Texas No Beans Chili Recipe

Sizzling Texas No Beans Chili Recipe for Authentic Flavor

Crafting an authentic texas no beans chili demands serious culinary passion and regional pride.

Spice enthusiasts know this southwestern classic transcends ordinary meat stews with robust flavors.

Cowboy-style cooking celebrates bold ingredients that honor traditional preparation methods.

Lean beef chunks simmer slowly, releasing deep, complex notes across hours of careful cooking.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike respect the intricate balance of chile peppers and seasonings.

Meat selection becomes crucial for achieving that legendary southwestern intensity.

Roll up your sleeves and prepare to experience a legendary recipe that connects you directly with texas cooking traditions.

Texas No Beans Chili Questions Answered

  • Why is this called Texas-style chili?

Texas chili traditionally doesn’t include beans, focusing solely on meat and spices, which reflects the state’s cattle ranching heritage and cowboy cooking style.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

You can substitute ground beef with chuck roast, brisket, or ground turkey, but traditional Texas chili uses beef for its rich flavor and authentic texture.

  • How spicy is this chili recipe?

The heat level depends on the chili powder and optional jalapeños. For milder chili, use less chili powder or remove jalapeño seeds; for more heat, add extra chili powder or keep seeds.

What Makes Texas No Beans Chili So Good

  • Craft Authentic Texas Flavor: Dive into a genuine Texan chili experience that celebrates traditional no-beans cooking style with bold, robust spices and techniques.
  • Master Simple Cooking Technique: Follow straightforward steps that transform basic ingredients into a rich, hearty meal without complicated kitchen skills or specialized equipment.
  • Customize Your Comfort Dish: Personalize the chili with optional long cooking methods and flexible garnish choices, making it perfect for individual taste preferences and casual gatherings.
  • Quick-to-Prepare Meal Solution: Create a satisfying dinner with minimal prep time, using common pantry ingredients and a single pot for easy cooking and minimal cleanup.

What Goes Into Texas No Beans Chili

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: The primary protein that provides a rich, hearty foundation for the chili.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onions, Bell Pepper, Garlic: These ingredients add depth, sweetness, and complex flavor to the chili.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall taste of the dish.
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Dried Oregano, Smoked Paprika: These spices create a robust and authentic Texan chili flavor profile.
Liquid and Tomato Components:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and creating a base for cooking the meat and vegetables.
  • Tomato Paste: Provides a concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the chili.
  • Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Adds a smoky complexity and moisture to the dish.
  • Beef Broth: Creates a rich liquid base and adds additional depth to the chili.
Herb and Finishing Touches:
  • Bay Leaf: Contributes a subtle herbal note during the cooking process.
Optional Garnishes:
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Jalapeños, Sour Cream, Chopped Cilantro: These toppings add texture, heat, and freshness to the final dish.

Simple Steps For Texas No Beans Chili

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season generously with salt and pepper. Break up the meat using a wooden spoon while cooking until it develops a rich, golden-brown color.

Step 2: Introduce Aromatic Vegetables

Add the following ingredients:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped bell peppers
  • Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables for about 4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Infuse Spicy Flavor Profiles

Sprinkle in the spice blend:
  • Chili powder
  • Ground cumin
  • Dried oregano
  • Smoked paprika

Stir thoroughly to ensure the meat is evenly coated with the spices.

Step 4: Develop Deep Tomato Essence

Mix in tomato paste and cook for 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to intensify and caramelize.

Step 5: Create Liquid Foundation

Incorporate fire-roasted diced tomatoes and beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release all the delicious browned bits.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Drop in a bay leaf and bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and let it bubble softly for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Optional Flavor Intensification

For an even more robust flavor, continue cooking for 3 to 4 hours. Add extra liquid (water or broth) as needed to maintain moisture.

Step 8: Final Touches

Remove from heat and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the chili into warm bowls. Top with:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Dollop of sour cream
  • Chopped fresh cilantro

Enjoy your authentic Texas-style beef chili immediately.

