Name: Texas No Beans Chili Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 pounds ground beef (you can also use 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; Shredded cheddar cheese; Seeded and thinly sliced jalapenos; Sour cream; Chopped cilantro

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If you’ve ever craved a rich, robust chili that delivers all the hearty satisfaction without a single bean in sight, then this Texas No Beans Chili Recipe is exactly what your taste buds have been waiting for. Packed with a generous amount of ground beef, an authentic blend of spices, and vibrant fire-roasted tomatoes, this dish captures the sizzling essence of Southwest flavors in every bite. It’s comfort food at its finest—a thick, saucy, deeply flavored masterpiece that’s perfect for any time you want a true Texas-style chili experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a white enameled pot with browned ground meat filling the bottom layer, topped with a layer of diced white onions and a layer of chopped green bell peppers piled on top. A wooden spatula rests on the left side inside the pot, partially covered by the meat. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might be simple, but they each play a crucial role in creating that signature Texas No Beans Chili Recipe taste. From the savory ground beef to the smoky spices and tangy tomatoes, every component adds texture, color, and an explosion of flavor.

2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the meat perfectly without sticking.
2 pounds ground beef: The hearty base of your chili; you can swap with ground turkey for a lighter twist.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out savory depth.
1 yellow onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and texture.
1 green bell pepper, diced: Contributes crunch and a subtle freshness.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings pungent warmth and depth to the flavor.
2 tablespoons chili powder: The heart of the chili’s warm, spicy kick.
2 teaspoons ground cumin: Adds earthy tones and complexity.
2 teaspoons dried oregano: Infuses herbal, slightly bitter notes.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a rich smoky aroma without needing a grill.
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste: Thickens the chili and amplifies tomato flavor.
1 can (28 ounces) diced fire roasted tomatoes, undrained: Brings bold, smoky freshness and vibrant color.
2 cups low sodium beef broth: Adds moisture and savory depth; can be half beer for some extra character.
1 bay leaf: Gives a subtle layer of aromatic earthiness.

How to Make Texas No Beans Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. As it cooks, break it apart with a wooden spoon until it’s beautifully browned and sizzling, forming that meaty foundation full of flavor for your chili.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics and Vegetables

Once the beef has browned, toss in the finely diced onions, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. These aromatics soften and release their natural sweetness during about 4 minutes of cooking, creating a fragrant and tasty base that balances the robust meatiness.

Step 3: Mix in the Seasonings and Tomato Paste

Now is the time to really build that authentic Texas flavor. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and smoked paprika, letting those spices toast lightly in the pot. Adding the tomato paste creates richness and complexity as it cooks through for 3 minutes, marrying the flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the fire roasted diced tomatoes along with the beef broth, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the pot’s bottom—that’s pure flavor you want to keep. Toss in the bay leaf and bring the chili to a steady simmer, the bubbling will meld everything together wonderfully.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat and let your Texas No Beans Chili Recipe simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the chili thickens and flavors deepen exquisitely. If you want it richer, you can let it simmer for several hours, adding extra liquid as necessary to keep it from drying out.

Step 6: Finish and Taste

Once the chili has simmered and thickened, remove it from heat and pull out the bay leaf. Taste for salt and pepper, adjusting seasoning to your perfect balance. Your Texas No Beans Chili Recipe is ready to serve—rich, spicy, and absolutely delightful.

How to Serve Texas No Beans Chili Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a dish served in a white bowl with a white marbled background. The bottom layer is a thick, rich ground meat chili with a reddish-brown sauce. On top of the chili, towards the right side, there is a melted layer of yellow and white shredded cheese, soft and slightly glossy. To the left of the cheese, there is a dollop of smooth white sour cream, garnished lightly with small green parsley bits. Green sliced scallions are scattered around the chili, adding a fresh look. A few sprigs of bright green cilantro sit at the bottom left edge of the bowl. A silver spoon rests on the right side of the bowl, partly immersed in the chili. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The best part about this chili is how much fun you can have customizing the finishing touches. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese melts perfectly into the hot chili, while thinly sliced jalapenos add that extra kick for heat lovers. Don’t forget a dollop of cool sour cream for balance and a handful of chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous pop of color.

Side Dishes

This chili stands up well to classic Texas sides. Cornbread is a must, its sweet crumb perfect for soaking up the thick sauce. You can also serve it alongside fluffy white rice for a hearty meal or even crispy tortilla chips for scooping up every last bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress guests? Serve your Texas No Beans Chili Recipe in mini bread bowls to wow with presentation and add an edible, crusty vessel. Another fun idea is layering the chili in a casserole with melted cheese for a hearty chili bake or topping baked potatoes for a filling twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chili makes fantastic leftovers because the flavors continue to deepen overnight. Store your chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—it reheats beautifully the next day or anytime you need a comforting meal in a pinch.

Freezing

If you want to stash some chili away, it freezes wonderfully. Portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion. Your Texas No Beans Chili Recipe will keep well for up to 3 months, ready to warm you up after busy days or for unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or gently warm from frozen on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring to prevent sticking and ensuring even heating. A splash of beef broth can help loosen it up if it’s thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner option and works wonderfully in this Texas No Beans Chili Recipe. Just keep an eye while browning as it cooks a bit faster and can dry out if overcooked.

Why no beans in this chili?

Traditional Texas chili is often made “no beans” to focus on the flavor of the meat and spices. Beans can soften the intense, beefy punch that makes this chili unique and true to its roots.

Can I make this chili spicier?

Definitely! Adding extra jalapenos, some cayenne pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce can ramp up the heat. Remember to adjust gradually to keep the balance of flavors right.

What’s the best way to thicken the chili if it’s too watery?

Simmer it uncovered longer to reduce the liquid naturally, or stir in an extra spoonful of tomato paste. Cornstarch slurry is also an option but use sparingly to avoid altering texture.

Is there a vegetarian version of the Texas No Beans Chili Recipe?

While this recipe is centered on ground meat, you can swap the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth. The flavors will be different but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying about a pot of chili that’s rich, meaty, and bursting with bold Southwest spices, and this Texas No Beans Chili Recipe delivers all that and more without a bean in sight. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner, a weekend gathering, or a game day treat, I truly encourage you to try making this at home. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together in such a gloriously flavorful way. Happy cooking!