This Texas Style No Bean Chili is rich and hearty, made with tender beef, a mix of spices, and tomatoes. It’s perfect for those who prefer their chili without beans!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up a batch for game day or a cozy night in. Just don’t forget the cornbread because trust me, they’re a match made in heaven! 🥘
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Chuck is my favorite for its balance of flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work too, though it may alter the texture a bit.
Chili Powder: Texas-style chili powder has a robust flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use regular chili powder but consider blending it with a bit of cayenne for some heat and depth.
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional, but if you like some kick, go for it! You can always add more spice later, or even use jalapeños for a fresh punch.
Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes are convenient, but fresh tomatoes can be used if in season. Just chop them finely and you may need to simmer longer to thicken.
What’s the Best Way to Get Flavorful Meat in Chili?
The secret to tasty chili lies in how you brown the meat. Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure your pot is hot before adding the beef; this helps seal in juices.
- Break the meat into small pieces to ensure even browning.
- Let it sit for a bit before stirring to get a nice caramelization on the meat.
- Drain excess fat, but not all of it. A little fat adds flavor!
Following these steps will give your chili a rich and deep flavor that’s hard to resist!
Texas Style No Bean Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chili:
- 2 lbs ground beef (preferably chuck)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder (Texas-style if possible)
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt to taste
- For Garnishing:
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Texas Style No Bean Chili takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then requires about 1 to 1.5 hours to simmer. This leisurely cooking time helps develop deep flavors, so don’t rush it—trust the process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pot:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. This will give you a nice base to cook your chili in.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it’s translucent and soft, which should take about 5 minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef:
Now add the ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Keep stirring until there’s no pink left, and everything looks browned. If there’s too much fat, drain it, but leave some for flavor!
4. Add Your Spices:
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you want some heat). Cook the spices with the meat for about 2 minutes to really bring out the flavors.
5. Incorporate Tomato Paste:
Add the tomato paste and mix it with the meat and spices, allowing it to cook for another 1-2 minutes. This step deepens the flavor profile of the chili.
6. Combine Remaining Ingredients:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors well.
7. Simmer Your Chili:
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, leaving it uncovered to simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir it occasionally and allow it to thicken as it cooks. This is where the magic happens!
8. Final Touches:
Once it’s done simmering, taste the chili and adjust salt or seasoning if necessary. You can add more spices if it needs a little kick!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish up the chili in bowls, and top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. It’s the perfect way to enjoy this hearty dish!
Enjoy your authentic Texas Style No Bean Chili! It’s sure to be a hit at your table!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even diced beef if you prefer a chunkier chili. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, especially with whole cuts.
How Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding more cayenne pepper or including diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the pot. You can also serve the chili with hot sauce on the side for those who want to kick up the spice level at serving!
Can I Make This Chili Ahead of Time?
Yes, chili is a fantastic make-ahead dish! You can prepare it a day or two in advance, and the flavors will only deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!
What Should I Serve with This Chili?
This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. You can also serve it alongside a simple salad for a balanced meal. Don’t forget your favorite toppings like sour cream or avocado for added creaminess!
