Easy No-Bean Chili With Ground Beef

Homemade chili always hits the spot. If you’re craving a hearty chili that will fill up the family, this is the best chili recipe you’ll find. The easy homemade southern no-bean chili with ground beef is a comforting dish.

Made Texas-style, there are no beans here. Just pure, beefy goodness in a rich tomato sauce with enough spice to jangle your spurs!

A Hearty Bowl Of Chili

What’s The Deal With Texas Chili?

Across the United States, it seems every state has its own way of doing chili. Texans are adamant about Texas chili and not including any beans.

It’s not that they hate beans and have banished them from the state. It has to do with flavor.

As much as I love beans, I have to admit they’ve got a flavor all their own. And while I like that flavor, when you keep them out of the chili, it’s a game-changer.

While I’ll still make chili with beans often, making Texas chili is a spectacular experience. This hearty chili is ideal for game day, gatherings or for filling your freezer with leftovers that you can easily warm up on a chilly night. 

If you’ve never tried a no bean chili recipe that doesn’t have all the typical pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans, and other common chili beans, then you simply must have this experience!

Why Use Ground Beef Instead Of Beans?

Traditionally, chili recipes use beans. However, for those watching their carb intake or who simply don’t like beans, ground beef is a great substitute.

Ground beef is a great source of protein and provides a different texture to the dish that beans typically provide.

And using ground meat in chili can give you more ways to add some variety. With beans, the flavor of the dish can be limited, but when using ground beef, you can add in various spices and seasonings to create different flavors.

Ingredients Needed For The Beanless Chili Recipe

• Ground beef
• Minced garlic
• Diced onion
• Can of diced tomatoes
• Can of Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilies
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Tomato sauce
• Salt and ground black pepper
• Water

Full printable recipe with measurements and instructions listed at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

How to Make My Beanless Chili Recipe

Making this no bean chili recipe is a snap. I made it on the stovetop but feel free to load it into your Crock Pot.

1. Add the ground beef, garlic, and onions to a saucepan and brown. Drain the grease.
2. Next, add the diced tomatoes, Rotel, tomato sauce, and all of the seasonings.
3. Add the tomato paste to the beef broth and mix it in to get it to thin out. Pour it into the pan and mix the ingredients.
4. Pour the water into the chili and mix. Bring it to a boil, stir, and lower the temperature to simmer.
5. Place the lid on top and allow it to simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Start by adding the ground beef to a saucepan.

This beanless chili recipe also works with ground turkey or ground chicken.

Make a double batch to feed a large crowd or to save for another time. This chili freezes beautifully, making it an asset for your meal prep or for busy nights.

Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pan. Cook until browned, and then drain the grease.

Next, add the can of diced tomatoes and Rotel to the saucepan.

I add the tomato paste to the beef broth so I can thin it out before adding it to the chili. Once you thin it out, add it to the chili.

Pour the tomato sauce into the pan.

Add the Italian seasoning and the paprika.

Next, add the chili powder to the saucepan.

Pour the water into the saucepan.

Pour the salt into the pan.

Finally, pour the pepper into the saucepan and mix the ingredients.

Bring the ingredients to a boil and then turn the temperature down to a simmer. Place the lid on top and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes. Stir the chili occasionally.

Serving Suggestions For Eating With Chili

Beanless chili with ground beef is great on its own, but it can be served with various sides to make a complete meal. Consider serving it with:

• Air fryer cornbread
• Potato wedges
• Tortilla chips
• Twice-baked potatoes
• Coleslaw
• Homemade rolls
• Potato salad from Join Me In The Kitchen

Tips For Adding A Variety Of Flavors

If you want to change the flavors, or add some spice to the beanless chili and ground beef dish, consider the following tips:

• Use high-quality ground beef with a higher fat content (80/20 or 85/15) for a richer flavor. I buy my ground beef at Fresh Market on sale day.
• If you like your chili spicier, add more cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño peppers.
• Add some cheese and sour cream to the dish for a richer flavor.
• Sprinkle in some of the following ingredients for different flavors:
  • Green onions
  • Fresh green bell pepper
  • Fritos
  • Fresh red bell pepper
  • Red onion
  • Saltine crackers
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Shredded Mexican cheese
  • Shredded pepper Jack cheese

Frequently Asked Questions About Beanless Chili

Q: Can I make the beanless chili in a slow cooker?

A: Yes! All you need to do is brown the ground beef on the stovetop, then add all of the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.

Q: Can I freeze the beanless chili?

A: Yes! This chili can be frozen for up to three months. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag.

Q: How can I make the chili spicier?

A: Add more cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the pot.

Q: What do I do with leftover chili?

A: The best way to make use of any leftover chili is to serve it on top of hot dogs. Or even have it ready in your slow cooker for a backyard barbecue and let everyone ladle it into bowls or onto those hot dogs.

Or, you can keep it refrigerated in an airtight container.

Easy Homemade Southern No-Bean Chili With Ground Beef

You really can’t go wrong here! Check the recipe card below to get the full details on how to make chili without any beans that everyone is going to go wild over!