Chili. The ultimate comfort food, right? I mean, who doesn’t love a big bowl of warm, hearty chili on a chilly evening? There are SO many variations out there – some with beans, some without, some super spicy, some mild as can be. And honestly, I’ve tried ’em all! But you know what? I’ve always been a no-bean kinda gal. Just a personal preference, I guess! I love the focus on the meaty, tomato-y goodness.
That’s why I’m SO excited to share my Easy No Bean Chili Recipe with you! It’s seriously the perfect weeknight meal when you’re craving something quick, satisfying, and totally delicious. And trust me, even though it’s super simple, it’s PACKED with flavor. Forget complicated recipes with a million ingredients. This one is all about ease and taste. So, if you’re ready for a bowl of pure comfort, keep reading!
Why You’ll Love This Easy No Bean Chili Recipe
Okay, so why should you try *this* particular no bean chili recipe? Well, let me tell ya, it’s a winner! Here’s the lowdown:
Quick and Easy
Seriously, we’re talking minimal prep time here. You can throw this together in like, 15 minutes flat! And it cooks up in under an hour. Boom! Dinner is served.
Packed with Flavor
Don’t let the “easy” part fool ya. This chili is bursting with flavor. It’s got that classic chili taste you crave, but without all the fuss. My favorite part is how the spices all meld together…mmm!
Customizable to Your Taste
Wanna kick up the heat? Go for it! Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne. Like it mild? No problem, just skip the cayenne! And the toppings? Endless possibilities! It’s your chili, make it your way!
Gluten-Free Option
Yep, that’s right! This easy no bean chili recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect if you’re avoiding gluten. Just double-check your toppings to make sure they’re GF too!
Perfect for Weeknights
This is THE go-to meal when you’re short on time and energy. It’s quick, easy, and everyone loves it. What more could you want on a busy weeknight? Trust me, this will become a staple!
Ingredients for Your Easy No Bean Chili Recipe
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing easy no bean chili recipe. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty basic stuff you can find at any grocery store. And hey, if you’re missing something, don’t sweat it! Chili is super forgiving. Just do your best, and it’ll still be delicious!
- 1 lb ground beef (I usually go for 80/20, but whatever you like!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (yellow or white, both work great!)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (adds a nice little crunch and flavor!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you’re a garlic lover like me!)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (the key to that rich tomato flavor!)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce (helps thicken things up!)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (these add a little kick, but they’re not too spicy!)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder (this is where the chili magic happens!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (gives it that warm, earthy flavor!)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (adds a touch of smokiness!)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for those who like it HOT!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy, season it well!)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions (or whatever your heart desires!)
How to Make This Easy No Bean Chili Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, are you ready to get cooking? This easy no bean chili recipe is so simple, I promise you can’t mess it up! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious bowl of chili in no time. And hey, even if you DO make a little mistake, it’ll still taste great. Chili is super forgiving like that!
Browning the Beef
First things first, grab a big pot – like, a really big one! Put it on the stove over medium-high heat. Now, toss in your ground beef. You’ll want to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s all browned and there’s no pink left. Don’t forget to drain off any extra grease! Nobody wants greasy chili, yuck!
Adding Vegetables and Spices
Alright, now add in your chopped onion and green bell pepper. Stir them around with the beef and cook until they’re nice and soft. This usually takes about 5 minutes or so. You’ll know they’re ready when the onion starts to look a little see-through. Now, toss in your minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). Give it all a good stir and cook for another minute. This helps the spices bloom and release all their amazing flavors! Careful not to burn the garlic!
Simmering the Chili
Time to add the tomatoes! Pour in your crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced green chilies. Give it all a good stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, bring the chili to a simmer. That means you want to see little bubbles gently rising to the surface. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, or even up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the more delicious it’ll be! Just make sure to stir it every now and then so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Serving Your Chili
Alright, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Your easy no bean chili recipe is ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and top with all your favorite goodies. I’m talking shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions…the sky’s the limit! Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Easy No Bean Chili Recipe
Want to take your easy no bean chili recipe from good to GREAT? I’ve got a few little secrets that’ll make all the difference. These are the things I’ve learned over years of chili-making, so trust me on this!
Adjusting the Spice Level
Okay, so spice is a personal thing, right? If you’re a heat-seeker, don’t be shy with the cayenne pepper! A little pinch goes a long way. You can also add more chili powder for a deeper, richer flavor. But if you’re not a fan of spicy, just skip the cayenne altogether. You can always add a dash of hot sauce to your own bowl later!
