

• Cumin: Delivers warm, slightly smoky southwestern essence.
• Paprika: Contributes rich color and mild sweet pepper notes.
• Chili Powder: Creates authentic chili warmth and traditional spice character.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor complexity.
• Black Pepper: Provides sharp, subtle heat and aromatic intensity.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrates rich tomato flavor and helps thicken sauce.
• Cornmeal: Creates velvety texture and adds subtle corn sweetness.
• Tomato Purée: Develops smooth, rich base with bright acidic undertones.
• Beef Broth: Deepens meaty flavor and ensures perfect sauce consistency.

• Scallions, Chopped Onion: Add fresh, sharp crispness.
• Sour Cream: Provides cool, creamy contrast.
• Cheddar Cheese: Introduces rich, melty indulgence.
• Tortilla Chips: Creates satisfying crunchy texture.
• Avocado

Equipment to Get No-Bean Chili Just Right

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Essential for browning beef and simmering chili evenly.
• Cutting board: Perfect for chopping onions, peppers, and jalapeño.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and breaking up ground beef.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices and seasonings.
• Measuring cup: Useful for measuring beef stock.

Hearty Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty no-bean chili delivers rich, meaty flavors with ground beef and bold spices. Comfort merges with zest in this simple, satisfying meal that promises warmth and pleasure for anyone craving a classic southwestern-style dish.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lb (pounds) ground beef, lean
• 28 oz (ounces) can chunky tomato purée or diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 1 white onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tsps ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsps mild chili powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tbsps cornmeal
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Thinly sliced scallions
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Tortilla chips
• Cubed avocado
• Chopped onion

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high temperature, then crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking into small fragments and cooking until completely browned, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Vegetable Infusion: Incorporate diced onions, green peppers, jalapeño, and garlic into the meat mixture, sautéing until vegetables become soft and translucent, developing a rich aromatic base.
3. Seasoning Technique: Generously sprinkle cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper across the meat-vegetable blend, stirring thoroughly to distribute spices evenly and create a deep flavor profile.
4. Base Development: Integrate tomato paste and cornmeal, continuously stirring for 2-3 minutes to enhance depth and prevent potential scorching, while creating a thickening foundation.
5. Liquid Integration: Pour crushed tomatoes and beef stock into the pot, using a wooden spoon to dislodge caramelized bits from the bottom, ensuring maximum flavor extraction.
6. Simmering Process: Reduce heat to low, allowing chili to gently simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, occasionally stirring and adjusting liquid consistency as needed.
7. Final Touches: Taste and refine seasoning, then serve in bowls topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and scallion garnishes.
8. Storage Method: Preserve remaining chili in an airtight container, refrigerating for up to 4 days or freezing for a maximum of 2 months for future meals.

Notes

• Meat Selection: Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for optimal flavor and juiciness, preventing dry chili.
• Spice Balancing: Toast spices briefly in hot pan to intensify their aromatic compounds and deepen overall taste profile.
• Texture Control: Use cornmeal as natural thickener, helping create rich consistency without overwhelming the chili’s core flavors.
• Storage Strategy: Cool chili completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth and maintain best taste quality.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg