Texas No Beans Chili

This Texas No Beans Chili recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or game-day gatherings. Packed with bold flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s a dish that warms the soul. The absence of beans makes it an authentic Texas-style chili, focusing on rich meatiness and spice. With its savory blend of spices and tender beef, this chili stands out in any setting, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.

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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 Oil
• Step 2: Brown the Beef
• Step 3: Add Vegetables
• Step 4: Incorporate Spices
• Step 5: Add Tomato Paste
• Step 6: Pour in Tomatoes
• Step 7: Add Broth
• Step 8: Simmer
• Step 9: Optional Cooking Time
• Step 10: Final Touches
• Step 11: Serve
• How to Serve Texas No Beans Chili
• Top It Off with Cheese
• Add Some Heat
• Creamy Accents
• Fresh Herb Garnish
• 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 make Texas No Beans Chili in advance?
• What do I serve with Texas No Beans Chili?
• Can I customize my Texas No Beans Chili?
• How spicy is Texas No Beans Chili?
• Is there a vegetarian version of Texas No Beans Chili?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices creates a deep, satisfying taste that lingers.
• Easy Preparation: Simple cooking steps make this dish accessible for cooks of all levels.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, over rice, or as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day!
• Crowd-Friendly: With 8 servings, it’s great for parties and gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Texas No Beans Chili, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering chili evenly and locking in flavors.
• Chef’s knife: Makes chopping vegetables quick and easy for consistent pieces.

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 Oil

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

Step 2: Brown the Beef

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

Step 3: Add Vegetables

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

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 to the pot. Stir to combine everything well and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

Step 6: Pour in Tomatoes

Stir in the diced fire-roasted tomatoes along with their juices.

Step 7: Add Broth

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

Step 8: Simmer

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

Step 9: Optional Cooking Time

For richer flavor, let it cook longer (3 to 4 hours), adding more liquid if necessary. Use water if needed.

Step 10: Final Touches

Remove from heat. Discard the bay leaf. Taste your chili; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 11: Serve

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

How to Serve Texas No Beans Chili

Serving Texas No Beans Chili is an art that enhances its rich flavors and heartiness. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this classic dish, ensuring everyone at your table finds their perfect match.

Top It Off with Cheese

• Shredded Cheddar: A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese adds creaminess and a savory punch.
• Monterey Jack: For a milder flavor, use Monterey Jack cheese which melts beautifully over the chili.

Add Some Heat

• Sliced Jalapeños: Freshly sliced jalapeños can provide that extra kick for those who love spice.
• Hot Sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile with just the right amount of heat.

Creamy Accents

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances out the spices and adds a creamy texture.
• Greek Yogurt: For a healthier option, consider using Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream.

Fresh Herb Garnish

• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal note.
• Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions can add a mild onion flavor and vibrant color to your chili.

How to Perfect Texas No Beans Chili

Perfecting your Texas No Beans Chili takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Quality Meat: Choosing high-quality ground beef or turkey makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs rather than dried; they enhance the overall taste.
• Balance Spices Carefully: Adjust spices according to your taste; start with less and add more as needed to avoid overpowering flavors.
• Simmer Longer for Depth: Letting your chili simmer longer allows flavors to meld beautifully, making it richer.
• Don’t Skip the Broth: Use low-sodium broth or beer for added depth without overwhelming saltiness.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving; small adjustments can significantly impact the final dish.

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Best Side Dishes for Texas No Beans Chili

Pairing side dishes with Texas No Beans Chili enhances the meal experience. Choose from these delicious options that complement its bold flavors.

1. Cornbread: Sweet, buttery cornbread is classic alongside chili, providing a delightful contrast in texture.
2. Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice serves as a great base to soak up the chili’s robust sauce.
3. Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips offer a satisfying crunch and are perfect for scooping up chili.
4. Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw adds freshness that balances out the rich flavors of chili.
5. Baked Potatoes: Serve chili over baked potatoes for a hearty twist; top with cheese and sour cream for extra indulgence.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies provide a smoky flavor that pairs well with the spices in chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Texas No Beans Chili, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Ignoring the spices: Skipping or under-measuring spices can lead to bland chili. Always use fresh spices and measure accurately to ensure a full flavor.
• Using low-quality meat: Cheap ground beef can result in greasy and unappealing chili. Opt for higher quality meat for better taste and texture.
• Overcooking: Cooking your chili for too long can break down the ingredients, leading to a mushy texture. Keep an eye on cooking times and adjust as necessary.
• Not tasting as you go: Failing to taste during cooking can leave you with poorly seasoned chili. Regularly check flavors and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Skipping the simmer: Rushing through the simmering process means missing out on deep flavors. Allow your chili enough time to develop its rich taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store Texas No Beans Chili in an airtight container.
• item It will last up to 4-5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Texas No Beans Chili

• item Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• item Leave some space in containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Texas No Beans Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer chili into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour chili into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, usually about 10 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Texas No Beans Chili:

Can I make Texas No Beans Chili in advance?

Yes, this chili tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer.

What do I serve with Texas No Beans Chili?

Serve with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Can I customize my Texas No Beans Chili?

Absolutely! You can add different types of peppers or switch up the spices according to your taste preferences.

How spicy is Texas No Beans Chili?

The spice level can be adjusted by adding more or fewer jalapeños or chili powder based on your preference.

Is there a vegetarian version of Texas No Beans Chili?

Yes! You can substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian option while still keeping the rich flavors.

Final Thoughts

Texas No Beans Chili is not just hearty; it’s versatile too. You can easily customize it with various toppings or ingredients to suit your taste buds. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the bold flavors that come together beautifully!

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