this Beanless Chili Recipe Packed with flavor and protein—no added beans! Make the perfect one-pot meal on a cold night that the whole family will love.
Fulfill your carnivore chili dreams with this recipe! Seriously, have you always wanted a bowl of hot chili but wanted to hold the beans? I’m ready for you. This carnivore-friendly chili recipe is legume-free but still packs a big punch.
Sometimes called “Texas Chili,” I developed this bean-free chili recipe to suit anyone who doesn’t like beans (aka my husband). I absolutely love chili season, but my husband prefers that I don’t feed him beans during the cold winter months. I thought I could create the best of both worlds with this chili recipe – no beans! It’s hearty and delicious, with no magic fruit to make you…
Let’s talk about why you need to make this recipe.
Why make this recipe?
a pot – Everything cooks in one pot, so it’s perfect for those busy nights when the last thing you need is a bunch of dishes.
Paleo+ for ages 30+ – Completed Whole30 this month? This recipe is perfect for you! No legumes or grains. Simple vegetables, meats and spices!
Meal preparation made easy – Start the week by whipping up a batch of bean-free chili for an easy lunch or dinner. You can also freeze leftovers for future meals!
Ingredients for Soyless Chili
- Ground beef – I like to use 85% lean beef in this recipe because a little fat is needed to add flavor. That being said, feel free to add any ground meat you like.
- olive oil – For cooking beef and vegetables.
- onion+garlic – Important aromatics are the foundation of the flavor in this soy-free chili recipe.
- bell pepper – I like to use red bell peppers, but feel free to use any bell pepper color you want.
- jalapeno pepper – If you don’t like spicy, feel free to skip it, or leave the seeds in for more heat.
- paprika – Not to be confused with cayenne pepper. Chili powder is a spice blend you can find in most grocery stores.
- cumin powder + chili powder – I like to use smoked paprika, but you can also use sweet paprika or regular paprika if you can find it.
- diced tomatoes – A large can of diced tomatoes. Crushed tomatoes will also work.
- Beef broth – You can use any kind of broth, but I like the flavor of beef broth. Water can also come in handy in a pinch.
- salt+pepper – Feel free to adjust for flavor and sodium preferences.
How to Make Beanless Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned (about 3-4 minutes).
Step Two: Cook the Vegetables
Add onions and cook 3 minutes more. Add garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño and cook 2 minutes more. Sprinkle the paprika, cumin and paprika on top and toss to coat the beef and vegetables.
Step 3: Cook over slow heat
Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes, or until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Top + Serve
Top with desired toppings and serve.
Best Chili Toppings
The best thing about chili is that it’s a complete meal. I like to serve it in a big bowl and top it with a variety of toppings. Here are some of the ones we rotated through:
- nachos
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- shredded cheese
- green onions
- coriander
You can’t go wrong eating it with it either Sweet potato cornbread or pumpkin cornbread.
FAQ
Yes! You need to sauté the beef first (in olive oil for about 3 minutes) and then add all the other ingredients on top. Pressure cook for 8 minutes, then release steam for 10-15 minutes. enjoy!
Yes! You’ll brown the meat and vegetables on the stove first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
You can substitute any ground meat or meat mixture for the beef.
Storage instructions
refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
refrigerator: Stores in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or on the countertop for a few hours.
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stove top.
More Chili Recipes:
Beanless Chili Recipe
This bean-free chili recipe is packed with flavor and protein—without the added beans! Make the perfect one-pot meal on a cold night that the whole family will love.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 big yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Green pepper, Remove seeds + chop
- 1 Jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili
- 1 x 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup Beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add onions and cook 3 minutes more.
- Add garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño and cook 2 minutes more.
- Sprinkle the paprika, cumin and paprika on top and toss to coat the beef and vegetables.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes, or until desired consistency is reached.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle with desired toppings and serve or store in refrigerator for up to 3 days. See freezing instructions above.
