The aroma of no bean chili wafting through the air is like a warm hug on a chilly evening, inviting you to cozy up and relish every hearty spoonful. Picture this: a bubbling pot of vibrant spices mingling with fresh vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.
As you scoop into that rich, velvety goodness, memories of family gatherings and laughter flood your mind. This no bean chili has been my go-to recipe for game nights and potlucks, where everyone eagerly awaits their turn for seconds and thirds. Get ready for an explosion of taste that will leave you craving more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This flavorful no bean chili is a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends
- Its bold flavors and colorful ingredients will catch everyone’s eye at the dinner table
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings, this dish is sure to impress
- Ideal for meal prep, it keeps well in the fridge for future indulgence
I once made this no bean chili for a neighborhood cook-off, and let’s just say I had to fend off my neighbors’ spoons as they tried to sneak bites before judging began!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Olive Oil: A splash of extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps sauté the veggies perfectly.
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Yellow Onion: Choose a medium onion for sweetness; it becomes aromatic when sautéed.
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Bell Peppers: Any color works! I love using red and yellow for their sweetness.
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic gives depth; crush them just before adding for maximum flavor.
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Ground Beef or Turkey: Use lean meat for a healthier option; it soaks up all that chili goodness.
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Canned Diced Tomatoes: Choose fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra smoky flavor boost.
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Chili Powder: This is essential; adjust based on your spice tolerance—spicy is fun!
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Cumin: A teaspoon brings warmth and earthiness to balance out the heat.
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Smoked Paprika: For that irresistible smoky flavor—trust me, it’s worth it!
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Salt and Pepper: Season generously; it brings all the flavors together beautifully.
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Fresh Cilantro (optional): Chopped cilantro sprinkled on top adds a burst of freshness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add chopped onion and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes. The aroma should be enticingly fragrant.
Add Garlic & Meat: Stir in minced garlic and ground meat; cook until browned completely while breaking it apart with a spoon. This should take about 7 minutes until everything looks beautifully colored.
Add the Tomatoes & Spices: Pour in canned diced tomatoes along with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let those spices mingle together like old friends.
Simmer & Develop Flavors: Reduce heat to low; cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This step allows all those wonderful flavors to develop fully.
Taste & Adjust Seasoning: After simmering, taste your chili and adjust seasonings if needed. Remember, you’re the master chef here!
Serve & Enjoy!: Ladle your no bean chili into bowls; top with fresh cilantro if desired. Dive in with crusty bread or tortilla chips—deliciousness awaits!
Now that you have your very own bowl of hearty no bean chili ready to enjoy, sit back with family or friends as you savor every bite while sharing stories around the table!
You Must Know
- No bean chili is a fantastic dish that packs a flavorful punch without the beans
- This recipe is perfect for those avoiding legumes or simply looking for a hearty, meat-focused meal
- The rich aroma and vibrant colors will make your kitchen feel like a fiesta!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sauté onions and bell peppers first to build flavor, then brown the meat before adding spices and tomatoes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef with turkey or add your favorite veggies for more texture and taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat on the stove until warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When cooking no bean chili, always season your meat well before browning for maximum flavor
- Use fresh herbs like cilantro to brighten up the dish just before serving
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to spice things up
Cooking no bean chili brings back memories of chilly evenings spent with friends, sharing laughter and stories over bowls of steaming goodness.
FAQ
Can I use different types of meat for no bean chili?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can work beautifully in this recipe.
How can I make no bean chili spicier?
Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper during cooking for an extra kick of heat.
Is there a vegetarian version of no bean chili?
Yes! Substitute the meat with diced mushrooms or more vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.
No Bean Chili
Warm up your evenings with this flavorful no bean chili, perfect for cozy family gatherings or lively game nights. Bursting with vibrant spices and fresh vegetables, this dish offers a comforting bowl of goodness that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Easy to prepare and customize to your taste, it’s an ideal choice for meal prep or potlucks!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 28 oz canned diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and ground meat; cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 7 minutes).
- Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary before serving. Optionally top with fresh cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