Thickening the Chili
Sometimes you want a nice, thick chili, am I right? If your chili is looking a little too watery, just take the lid off the pot and let it simmer for the last 15-20 minutes. The extra liquid will evaporate, leaving you with a perfectly thick and hearty chili. Works like a charm!
Adding More Vegetables
Feel like adding a little extra somethin’ somethin’? Toss in some corn or diced tomatoes! Corn adds a touch of sweetness and a nice pop of color, while diced tomatoes add even MORE tomato-y goodness. Get creative and add whatever veggies your heart desires!
Easy No Bean Chili Recipe Variations
Okay, so you’ve got the basic easy no bean chili recipe down. Now, let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! The best part about chili is how versatile it is. You can tweak it a million different ways and still end up with something amazing. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Spicy Easy No Bean Chili Recipe
Feeling fiery? Turn up the heat with a pinch (or three!) of cayenne pepper. Or, for a different kind of spice, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce! Trust me, a little bit goes a long way! You can even throw in a chopped jalapeño for some extra kick. Just be careful, it’s easy to overdo it!
Smoky Easy No Bean Chili Recipe
Want to add a little smokiness? Swap out the regular paprika for smoked paprika. It makes a HUGE difference! Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. Whoa, that’ll wake up your taste buds! Just remember to remove the seeds if you don’t want it TOO spicy.
Adding Different Meats
Ground beef is great, but why not try something different? Ground turkey works perfectly and makes it a little lighter. Or, for a richer flavor, use Italian sausage! Just make sure to remove the casings first. You could even use a combination of different meats! The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions for Your Easy No Bean Chili Recipe
Alright, so you’ve got your easy no bean chili recipe ready to go. But what do you serve WITH it? Well, that’s where the fun really begins! Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy this delicious chili.
Toppings
Oh, the toppings! This is where you can really let your creativity shine. My go-to’s are shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt!), and some chopped green onions. But you could also add avocado slices, a sprinkle of cilantro, or even a fried egg on top! Yum!
Side Dishes
Need something to soak up all that delicious chili goodness? Cornbread is a classic choice, and it’s always a winner. Or, if you’re short on time, just grab a bag of your favorite crackers. Saltines, oyster crackers, tortilla chips…they all work great!
Storing and Reheating Your Easy No Bean Chili Recipe
Okay, so you’ve made a big batch of this easy no bean chili recipe, and you’ve got leftovers? Awesome! Chili is even better the next day, trust me. Here’s how to store and reheat it so it tastes just as delicious as the first time.
Storage
Just let the chili cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!
Reheating
When you’re ready to dig in again, you’ve got a couple of options. You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Or, if you’re in a hurry, just zap it in the microwave for a few minutes. Just be careful, it can get REALLY hot!
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy No Bean Chili Recipe
Got questions about this easy no bean chili recipe? I figured you might! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, along with my trusty answers. Don’t worry, there are no silly questions here – we’ve all been there!
Can I freeze this Easy No Bean Chili Recipe?
Absolutely! This chili freezes like a dream. Just let it cool completely, then pop it into a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Easy peasy!
What if I don’t have diced green chilies?
No problem! If you don’t have diced green chilies on hand, you can totally substitute with a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick! You could even use a mild salsa. Just use what you’ve got, and don’t stress about it!
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
You sure can! Fresh tomatoes can add a really bright flavor. You’ll need about 6-8 medium tomatoes. Peel and dice them, and be sure to simmer the chili a little longer to allow the fresh tomatoes to break down and thicken the sauce. You might also need to add a little tomato paste to get the right consistency.
How can I make this Easy No Bean Chili Recipe in a slow cooker?
Oh, slow cooker chili is the BEST! Just brown the ground beef and then toss all the ingredients 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 long! And the chili will be so tender and flavorful, you won’t believe it!
Nutritional Information for Easy No Bean Chili Recipe
Okay, let’s talk nutrition! Here’s a rough estimate of what you’re getting in a serving of this easy no bean chili recipe. But hey, remember this is just an estimate! It can totally vary depending on the brands you use and how big your servings are. So, don’t take it as gospel, okay?
A serving (about 1 cup) has roughly:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 20g
Just a heads up: I’m not a nutritionist, so this info is just based on common ingredients. Always check the labels on your own ingredients for the most accurate info! And hey, enjoy that chili!
Ready to make this Easy No Bean Chili Recipe?
Alright, what are you waiting for?! Get in the kitchen and whip up this easy no bean chili recipe! And hey, if you love it, give it a rating and share it with your friends! Enjoy!
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Devour: Easy No Bean Chili Recipe in Under 60 Minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful chili recipe without beans, perfect for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced green chilies. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Longer cooking time will enhance the flavors.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking time.
- You can add other vegetables such as corn or diced tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg