No Bean Chili - Iowa Girl Eats (2024)

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I overheard Ben describing what Chili Dogs were to Lincoln the other day, because these are the important things in life when you’re 7 years old, and he was totally into it so I made them for dinner that night. “Mom, we were JUST talking about Chili Dogs!” Lincoln exclaimed as he scooted up to the counter to eat.

“Oh really? What a coincidence!”MUWAHAHAHA!

Anyway, they were a total hit and so I wanted to share the No Bean Chili recipe I made to top those hot doggers off with! This classic-tasting, chili without beans is beyond simple to whip up – we’re talking 30 minutes from fridge to table – and is perfect for my chili purists who believe beans have no place in chili (Texans, I see you!)

Homemade cornbread optional but highly recommended!

Easy No Bean Chili

No Bean Chili is chili made without beans – you got it! Whether you don’t like beans, they don’t like you, or as I mentioned, you just don’t believe they have a place in chili, this chili recipe with no beans will set you free. It is SO good and I can almost guarantee you have all the ingredients on hand to make it.

Ground beef, onions or shallots, and garlic are browned then simmered with tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, fire roasted tomatoes, beef stock, and green chilis, plus herbs, spices, and seasonings for just 20 minutes. If you love classic chili, you will LOVE this easy no bean recipe.

Best Fixin’s for Chili

What is chili without all the fixin’s!? I feel like becausethis is such a pure and simple ground beef chili recipe that the toppings take center stage and provide lots of excitment in each spoonful. Set out a toppings bar with the following ingredients to make meal time fun and interactive.

• Tortilla chips
• Green onions
• Shredded cheese
• Sliced jalapeno
• Sour cream
• Diced avocado
• Minced white or red onion
• Chopped cilantro
• Pico de Gallo
• Don’t forget the cornbread!

Make Ahead and Freezer Friendly

• To make ahead: No Bean Chili is a great make ahead meal because it actually tastes better the day(s) after cooking. Cool completely then refrigerate the entire cooking pot with a lid on top. 15 minutes before it’s time to eat, place the pot on the stovetop over medium heat then stir occasionally until it’s back up to serving temperature.
• To freeze: Cool the chili completely then scoop into Ziplock freezer bags and freeze flat. Thaw for 24 hours in the refrigerator then pour into a pot and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Recipe Tips

1. I like to leave the ground beef in bigger chunks as it browns, versus breaking it up finely as you’d do when making spaghetti sauce. Otherwise it can feel like you’re spoon drinking chili-flavored spaghetti sauce…which is a little weird! The big hunks of ground beef provide some great chunky texture to this chili which beans normally provide.
2. I use Tone’s brand mild chili powder to keep the chili at a medium heat level, since I also add cayenne pepper. If you like your chili spicy, use regular or hot chili powder.
3. If your chili tastes a little tinny on account of the canned tomato products, you can add a pinch of baking soda at a time until the metallic taste has leveled out. I add a pinch of sugar to my chili to help with this, but if it’s really tinny, baking soda also helps a ton.

How to Make No Bean Chili

Step 1: Start by browning ground beef with chopped shallots or onions plus minced garlic in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.As I mentioned, I like to leave the ground beef in bigger chunks, vs breaking it up finely, to give the chili texture.

You can absolutely use lean ground beef but I feel like 85/15 or even 80/20 ground beef brings some serious flavor to chili. You can either drain off the excess fat after browning, or skim it off the top as the chili simmers.

Step 2:Add tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, fire roasted tomatoes, beef broth or stock, and a small can of diced green chilesto the pot.

Plus herbs, spices, and seasonings including chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and smoked cumin.I also like to add a pinch ofwhite sugarto help balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.

Step 3:Turn the heat to high to bring the chili to a bubble then turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, skimming off any excess fat that rises to the top.

That’s all she wrote! Scoop the chili into bowls then top with any and all fixin’s. As good as this chili is freshly cooked, it’s even better the next day! Whenever you serve it up, I hope you love this easy, No Bean Chili recipe – enjoy!

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• Signature Smoky, Spicy, Sweet Chili
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• Sweet Potato, Poblano and Chorizo Chili

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