No Bean 30 Minute Chili
This chili is thick, rich, and has a flavorful kick that earns rave reviews! It’s also free of beans!
I love chili. I know it’s traditionally a cold weather dish but I don’t care if it’s 100 degrees outside. I’ll still crave it. My husband has never understood this.
When I first adopted a clean eating lifestyle I tried a lot of chili recipes. Unfortunately, because I was limiting my dairy and legumes, I was left dissatisfied with the options. Many were thin and full of veggies that just don’t belong in a classic chili. No thank you, zucchini. I’m not making vegetable soup here.
I’m a chili traditionalist. That’s a thing. I made it up but now it’s a thing. I want my chili to look, smell, and taste like chili. It’s that simple.
If that sounds like you too then you’re going to be really happy with this No Bean 30 Minute Chili.
Yes, you can really make it in 30 minutes! Of course if you want to cook it low and slow for 100 hours that’s on you. Me? I like to cook fast whenever possible.
So let’s dig in to this recipe.
Start by crumbling your lean ground beef in your soup pot. Then add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until your beef is browned and the onion and pepper are tender. Once the meat is browned, add the other chili ingredients. Now cover and simmer everything together for 20 to 25 minutes.
It’s done! I told you it was fast!
This yummy chili is thick. It’s hearty. It’s dark. It doesn’t have beans but you’re not going to notice. It’s a chili you’re going to want to make on a regular basis.
Does this chili freeze well?
Yes! Because it doesn’t include beans this chili freezes, thaws, and reheats perfectly! Feel free to double the recipe and save some in the freezer.
Why so much garlic?
Because garlic is delicious. What kind of silly question is that?
Can you add beans?
Well of course you can. If you want beans, add beans. Two cans of kidney beans will do the trick.
Can you use ground turkey instead of beef?
Sure! Go right ahead! However, I do have a ground turkey chili recipe too. You might prefer my The Best No Bean Turkey Chili instead.
What kind of toppings are great on chili?
I love loading up my chili with all kinds of toppings! Sliced avocado, chopped green onion, and diced red onion are my personal favorites. If you’re not avoiding dairy I recommend a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar. And of course everyone loves tortilla or salty kettle chips with chili!
Want to make this chili in the slow cooker?
Simply brown your ground beef, onion, and pepper on the stovetop. Then add all your ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours.
Want to make this chili in your Instant Pot?
Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. When it’s hot, add your ground beef. Use a spatula to crumble the beef. Then add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until beef is browned and onion is tender, stirring frequently. Once done press the cancel button to stop sautéing.
Now add the rest of the ingredients. Everything goes in!
Seal the Instant Pot. Set it to Pressure Cook (or Manual, depending on the model Instant Pot you have) on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Once cooking is complete, natural release pressure for at least 10 minutes.
More recipes like this:
Healthy 30 Minute Hamburger Soup
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
30 Minute Dairy Free Potato Soup
No Bean 30 Minute Chili
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef, I use 93/7
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons garlic, minced
Instructions
- Add your ground beef to a large stock pot. Use your spatula to crumble the beef. Add in your chopped green pepper and onion. Cook on medium high, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned.
- If your beef isn't very lean you'll want to drain the grease before moving on to the next step. I use a very lean beef so I don't need to drain mine.
- Once your ground beef is cooked it's time to add the other ingredients to the pot. Stir. Cover and let simmer for 20 - 25 minutes.
- Taste. Add extra salt or pepper if that's your preference. Top with green onions, avocado, cilantro, or onion. Enjoy!
126 Comments on “No Bean 30 Minute Chili”
Ohhhh the beef stock is a nice touch! My mother always made chili that was heavy on the cumin and had kidney beans! I can’t help but follow in her footsteps with the cumin! Again–another whole 30 you’ve made appealing! 🙂
Thanks, Glo!
Hi there this looks amazing going to make it for Halloween low carb Guest🎃 but can you list how many carbs per serving ?
Omgeezy😁, This chili 🌶 recipe is the best!! Being on a low carb diet I have been searching for a great recipe, and just found it!! Thank you Christina 🤗.
We made it exactly as you wrote it, but kicked it up a notch by adding a jalapeño (left half the seeds/veins), and a Smokey chipotle in adobo sauce. Fabulous!!
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Does this freeze well?
Yes! Very well!
Mmmmm! Easy and hearty! Love it!
Thanks, Lindsey!
This is my kind of chili! I grew up with the bean kind and used to love it as a kid, but I can’t have beans anymore so I really appreciate bean free recipes like this. Your version sound delicious!
I grew up with the bean kind and totally love it too! Gimme all the chili varieties! 😉
I think I just found what I’m making for dinner…. Yum!
