This Texas Style No Bean Chili is packed with flavor! It’s made with tender beef, spicy chili peppers, and tasty spices, all simmered to perfection. Perfect for chili lovers!
When I make this chili, I sometimes pretend I’m in Texas, wearing a cowboy hat! 🤠 It’s a quick and filling meal that’s great with cornbread or even just on its own.
This chili is a win because it’s hearty and easy to prepare. I whip it up in one pot, letting the flavors blend. You can’t go wrong with a big bowl of warmth on a chilly day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using chuck for its balance of flavor and fat, but you can use ground turkey for a leaner option. Just remember that the flavor will change a bit, so add more spices if needed.
Chili Powder: Ancho chili powder is my go-to for depth. If you can’t find it, a regular chili powder will work too. Mix in some paprika for that smoky flavor if you like!
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is the best, but store-bought works just fine. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth, but the taste will be lighter.
Green Chili Peppers: These can add heat, but if you’re not into spicy food, feel free to skip them. You can also use bell peppers for a milder flavor.
How Do You Get the Chili to Have a Great Depth of Flavor?
One trick to making your chili tasty is to really develop the flavors at each step. After sautéing your onions and garlic, let the tomato paste cook for a minute with the meat. This helps concentrate the flavors.
- Don’t rush the simmering time! Letting the chili cook uncovered for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- As it simmers, keep tasting it! You can adjust the spices to your liking; it’s your chili!
- If it’s too thick, add a bit more broth; too thin? Just let it cook longer to reduce!
Enjoy making this hearty Texas Style No Bean Chili and have fun customizing it to your taste!
Texas Style No Bean Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chili:
- 2 lbs ground beef (preferably chuck)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree)
- 2 tbsp chili powder (preferably ancho or chili blend)
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1-2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or lard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1-2 fresh green chili peppers, finely chopped (optional, for extra heat)
For Topping:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Diced white onion
Time Estimate:
This delicious Texas Style No Bean Chili takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 1 to 1.5 hours to cook, allowing the flavors to come together perfectly. Altogether, you can expect around 2 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil or lard over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot before you add the next ingredients!
2. Sauté the Onion:
Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions. Sauté them until they are translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This will help build the base flavor.
3. Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic is fragrant!
4. Cook the Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes. If you have a lot of grease, drain it off.
5. Add Tomato Paste:
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1 minute. This will deepen the flavor and make the chili richer!
6. Mix in the Spices:
Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and season well with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes to wake up the spices.
7. Pour in the Liquids:
Add in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, along with the Worcestershire sauce and any chopped green chili peppers for extra kick. Stir to combine all ingredients!
8. Bring to a Boil:
Turn up the heat and bring the chili to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for at least 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally and enjoy the delightful smells!
9. Taste and Adjust:
After it simmers, taste your chili. You can always adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if you want. It should be bold and flavorful!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chili hot, topping it off with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and diced white onions. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal!
This hearty Texas Style No Bean Chili delivers rich, deep flavors with no beans in sight, just chunky, flavorful beef and a robust, spicy sauce! Enjoy every bite! 🌶️🥣
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option! Just keep in mind that turkey might require a little extra seasoning to enhance the flavor, so taste as you go!
How Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
If you like it hot, you can add more cayenne pepper or include some diced jalapeños or habaneros. Start with small amounts so you can control the heat to your liking!
Can I Make This Chili Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This chili is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen and improve overnight. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Chili?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
