Easy No Bean Chili Recipe: 30-Minute Comfort Food

Oh, chili! Is there anything more comforting on a chilly evening? Seriously, whether it’s game night, a family get-together, or just one of those “I need something warm and satisfying” kind of nights, chili is ALWAYS a winner. Now, I know what you might be thinking: chili HAS to have beans, right? Wrong! I’m here to tell you about my absolute favorite, go-to Easy No Bean Chili Recipe.

This isn’t just any chili, folks. This is a *hearty* and *flavorful* chili that skips the beans but doesn’t skimp on taste. And the best part? It’s ready in under an hour! I’ve been making chili for years, tweaking and perfecting it, and honestly, sometimes I just don’t want the beans. They can be…well, a bit much, you know? This version lets the beef and spices really shine. Plus, it’s a lifesaver when you’re craving chili but realize you’re out of beans (oops, been there!). Trust me, even bean lovers will devour this. It’s that good!

I remember one time, I accidentally bought like, five pounds of ground beef. I know, don’t ask! This recipe saved the day. I made a huge batch of this Easy No Bean Chili Recipe, and it was gone in two days! Seriously, two days! So, if you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Easy No Bean Chili Recipe

Quick and Easy

Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at under an hour. That’s my kind of weeknight meal!

Packed with Flavor

Oh, the spices! This chili is bursting with savory goodness. You won’t miss the beans, I promise!

Perfect for Low-Carb Diets

Trying to cut back on carbs? This chili fits the bill! All the flavor, none of the bean-y guilt.

Customizable

Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne! More mild? Skip the diced green chilies. It’s your chili, make it your way!

Easy No Bean Chili Recipe Ingredients

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This Easy No Bean Chili Recipe is super simple, and you probably have most of this stuff in your pantry already. But, you know, double-check! Nothing’s worse than getting halfway through and realizing you’re missing something (oops, guilty!). Here’s what you’ll need:

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb ground beef

I usually go for 80/20, but honestly, whatever you have on hand works. Just make sure to drain that extra fat after browning!

1 onion, chopped

Yellow or white onion is perfect. Don’t stress too much about the size of the chop; it’ll all cook down.

2 cloves garlic, minced

I’m a garlic LOVER, so sometimes I throw in an extra clove or two. Don’t tell anyone!

1 green bell pepper, chopped

Adds a nice little crunch and some sweetness. You could use a red or yellow bell pepper if you’re feeling fancy!

Tomato Base

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

This is the base of our chili, so make sure you get a good quality brand. Trust me, it makes a difference!

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

Tomato sauce adds a bit of richness and helps to thicken things up.

1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies

These add a little kick! If you’re not a fan of spice, you can use mild ones or just skip them altogether.

Spices

2 tbsp chili powder

This is where the magic happens! Adjust to your taste. I like a good, smoky chili powder.

1 tsp cumin

Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that’s essential for chili.

1/2 tsp oregano

Dried oregano is perfect. Adds a little herby goodness.

Salt and pepper to taste

Don’t forget to season! Salt and pepper are key to bringing out all the flavors.

Optional Toppings

shredded cheese

sour cream

chopped onions

Okay, these are a MUST in my book! But feel free to get creative with your toppings. More on that later!

How to Make Easy No Bean Chili Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s the fun part! Making this Easy No Bean Chili Recipe is seriously a breeze. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pot of delicious chili in no time. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro cook; this is totally foolproof!

Preparing the Meat

First, grab your large pot (I use a Dutch oven, but any big pot will do) and put it over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and start breaking it up with a spoon. You’ll want to brown it until it’s no longer pink. Make sure you drain off any excess fat! Nobody wants greasy chili, right?

Sautéing the Vegetables

Now, toss in your chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook them until they start to soften, usually about 5 minutes. Stir them around so they don’t burn. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions are translucent and the peppers are a little bit tender.

Adding Spices and Aromatics

Alright, time for the good stuff! Add your minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano to the pot. Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly. This step is super important because it helps bloom the spices and really bring out their flavor. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now!

Simmering the Chili

Pour in your crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced green chilies. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking.

Seasoning and Serving

Finally, season your chili with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and have a little taste test! Does it need more salt? More chili powder? Now’s the time to adjust it to your liking. Serve hot with your favorite toppings. Shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped onions are my go-to’s, but feel free to get creative! Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Easy No Bean Chili Recipe

Want to take your Easy No Bean Chili Recipe from good to *amazing*? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my top tips for making the *best* chili ever. Seriously, these little tweaks make a HUGE difference.

Choose High-Quality Ground Beef

Okay, this is a big one. The better the beef, the better the chili, plain and simple! Splurge a little if you can; you’ll taste the difference. I usually go for grass-fed if it’s in the budget.

