This Easy Beef Chili Without Beans is the best quick recipe that is loaded with spices and hearty vegetables. This dish is made stovetop and is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Top this with bacon, sour cream, shredded cheese, avocados, or more!
This post was originally published in 2019. It has since been updated.
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Soups and chili are the best comfort foods for fall and winter. This winter has been incredibly difficult here in the Midwest (and for most of the rest of the country, too). A warm bowl of chili is just what I need. This dish is so easy to make and it’s one of those recipes that is freezer friendly and tastes even better when you reheat the next day.
If you want to use an Instant Pot, you should check out my Instant Pot Beef Chili recipe. The Best Classic Chili has a few key traits that I discuss below.
How to Make Chili with No Beans
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Gather your spices and ingredients. I like to use chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Don’t forget salt and pepper! That is important to season the beef and flavor. Be sure to use organic, no sugar added tomato paste. You will also need onions, garlic, chopped peppers, diced tomatoes and green chilis, and beef broth.
- Add your veggies to a skillet or large pan on medium-high heat. Next add the ground beef.
- Brown the ground beef with spices.
- Add the tomatoes, paste, and broth.
- Simmer and serve warm.
What to Use Green Chilis For
I like to use diced tomatoes and green chilies in this recipe for added flavor.
Topping Ideas
- Shredded Cheese
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Jalapenos
- Cooked and Crumbled Bacon
- Sliced Avocado
Can You Use Beans?
You can absolutely add beans if you wish. Chili beans and black beans will work well.
How to Thicken
The best way to get thick chili is to not go overboard with liquids. I only use a 1/2 cup of beef broth in this recipe. The remaining liquid comes from the diced chilis and tomatoes and the tomato paste, which will thin out a lot as the chili simmers.
Additional Toppings
- Shredded Cheese
- Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt
- Sliced Avocado
- Crumbled Bacon
Side Dishes to Pair
Keto Low-Carb Cornbread
Green Goddess Salad
Southern Collard Greens
Seafood Crab Salad
Is it Freezer Friendly?
The dish will last tightly sealed in the freezer for a few months.
More Chili Recipes
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Chili Cheese Fries
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Instant Pot Beef Chili
Pumpkin Chicken Chili
Sweet Potato Chili
Leftover Turkey Chili
Creamy Seafood Chili
Buffalo Chicken Chili
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chili Mac
Check out my Homemade Chili Seasoning and Pork Belly Ramen here.
Easy Chili Without Beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onions I like to use white or yellow
- 2 garlic cloves Minced
- 1/2 cup chopped green peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped red peppers
- 1/2 fresh jalapeno, chopped
- 15 oz canned diced tomatoes and green chilis (do not drain)
- 1/2 cup beef broth I grew up eating thick chili vs watery. If you prefer watery, use your judgment to assess if you will need more and start with an additional 1/2 cup.
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano You can use fresh if preferred.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper Optional for spicy.
Instructions
- Heat a skillet or large pot on medium-high heat with the onions, red and green peppers, garlic, and jalapenos. Cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pot or pan with all of the seasonings.
- Use a spatula or a large spoon to break down the ground beef into small chunks.
- When the beef has browned add the beef broth, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes and green chilis. If you are using a skillet you will need to transfer the ground beef to a large pot first. Stir to combine all of the ingredients.
- Lower the heat on the stove to Low. Cover and simmer the chili for 10-15 minutes. Taste the chili repeatedly for flavor. Add additional seasoning as needed.
- Cool before serving.
Steven
Thursday 15th of June 2023
My work had a chili cook off so I wanted to find a recipe that was flavorful and straight forward. Seemed like everyone had some off the wall "secret ingredient" concoction that had passed down through the family from the time of Noah. Most of them were loaded with spices, every kind of bean known to man or so hot your mouth was numb for 20 minutes. I followed this recipe with only 1 addition - a bit more red pepper, not much, I just wanted a wee bit more heat. Had sour cream, shredded cheese and tortilla strips for toppings. After all the votes were counted this recipe won 1st place out of 12 contenders. Try it, you will not be disappointed. Makes a great nacho topping too.
K. Phillips
Monday 28th of March 2022
Thick & hearty, plus it doesn't need all day to simmer. Great staple for weeknight meals!
staysnatched
Thursday 31st of March 2022
Glad to hear it's a staple!
Nek C
Friday 4th of February 2022
I’ve told folks for years, you don’t need beans in chili, but they will not listen!! Chili without beans is SO good and you honestly cannot tell you’re missing not one bean. This recipe was quick, easy to make, and another one that requires more than likely ingredients you have in your home! Thank you Brandi for making a chili that doesn’t take allll day lol
staysnatched
Monday 7th of February 2022
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Edith
Thursday 23rd of December 2021
Chili was delicious and easy to make! I have never thought of adding tomato paste but it definitely added extra richness to it. It hit the spot after some snow play. Can’t wait to make chili cheese fries with the left overs. Brandi, thank you again for another wonderful recipe.
staysnatched
Tuesday 28th of December 2021
You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Dorothy
Tuesday 16th of November 2021
Made this chili for meal prep this week and it was so good. Really quick yet filling.
staysnatched
Saturday 20th of November 2021
Yum! I'm glad you enjoyed it.