Name: Simple No-Bean Chili
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium white onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup); 2 pounds ground beef; 1/4 cup chili powder; 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste

Whether you’re hankering for a chili dog or just a warm, hearty dinner, this Simple No-Bean Chili is dense, flavorful and ready in under 30 minutes!

No Frills and No Frijoles

The minute football season starts, I’m ready to make a batch of chili. It’s so warm, filling and flexible! It goes with everything! And the consistency of this Simple No-Bean Chili is just perfect for serving over hot dogs, baked potatoes or nachos or on its own with your favorite toppings. You name it! Or mix it with macaroni and cheese for some seriously good chili mac.

An it’s so easy to make! You can go from start to finish, with a hot pot of beanless chili on the stove in less than 30 minutes. What’s not to love about that? It’s so flavorful, my kids ask for it all for the time. Which is a winner in my book!

What is in Chili, Anyway?

What’s supposed to be in chili always stirs a ton of debate. Get it? Stirs? Generally, chili (or chili con carne) is made up of meat in a tomato-based stew-like sauce. But does chili have beans? Y’all know I live in Texas and the official answer here is…no.

But I was born and raised in Oklahoma where the chili rules are less strict. So I haven’t let anything stop me from being creative with chili recipes. Like this Easy Chicken Chili Recipe and my Green Chicken Chili. Even Brandon’s Best Darn Chili recipe calls for kidney beans and it really is the best chili I’ve ever eaten.

What Do I Need to Make No-Bean Chili?

Olive oil
White onion
Lean ground beef
Chili powder
Dark brown sugar
Garlic powder, cumin and kosher salt
Beef broth
Tomato paste

How to Make No-Bean Chili

Add the olive oil to a large pot and place it over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until the beef is browned, stirring occasionally. Drain off any grease.
Add the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, brown sugar and salt. Stir until well combined.
Add the broth and tomato paste. Stir well and let simmer over low heat until ready to serve. Salt to taste before serving.

The consistency is perfect for serving over hot dogs, baked potatoes or nachos. If you want to enjoy as a soup-like chili, add more beef broth until of desired consistency.

How to Serve and Store No-Bean Chili

Serve this no-bean chili on top of hot dogs, nachos, or stir in macaroni and cheese! Or if you made a thinner version, top with chives, shredded cheese, corn chips, a dollop of sour cream.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze, allow the chili to cool completely. Then transfer to a freezer safe bag and store in the freezer for up to three months.

Can I freeze chili? Absolutely! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe storage bag and freeze for up to three months. Thaw completely in the fridge before reheating on the stove over medium-low heat.

Questions and Substitutions

Can I make this chili in a crockpot or slow cooker? Great question! This chili gets a ton of flavor from the sautéed onion and the beef needs to be browned. So if your crockpot can brown and sauté, then yes! If not, I think it’s best to make it on the stove.

Can I replace the ground beef with ground turkey? I haven’t tried this recipe with turkey, but usually, lean ground beef can be subbed out for ground turkey. Just keep it mind it will change the flavor a bit!

What Goes with No-Bean Chili?

A bowl of chili with all the toppings can be pretty hearty all on its own. But when we make chili, we often serve it with one of our favorite carbs:

Sweet and Simple Cornbread by The BakerMama

More Winning Game Day Recipes

Whether you’re hosting a football watch party or just need one great dish to take to a friend’s house to watch the big game, I’m here to help! With these delicious and easy-to-make game day recipes, you’re sure to win MVP! These recipes are also great for celebrating the end of the season with your own footballer. From pee wee league to the pros, there’s truly something for everyone!

If you make this Simple No-Bean Chili, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me or tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see. 😍 I love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the recipes I share. Enjoy!

xoxo,