Helpful Notes For Texas No Beans Chili

  • Choose Prime Beef Cut: Select 80/20 ground beef for rich flavor and perfect texture, ensuring juicy and tender chili.
  • Bloom Spices Smartly: Toast chili powder and cumin briefly in hot oil to release deep, intense aromatics before adding other ingredients.
  • Control Liquid Carefully: Monitor simmering liquid levels, adding beef broth or water gradually to maintain desired consistency without diluting robust flavors.
  • Layer Toppings Strategically: Add fresh garnishes like sharp cheddar, crisp jalapeños, and bright cilantro just before serving to preserve their vibrant textures and temperatures.
  • Enhance Overnight Flavor: Let chili rest in refrigerator for 24 hours, allowing spices to meld and develop more complex, rich taste profile.

Tasty Twists For Texas No Beans Chili

  • Vegetarian Chili Alternative: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
  • Lean Protein Variation: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat protein option that still delivers robust chili taste.
  • Spicy Southwest Adaptation: Increase heat by adding diced green chiles, extra jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to intensify the spice profile while keeping core recipe intact.
  • Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning meat, cook on low for 6-8 hours to develop deeper, more concentrated flavors with minimal hands-on preparation.

Sides To Match With Texas No Beans Chili

  • Robust Red Wine Pairing: Select a bold Zinfandel or Syrah with rich, spicy undertones that complement the chili's intense meat and smoky flavor profile.
  • Crisp Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy American IPA or amber ale that cuts through the richness and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty chili.
  • Southwestern Side Kick: Serve with warm cornbread or jalapeño cheddar cornbread to enhance the Texan-style dish's traditional southwestern essence.
  • Cool Drink Balance: Prepare a tangy margarita with fresh lime juice to cleanse the palate and provide a zesty contrast against the chili's deep, meaty flavors.

How To Store Texas No Beans Chili Properly

  • Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Pack cooled chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
  • Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even warming and prevent hot spots.
  • Warm chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and maintain creamy consistency.
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Texas No Beans Chili Recipe

Texas No Beans Chili Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Texas No Beans Chili delivers bold southwestern flavors that showcase authentic cowboy-style cooking. Robust beef and spicy seasonings create a rich, memorable dish perfect for hungry crowds seeking genuine southwestern comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 pound ground turkey (optional)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 yellow onion
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Liquid and Base Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1 can (28 ounces) diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup beer (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf

Garnish:

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Jalapeños
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat a Dutch oven to medium-high heat and warm olive oil until shimmering.
  2. Introduce ground beef into the hot pan, generously seasoning with salt and pepper. Crumble meat while cooking until achieving a rich, golden-brown color.
  3. Incorporate diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 4 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, and smoked paprika over the meat mixture, thoroughly coating and blending the spices.
  5. Add tomato paste and cook for 3 minutes, allowing the ingredients to caramelize and intensify their flavors.
  6. Pour in fire-roasted tomatoes, stirring to create a harmonious blend with the meat and spices.
  7. Deglaze the pot with beef broth, carefully scraping the browned bits from the bottom to capture maximum flavor.
  8. Drop a bay leaf into the mixture and reduce heat to low. Simmer steadily for 25-30 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
  9. For enhanced depth, consider extending cooking time to 3-4 hours, supplementing with additional liquid as the chili reduces.
  10. Remove bay leaf and taste, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to perfect the flavor profile.
  11. Serve hot in individual bowls, garnishing with sharp cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh chopped cilantro.

Notes

  • Enhance meat flavor by using a blend of ground beef and chuck for richer, more complex taste profile.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding cayenne pepper for extra heat if desired.
  • Elevate texture by ensuring meat is browned deeply before adding vegetables, creating caramelized flavor foundation.
  • Make recipe keto-friendly by serving over cauliflower rice or using low-carb vegetable garnishes like diced avocado.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes (including simmering)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 330 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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