Easy No Bean Chili Recipe

This no bean chili is just as thick, flavorful, and hearty as any "regular" chili recipe out there. It's packed with ground beef, diced tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, a variety of spices, and more. If you don't like beans, it doesn't mean that you have to miss out on all of the deliciousness that a good chili recipe provides! 

Why I Love This Chili Recipe Without Beans

I’ve made a lot of chili recipes over the years, and this no bean chili recipe has quickly become one of my favorites. What makes it stand out is the balance of flavors and textures—it’s thick and meaty from the ground beef, rich from the tomatoes, and full of smoky warmth from chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Even without beans, it has that same hearty, stick-to-your-ribs feel you expect from a classic chili.

Another reason I love it is how versatile it is. You can make it mild and family-friendly or turn up the heat with extra cayenne or jalapeños. Plus, it’s just as good the next day—sometimes even better—which makes it a great option for meal prep. And since it’s naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, it fits a variety of diets without sacrificing flavor.

Finally, this beanless chili is one of those dishes that works anytime. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game day spreads, or freezing in batches so you always have a quick, hearty meal ready to go. For me, it’s proof that you don’t need beans to enjoy an incredible bowl of chili.

Ingredients You'll Need

As far as ingredients go, there's nothing fancy about this homemade no bean chili recipe. It's made with all the usual chili "suspects", so there's a good chance you'll have everything you'll need to make it at home already!

Anyway, here's what you'll need to whip it up:

• 1 pound of ground beef 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 onion, diced finely
• ½ green bell pepper, diced 
• 1 clove of garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups of beef broth 
• 1 bay leaf

And here are some toppings I like to use on it:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cilantro
• Sour cream
• Jalapeño slices

By the way, you can use almost all of these ingredients to make my copycat Wendy's chili recipe and my copycat Texas Roadhouse chili recipe. They're a couple of my other favorite chili recipes, however, they do both contain beans.

How To Make No Bean Chili

As I mentioned earlier, this no bean chili is effortless to make. In fact, all you have to do is add the ingredients to a pot, give it a few stirs, and then let it simmer to perfection. Sounds pretty simple, right? Anyway, let's not waste any more time, let's get to cooking!

Step 1: Cook the Beef

First things first, if you haven't done so already, gather - and prep - all of your ingredients. Also, just so you know, I'm using a Dutch oven for this recipe because I think it does the best job of evenly cooking the chili. But if you don't have a Dutch oven, you can use any heavy-bottom pot, and it will work just as well.

With that said, to start, you'll want to add the oil to the Dutch oven - or pot - and put it over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Let the oil heat for a minute, then add the lean ground beef, diced pepper, minced garlic, and salt and pepper.

Now you'll want to let everything cook together in the pot until the beef has browned on all sides. You can break the beef apart with a spoon, stirring occasionally so it cooks evenly on all sides.

Step 2: Simmer The Chili 

Once the beef is cooked, you can add all of the spices to the pot - that would be the cumin, paprika, and dried oregano - along with the crushed tomatoes.

Follow that by adding the beef broth and bay leaf, and cook everything for about 30 minutes or until the chili thickens. Also, be sure to check on it and stir it occasionally while it's cooking.

Step 3: Serve

Finally, once the chili is done, ladle it into some bowls and top it with your favorite toppings! I like to add shredded cheese, cilantro, sour cream, and jalapeño slices to my chili. However, you can add whatever you like to yours. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Brown for flavor, not just color. Heat the Dutch oven well first, then add oil and beef in an even layer. Don’t stir for 2–3 minutes so a crust forms; that fond is your flavor base. Work in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
• Choose the right beef. 80/20 gives the richest body. If using leaner beef, keep a bit of the rendered fat in the pot (2–3 tsp) for flavor and mouthfeel; spoon off only excess grease.
• Use the right tomatoes and broth. Crushed tomatoes give a saucy texture; diced will be chunkier. Low-sodium beef broth amplifies savoriness more than chicken broth and gives a “Texas-style” depth (while still matching your recipe).
• Top for contrast. Rich chili is delicious with a cool/acidic crunch: cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, pickled jalapeños or red onions, avocado, scallions, and a squeeze of lime. A handful of tortilla chips on top as well completes the flavor and texture contrast.

What To Serve With This No Bean Chili

This beef chili is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it tastes even better when paired with the right side dish! Here are some of my favorite things to eat with this:

• Sweet potato cornbread - A slightly sweet, moist cornbread that balances the smoky spice of the chili.
• Martha White cornbread - A Southern staple that’s quick, easy, and perfect for soaking up every drop of chili.
• Sweet corn cake- Soft, sweet, and buttery, it adds a nice contrast to the bold, savory flavors of the chili.
• Air fryer tortilla chips - Crispy, salty chips are my favorite for scooping or adding crunch on top of your bowl.
• Air fryer baked potatoes - Fluffy inside and crispy outside, perfect for completing an extra hearty meal.
• Fried polenta- Golden and crispy on the outside, creamy inside—a unique but delicious pairing with chili.

No Bean Chili FAQS

Can you use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works great in this beanless chili recipe if you want a leaner option. Since turkey has less fat than beef, add a splash of olive oil when browning it so the chili still develops that rich, savory flavor. Ground chicken can also be used as a swap.

Can I make no bean chili in the slow cooker?

Yes! First, brown the meat, onion, pepper, and garlic in a skillet first for maximum flavor, then transfer everything—including the spices, tomatoes, broth, and bay leaf—into your slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours until the chili is thick and flavorful. This is one of the easiest ways to make a hearty slow cooker no bean chili for game day or busy nights.

Can I make no bean chili in the Instant Pot?

Yes, the Instant Pot makes this recipe even quicker. Use the Sauté function to brown the beef and aromatics, stir in the spices, then add the tomatoes, broth, and bay leaf. Seal and cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release. If the chili looks thin, simmer on Sauté for a few minutes to thicken.

How do you store leftover beanless chili?

Let the chili cool completely before storing. Then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin it out again. The flavors deepen after a day, making leftovers even better! I love making a big batch of this recipe and eating the chili for lunch or dinner throughout the week. It's my favorite winter meal prep recipe.

Can you freeze leftover chili?

Yes! This chili freezes really well. Allow it to cool, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or in the slow cooker. For best results, re-season with a bit of salt or lime juice after reheating to brighten the flavors.

My Final Thoughts

Well, that's how to make chili without beans! This recipe really is as good as any classic chili out there. I mean, it's super easy to make, doesn't take a lot of time, and the results are as flavorful and hearty as it gets.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chili recipe as much as I do! If you do give it a try, let me know how you liked the recipe by leaving a comment below!

More Recipes To Try

If you're looking for some more hearty dinner recipes to try next, we have a ton on the blog! Here are some of my favorites:

• Texas Roadhouse country fried chicken
• Texas Roadhouse grilled shrimp
• Carrabba's sausage and lentil soup
• Ham balls
• Chicken pesto pasta
• Panko breaded chicken
• Southern meatloaf
• White chicken chili with cream cheese
• Porcupine meatballs

Also, for even more delicious recipes, check out our Youtube, TikTok, or Instagram page. We post new recipes every day on them.