Thanks so much, Raia! I hope you enjoy it!
Yum!!! I am going to put this on my dinner menu and pack the leftovers in thermoses for school!
Thank you, Renee! Love the idea of packing it in thermoses!
I am in Vancouver Island BC right now. It’s rainy and cold and this looks like perfection!
Oh wow! I’m ready for some chilly (and chili) weather! I’m excited about our recent 60 degree mornings!
You must be from Texas lol
Chili is one of my favorites! So ready for fall and winter and comfort foods 🙂
So am I, Joni!
You had me at 30 minutes! I love a speedy meal too even though slow cooking is awesome. Looks great!
I love my slow cooker but sometimes you just need a meal you can make at the last minute! Thanks, Monique!
I could eat a pot of this!!! It’s seriously comfort food.
It totally is. Thank you so much!
Bring on the chili season! Chili is one of my favorite things to eat as it cools down and this version has everything that I love. Can’t wait to try it out!
I’m right with ya, I’ll crave chili in the middle of Houston’s scorching summer heat! Your chili looks too good and I love that it’s super quick!
More veggies and less beans. My GI Tract will thank you! (TMI?) Love this recipe! Can’t wait to make so much chili this winter – one of my favorite cold day comfort meals.
I have hated chili my entire life, but my 6 year old has spent the past few weeks begging me for chili dogs “with extra spice.” I made this last night, and it was awesome! Three of the four children approved, which almost never happens in this house! There were no leftovers. My son has dubbed it “Mom’s World Famous Chili,” but I suppose I should share the credit with you. 😉
Hahaha! I am honored! Thank you so much! <3
Loved this recipe. Was just wondering why you use one teaspoon of garlic powder AND four tablespoons minced garlic?
Because I love garlic! 😉 Feel free to scale back if it’s not your thing!
What is the nutritional information for this recipe please? My keto friends are asking for macro count and I don’t have an answer.
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Classic fall and winter fare, your chili looks So inviting!! Easy and quick, I am anxious to give a whirl!
This is so lovely! I can’t have beans anymore either, and all of these flavors are just fantastic – won’t miss the beans at all!
I made something similar and it always turns out so delicious and flavorful! Love the addition of all the spices. I bet you don’t even miss the beans!
This looks so hearty! I bet the beef stock gives it such a delicious flavor.
Beautiful photos!! I just finished dinner, but I still want a bowl of this savory comfort food! I will love this recipe; thank you!
My husband loves chili and it looks like I will be making this for him! I like how quick and straightforward this recipe is – everything we need in one pot!
This is my kind of chili! I’ve never been that much of a fan of kidney beans, but I love chili, so why not just leave them out!
Love all the flavor and color in this recipe. Simply gorgeous!
I love these simple ingredients. The weather has definitely cooled down here and this looks like a perfect dish to add to our menu this week!
I’m with you! I love Chili any way — with beans or without.. with beef or chicken or turkey. This is a super recipe and looks so flavour-packed. These herb/spice ingredients pack a health punch too! Thanks!
Thank you for sharing this. My mom made this for years, but I couldn’t find the recipe. You wouldn’t believe how hard it is to find a simple, no bean chili recipe w/o extra stuff like balsamic, worcestire sauce, etc. Ugh. This is just what I wanted. It’s simplicity makes it so versatile – I use the leftovers as burrito / enchilada filling, nacho topping, for chili dogs. If u have folks that like beans u can always serve some on the side. For those who can’t tolerate beans, I use black eyed peas – their smoky flavor goes great w chili. Thanks again 🙂
I like my chili with just a bit more zip. I added more salt to my bowl and it was perfect. When I make it again I think I’ll double the salt AMT you recommend for this recipe. But it is definitely delicious! Thanks!
I’m a heavy salter myself but I try to not to go too heavy in recipes and instead let people add more to reflect their personal tastes. So happy you enjoyed it!
Tried this last night. Believe it or not, it’s very similar to a beef Stew recipe I make minus the tomato paste. My Stew uses roasted poblano peppers so I used that in place of the bell peppers. Best “no beans” chili recipe on the web! You rock Girl!!
Just won 3rd place at a chili cook off with this recipe. I added 1&1/2 cup diced celery & put it with cooked meat in the crockpot on high for 3 hrs. I don’t even like chili and I loved this one! I made both the turkey and a separate ground beef and preferred the ground beef, turkey was really good too! Thanks!
Just checking 4 Tbs of minced garlic? That seems like a lot. I’m not a garlic hater by any means, I just don’t want to ruin your recipe.
