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No bean chili in bowl

Get the Recipe: No Bean Chili (Beanless Chili)

This no bean chili is rich, saucy, and thick! It is easy to make and can be made in a Dutch oven on the stovetop, or in an Instant Pot or slow cooker. This beanless chili is easy, healthy and delicious!
5 from 25 votes

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds ground beef, or ground turkey
  • 1 sweet onion, chopped
  • ¼ cup chopped poblano pepper, about 1 medium pepper
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne powder
  • salt, to taste
  • ground pepper, to taste
  • 28 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes, do not drain
  • 28 ounces tomato sauce

Instructions 

Stovetop Method

  • First, add ground beef to a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Cook until brown and crumbly, breaking apart with spatula.
  • Drain all grease from pot and remove beef to a plate. Add in chopped onion and pepper and all spices. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until onions have softened, stirring occasionally.
  • Add cooked ground beef, fire roasted diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to pot. Stir to combine.
  • Bring chili to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes. Then reduce heat to medium and simmer for at least 20 minutes, up to 3 hours. Stir occasionally. If chili becomes too dry, add in water, chicken broth or more tomato sauce.
  • Finally, ladle into bowls and serve!

Instant Pot Method

  • Press sauté. Add ground beef to Instant Pot. Cook until brown and crumbly, breaking apart with spatula.
  • Press cancel. Drain all grease from pot and remove beef to a plate. Add in chopped onion and pepper and all spices.
  • Press sauté. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until onions have softened, stirring occasionally.
  • Press cancel. Add cooked ground beef, fire roasted diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to pot. Stir to combine.
  • Secure lid. Press pressure cook and set timer for 15 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. Then manually release any remaining pressure.
  • Finally, ladle into bowls and serve!

Slow Cooker Method

  • First, add ground beef to a skillet over medium heat. Cook until brown and crumbly, breaking apart with spatula.
  • Drain all grease from skillet and transfer beef to slow cooker.
  • Add in chopped onion, pepper and all spices to skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until onions have softened, stirring occasionally.
  • Then, add veggies, fire roasted diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to the beef in slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  • Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or low for 3 to 4 hours.
  • Finally, ladle into bowls and serve!

Notes

  • Ground turkey or ground pork can replace the beef.
  • I used 85% lean beef.  I recommend using 85% lean or 90% lean.
  • Drain off all grease from pot, Instant Pot or skillet.  
  • This chili can be simmered on the stovetop for as little as 20 minutes, but I highly recommend at least an hour for best results.
  • These spices are a great starting point!  Feel free to taste and adjust as you go.
  • I would classify this chili as medium heat.
  • This freezes well!
Calories: 581kcal, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 46g, Fat: 35g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 15g, Trans Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 154mg, Sodium: 1097mg, Potassium: 1263mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin A: 2116IU, Vitamin C: 22mg, Calcium: 121mg, Iron: 8mg