Don’t Skip the Simmering Time

Patience, my friend! That simmering time is where all the magic happens. It lets the flavors meld together and deepen. Trust me, the longer you simmer, the better it gets. At least 30 minutes, but an hour is even better!

Adjust the Spice Level

Spice it up (or down!) to your liking! If you want some extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Or, experiment with different chili powders. Ancho chili powder adds a nice smoky flavor, while chipotle chili powder brings a little heat and smokiness. Have fun with it!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Easy No Bean Chili Recipe

Okay, let’s talk swaps! Sometimes you’re missing an ingredient, or you just want to try something different. No problem! This Easy No Bean Chili Recipe is super flexible. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Ground Beef Alternatives

Don’t have ground beef? No sweat! Ground turkey or chicken work just as well. They’re leaner options, so you’ll save on some fat. Just make sure to still brown them nicely before adding the veggies!

Green Chili Options

So, the canned diced green chilies are pretty mild. If you want more kick, try using fresh jalapeños (minced, of course!). Or, if you’re feeling *really* brave, go for some serrano peppers. Careful, though; those little guys pack some serious heat!

Spice Adjustments

Want to play around with the flavor profile? Go for it! Smoked paprika is AMAZING in this chili. It adds a smoky depth that’s just incredible. Or, try a pinch of cumin seeds for a more intense cumin flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Serving Suggestions for Your Easy No Bean Chili Recipe

Alright, your Easy No Bean Chili Recipe is ready! But what should you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are a few ideas to make it a complete and totally delicious meal!

Classic Toppings

You can’t go wrong with the classics! Shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some chopped red onions are always a hit. Seriously, pile ’em on!

Side Dishes

Cornbread is practically *required* with chili, in my opinion! A simple side salad adds a nice bit of freshness, and tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up every last bit of chili goodness.

Creative Additions

Feeling adventurous? Try adding some diced avocado, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice. These little additions can really brighten up the flavors and take your chili to the next level!

Storing and Reheating Your Easy No Bean Chili Recipe

Okay, so you’ve made a big batch of this amazing Easy No Bean Chili Recipe (good for you!), and now you’ve got leftovers. No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat it so it tastes just as good as the first time. Because, let’s be honest, chili is even better the next day!

Refrigerator Storage

Let the chili cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch!

Reheating Instructions

Stovetop is my favorite! Just heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and hot. Microwave works too, of course. Just nuke it for a few minutes, stirring every minute or so, until it’s heated through. Careful, it can splatter!

Freezing Instructions

Want to keep it longer? No problem! Let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave a little room at the top, since it’ll expand when it freezes. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat as usual. Easy peasy!

Easy No Bean Chili Recipe FAQs

Got questions about this Easy No Bean Chili Recipe? I bet you do! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked. If you’re still scratching your head, drop me a comment below! I’m happy to help!

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! In fact, slow cooking this chili is a GREAT idea! Just brown the beef and sauté the veggies like normal, then toss everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Your house will smell AMAZING all day!

Can I add other vegetables to this chili?

Totally! Feel free to get creative! Diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even some corn would be delicious in this no bean chili. Just add them in with the onions and bell peppers. The more veggies, the merrier, I say!

How can I thicken this chili?

If your chili is a little too thin for your liking, don’t panic! You can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the chili during the last 15 minutes of simmering. Or, you can just let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to let some of the liquid evaporate.

Is this chili gluten-free?

Good news! This Easy No Bean Chili Recipe *should* be naturally gluten-free, as long as you’re using gluten-free spices and canned goods. But, always double-check the labels to be sure! Some chili powders can contain hidden gluten. If you’re super sensitive, you can always make your own chili powder blend!

Nutritional Information for Easy No Bean Chili Recipe

Okay, let’s talk nutrition! Everyone always asks, “How many calories are in this?” and honestly, it’s a tricky question. The nutritional information can vary *a lot* depending on the brands you use, the fat content of your ground beef, and how heavy-handed you are with the toppings. Seriously, that shredded cheese can add up FAST!

So, I can give you an estimate, but please remember this is just a rough guide. I’m not a nutritionist (I just love to cook!), so take this with a grain of salt. A serving of this Easy No Bean Chili Recipe is *approximately*:

• Calories: Around 300-350
• Protein: 25-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
• Fat: 20-25 grams

Keep in mind that these numbers are based on average ingredients and don’t include toppings! So, if you’re watching your calories, maybe go easy on the cheese and sour cream (but honestly, who can resist?). Just enjoy your chili and don’t stress too much about the exact numbers. Happy cooking!

Enjoy Your Easy No Bean Chili Recipe!

Alright, that’s it! I seriously hope you give this Easy No Bean Chili Recipe a try. Let me know what you think in the comments below! Did you add any fun toppings? Did you tweak the spices? I want to hear all about it! And hey, if you loved it, give it a rating! Happy chili-ing!

Print