I’ve got this simmering on the stove right now and it smells amazing! I used your recipe but for the spices I used a secret blend from a friend of mine. I might also add beans to half for my SO. Is this chili supposed to be very liquidy? I might keep mine simmering for another hour to reduce the liquid.
Thanks for the outline. With some tweaks/substitutions–due to ingredient lackings– I made a pretty serviceable chili. And thanks for limiting the salt up front. Why on earth would we want the same thing we can get from Hormel out of a can! I put a heaping spoon of corn starch in some beef stock to thicken it up.
Wow. Tried it and is amazing. Will be making this again!
Yum!! I sautéed the garlic, then added the peppers, onions and mushrooms (my family loves mushrooms!) and the meat. Then put it in a crockpot to finish while the kids took their nap and voila! Dinner is ready! I love the beef stock touch!
Perfect!!
Would like to try this in my instant pot. Any suggestions if recipe needs tweaking or for how long? I’m new to the instant pot world. Thanks!
This is same recipe I have made, though your beef stock component is an important, original enrichment. I use 1T fresh ground cumin seed and grind my own chili powder from dried Ancho and Guajillo.
I used taco meat instead of ground beef and beef base in place of beef broth, it just stepped up the flavor up a couple levels. Next time I might add some bay leaves.
We went keto for almost a year and are now adapted to just kick-it low carb. Love this chili, it’s my new go-to meal. Cheers!!
Is this spicy?
This recipe is fantastic! I made a couple of tweaks to the recipe.
– 4 ground mild Italian sausage
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– 2/3 cup more beef broth
– smoked paprika instead of regular
– 2 additional small onions
– 1 yellow pepper
Simmered for an additional 1 hour
It was absolutely fantastic. Great recipe. Thank you so much. 😉😉😉
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We made this today with my Culinary Arts students. We will be using it as a topping for our Baked Potato bar later this week! It was delicious and everyone loved it! Just the right amount of seasonings 🙂
I’ve been making beanless chili for years and I always get this wierd look. Thanks for the validation.
I did not have beef stock so I substituted 2 tsp better than bouillon roast beef. Wife loved it
Oh, my! I have been looking for a good no bean chili forever. I tried your version, per recommendation of my sister. It’s not even finished cooking yet, and my 5 year-old, who’s sense of taste is still affected by chemo–post chemo– gives her approval! By the way, she eats nothing but pizza bites until now!! Thank you so much!! I substituted tomato juice because she can’t have tomato sauce or canned/diced tomatoes, and I increased the seasoning some.
Can I use a Dutch oven pot if I don’t have a stock pot?
I found this and made it for dinner tonight super excited I found this my husband and aunt don’t like beans so this was perfect!
I only made 1/2 recipe, but I added a small can of chopped green chilies. Really, really good!
I made this and it is delicious!!! All five of my kids loved it, including my crazy picky 8 year old! He asked for seconds, and then thirds!! That never happens! Can’t thank you enough for such a wonderful recipe!!
I have never posted before, but this is, hands down, the best chili I have ever had!! The seasonings are perfect and the flavor is fantastic!! I agree with the post about how great this would be on chili dogs or enchiladas. THANK YOU for posting this recipe, it’s a new favorite!
That is just awesome. I’m so happy you enjoyed it. Thank you!
Can this be made in a slow cooker?
I just made this chili tonight for dinner with cornbread. It was absolutely delicious. I like mine a little heavy on the spices, but overall, great dish! My family enjoyed it!
Making it now. Very quick took prepare, and to cook. I am using ground Turkey instead of ground beef. So far so good. Tasted it after putting in everything. Can’t wait until it is done. Have shredded cheddar and corn chips to put on top. Would use sour cream but forgot to pick some up. Thanks can’t handle the beans.
This is really good! I used 1/2 Tbsp chipotle chili powder and 1 Tbsp regular chili powder; smoked paprika; and 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes then cooked in the instant pot for 25 minutes. Thanks for the recipe!
This is my favorite no bean chili recipe!! So easy and delicious!
Happy to hear that! Thank you!
Made this tonight. Great flavor! This one’s a keeper! Thanks for sharing!
Love to hear that! Thank you!
Delious!!! First time making it. Recommend itto everyone. The aroma has my whole house smelling wholesome😁
I think that this is a good foundation for a chili recipe but, in my opinion, tastes too tomato”ie”. Needs more chili powder, for sure, onions, garlic, pepper, etc.
I love these different recipes keep up the good jobp
Pure bliss. Follow instructions exactly ( except cut down on salt a bit and add a bay leaf). Delicious. Ready to make. Love it!
This hit the spot! I added a few extra chiles for my taste
So delicious and a keto/whole30 compliant must have recipe!!
The best chili I have ever made!!!!
