Texas No Beans Chili

This Texas No Beans Chili recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for game day, family dinners, or cozy nights in. Its rich flavors come from a perfect blend of spices and the heartiness of ground beef, making it a satisfying dish without the need for beans. This chili is easy to prepare and will warm you up with its bold Southwest taste!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chili
• For Garnish
• How to Make Texas No Beans Chili
• Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
• Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
• Step 3: Add Vegetables
• Step 4: Incorporate Spices
• Step 5: Add Tomato Paste
• Step 6: Mix in Tomatoes
• Step 7: Pour in Broth
• Step 8: Simmer
• Optional Cooking Time
• Step 9: Final Touches
• Step 10: Serve
• How to Serve Texas No Beans Chili
• Classic Garnishes
• Serving Suggestions
• How to Perfect Texas No Beans Chili
• Best Side Dishes for Texas No Beans Chili
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Texas No Beans Chili
• Reheating Texas No Beans Chili
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use turkey instead of beef in Texas No Beans Chili?
• What is the best way to customize my Texas No Beans Chili?
• How spicy is Texas No Beans Chili?
• Can I make this chili ahead of time?
• What should I serve with Texas No Beans Chili?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all levels.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of ground beef, spices, and fire-roasted tomatoes creates an unforgettable taste.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it alone or pair with cornbread, rice, or on nachos for different meal options.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This hearty chili serves eight, making it ideal for family gatherings or parties.
• Customizable Toppings: Personalize your bowl with toppings like cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Texas No Beans Chili efficiently, you’ll need the right tools. Having them handy can make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: This heavy pot retains heat well and is perfect for simmering chili evenly.
• Wooden spoon: Great for breaking up meat while cooking and mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

This thick and hearty No Bean Chili Recipe is deeply flavored thanks to an authentic blend of spices, plenty of tomatoes, and a generous portion of ground beef. You’ll love the sizzling Southwest flavor of this meaty Texas chili recipe!

For the Chili

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds ground beef (or ground turkey)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups low sodium beef broth (or 1 cup beer + 1 cup beef broth)
• 1 bay leaf

For Garnish

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Seeded and thinly sliced jalapeños
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro

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How to Make Texas No Beans Chili

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the hot oil. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Once the beef is browned, stir in the onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for about 4 minutes or until softened.

Step 4: Incorporate Spices

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, and smoked paprika until well mixed.

Step 5: Add Tomato Paste

Add the tomato paste. Stir to combine thoroughly and cook for about 3 minutes.

Step 6: Mix in Tomatoes

Stir in the diced fire-roasted tomatoes.

Step 7: Pour in Broth

Pour in the beef broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 8: Simmer

Add the bay leaf. Bring to a steady simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Optional Cooking Time

For deeper flavors, let it cook longer (3 to 4 hours), adding liquid as needed.

Step 9: Final Touches

Remove from heat. Discard the bay leaf. Taste for seasoning; adjust salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 10: Serve

Ladle chili into bowls. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and chopped cilantro before serving warm.

How to Serve Texas No Beans Chili

Serving your Texas No Beans Chili can elevate your meal experience. With the right garnishes and accompaniments, you can enhance the rich flavors and textures of this hearty dish.

Classic Garnishes

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar adds creaminess and a sharp contrast to the chili’s spices.
• Sour Cream: This cool topping balances the heat and provides a delightful creaminess.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color, brightening up each bite.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy extra heat, fresh jalapeños bring a spicy kick to your bowl.

Serving Suggestions

• Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread pairs beautifully with chili, soaking up every drop of flavor.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips provide a satisfying texture when dipped into the thick chili.
• Rice: Serving chili over a bed of rice makes it more filling and creates a comforting meal.
• Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with chili for a hearty and delicious twist on the classic.

How to Perfect Texas No Beans Chili

To create the best Texas No Beans Chili, consider these helpful tips. Each one will bring out the flavors and improve the overall experience of your dish.

• Use Quality Meat: Choose high-quality ground beef or turkey for richer flavor and texture in your chili.
• Let It Simmer: Allowing your chili to simmer for longer enhances its depth of flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better!
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preferences before serving.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like cayenne or chipotle for an extra kick.
• Add Vegetables: Consider incorporating diced zucchini or corn for added nutrition and sweetness.

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Best Side Dishes for Texas No Beans Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Texas No Beans Chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement its bold flavors.

1. Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread is perfect for soaking up chili juices and balancing spicy flavors.
2. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and contrasts nicely with the warm chili.
3. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A classic grilled cheese offers comfort food vibes that pair wonderfully with chili.
4. Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains add a unique flavor profile that complements the spiciness of the chili.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice, cheese, or meat make for an excellent side dish alongside chili.
6. Garden Salad: A simple garden salad provides freshness and lightness to balance out the hearty chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Texas No Beans Chili, it’s easy to make some common errors that can affect the final taste. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your meat and vegetables well can lead to bland chili. Always season with salt and pepper as you cook.
• Using low-quality beef: Low-quality ground beef can result in greasy chili. Choose lean ground beef or ground turkey for better flavor and texture.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the onions and peppers too long can make them mushy. Sauté them just until they’re softened for a better bite.
• Neglecting the spices: Forgetting to add enough spices will diminish the chili’s flavor. Measure spices carefully and adjust to your taste for a robust flavor.
• Rushing the simmering time: Not allowing enough time for the chili to simmer can result in underdeveloped flavors. Aim for at least 25-30 minutes, or longer if possible.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Texas No Beans Chili lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Texas No Beans Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Chili can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for reference.

Reheating Texas No Beans Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Texas No Beans Chili:

Can I use turkey instead of beef in Texas No Beans Chili?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey for ground beef. It will still be delicious!

What is the best way to customize my Texas No Beans Chili?

You can add various toppings like avocado, hot sauce, or even beans if you want to experiment with flavors while keeping it mostly traditional.

How spicy is Texas No Beans Chili?

The spiciness depends on your choice of chili powder and jalapeños. You can adjust these ingredients to suit your taste.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead allows flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it properly as mentioned above.

What should I serve with Texas No Beans Chili?

This hearty dish pairs well with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for a complete meal experience.

Final Thoughts

Texas No Beans Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different toppings or sides based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!