Easy and delicious. Wonderful for those cold winter days.
Yes! Perfect for this weather! Thank you!
This was so easy and delicious!! I switched out the beef for turkey, but soooo good!!! Thank you!
So happy to hear that!
Love it. I add a nice robust dark beer and beef bullion instead of beef stock, just a twist. Great either way.
Sounds delicious! So happy you enjoyed it!
Great recipe! Easy to make. We made it with filet mignon instead of ground beef , out of this world !! Should give it a try.
Whoa that sounds amazing!!! 🙂
I absolutely love your chili w/o beans recipe. I should have already made a comment because I’ve made it ALOT! I have a pot on right now. I’m going for one of your chicken recipes next. Thank you so much
I love this!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me!
I love this chili recipe. It has been a staple in the house for a few years now! Have you ever tried to put this in the slow cooker?
I haven’t but I’ve heard from many people who have and enjoyed it in the slow cooker!
Amazing chili! It tastes like it simmered in a crockpot for hours! My whole family loved it & has no idea there were no beans until I reminded them! Thank you Christina for making this such a wholesome, yummy, easy family meal! Keep up the good work! Go try this right now if you haven’t already!
That’s wonderful news! It’s a favorite in our house too! Thank you so much!
This is the best chili I’ve ever had. I can’t do beans, they don’t always like me very much. Even my husband who can be CRAZY picky about chili loved it! I’ve made it a handful of times and every time it can’t be beaten!
This makes me so happy!! Thanks so much for your kind comment and rating!
Delicious!!! This is our go-to chili. I’ve made it a handful of times now. So easy to add things you prefer like more veggies or I add beans for the kids since they prefer it that way but I love it just the way it is.
Yumm!!! Looks so attractive..
omg, This sound delicious. your recipe is easy to understand. Will try it tomorrow. Thank you!
Yum!!! I am going to put this on my dinner menu and pack the leftovers in thermoses for school!
This chili is thick, rich, and has a flavorful kick that earns rave reviews! It’s also free of beans!
Yay!! Thank you!
Made this Chile last night for dinner. It was delicious. I substituted 1 10oz can of Ro-Tel for 1 of the diced tomatoes. This is now my go to Chile Recipe!
This is the best! Spices are perfect. Texture is wonderful. Never been a Chile fan, but I am now!
Sounds kike it would make a great meat spaghetti sauce.
Very good! I never thought to use beef stock when making my chili. I didn’t have beef stock so I used unsalted beef broth but it was still very tasty!
Helloi Christine,
I was looking for a keto chili and I came across your no bean chili recipe and it sounded and looked so good I decided to try it, so I made it, Omg it was so good , and what I liked about it of course it was 30 mins. And what surprised me was putting in beef stock and tomato paste, which made it thickened, but it was so good my son even enjoyed it. (ateeverybite)😄 Thanks will be fixing it again.
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Does “1 1/2 tablespoon chili powder” mean:
1) One and one half tablespoons or
2) A half of a tablespoon
I ask because almost all the ingredients have a “1” in front of it (e.g. “1 6 oz can” as opposed to just “6 oz can”
Thanks
Jared Shope
one a half tablespoons
Quick question…Can I substitute beef stock with beef broth? I’m never quite sure what the difference is.
Thanks
Yes you can! The difference is usually minor so I wouldn’t hesitate to do it.
I’m not a meat eater so I made a few changes to my liking . I only used 1lb of hamburger meat , two peppers , and 18oz of tomato paste . this was the best recipe ever bc I don’t like kidney beans . thank you for sharing . I will def be making this again
Delicious! I used 1lb ground beef and 1lb venison. Also added a can if kidney beans. Love the flavor!
Delicious and easy to make!
Found myself without chili beans on a cold winter day. Made this recipe. It was rich, flavorful, and delicious. Will be my new go-to recipe. (Forget beans!)
I’ve made this recipe with ground turkey a bunch of times and it’s great and so easy. For the Super Bowl I made it with ground impossible meat, and it was even better!
Was sooo good. Great on nachos
It’s unusually cold in central Texas tonight. This was amazing. I only had half of a green bell pepper and half of a red, so I added a couple of diced celery stalks with the onion, peppers, and garlic. It was so flavorful and hearty. I made a side of Jiffy cornbread with green chilies and cheddar cheese and this made a beautiful meal. I’m bookmarking this one. It’s a winner!
We really like this and it works well for me as I can’t eat beans. I have to admit though to being stumped by just “paprika”. I know that’s how it’s often sold in the US, but I cook different foods so I have hot paprika, sweet paprika & smoked paprika. I mix hot & sweet usually, but I’m thinking I should see how smoked tastes in this recipe next time.