No Bean Chili

Updated: Apr 9, 2025 to include new step-by-step photos, clarified instructions, and/or improved tips for best results.· by Sarah Mock· 4 Comments This post contains affiliate links.

This easy beanless low-carb chili recipe is for those who love chili but don't love beans or the carbs that come with them!

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Beanless Chili in a blow with chips as garnish

Full of protein and all the flavors of a traditional chili this easy chili recipe will sure to become a family favorite. Looking for a chicken chili recipe? My version of McCormick White Chicken Chili is always a winner!

If you make this recipe when there is fresh snow on the ground I would shake up a few snow day margaritas to go with your meal. Or for those without snow or those who want a lower carb margarita option I have a keto margarita recipe for you!

By not having beans in the chili my son will actually eat it! I know there are parents out there with picky eaters and you know exactly what I am talking about.
I can serve this chili to my carb counting friends when they come over. Everyone loves it!
Switch up the heat by adding different spices to meet your taste. See suggestions below.
Garnish away! Personalize your bowl with all your favorite chili toppings.

Beanless Chili Ingredients:

Recipe Card?

To find the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions CLICK HERE to go to the recipe card.

Stovetop directions for no bean chili:

birds eye view of Beanless Chili in a bowl with garnishes on a rustic wooden surface

In a heavy bottom large skillet, brown the ground beef.
Leave the rendered fat in the pan and saute the onions in the fat and meat.
Add the garlic and stir for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
Skim the fat off the meat, if desired.
Sprinkle in the seasonings and stir to warm the spices.
Add 1 ½ of the beers to the meat. Drink the other ½ beer.
Add the tomatoes & diced chilies and the crushed tomatoes.
Bring to a simmer and reduce for 30-45 minutes.
Serve with garnishes of your choice.

super tight shot of Beanless Chili with minced onion garnish.

What do you call chili without beans?

Chili without beans is typically called "Texas chili" or sometimes "chile con carne" (Spanish for "chili with meat").

The defining characteristic of this hearty dish is that it contains only meat (usually beef), chile peppers or powder, spices, and other flavorings like garlic and onions - but no beans. This style originated in the Mexican/Tex-Mex tradition and is popular in Texas and surrounding states.

There are many other regional chili recipes in the United States that include beans, often kidney beans, as a main ingredient along with the meat and chili peppers/powder. But the Texas-style leaves out the beans entirely.

Seasonal Favorite

This is my award-winning Crisco pie crust recipe; flaky, tender, and made with simple ingredients you already have.

Crisco Pie Crust

Can I make this chili spicy:

I have this recipe spiced to my family's taste but you might want a bit more heat. Here are some suggestions for you to kick up the spice in your chili. Add one or all of them. This is YOUR chili. Make it to YOUR tastes.

¼ tsp. cayenne
Sprinkle red pepper flakes
substitute in Medium or Hot RoTel for the traditional

What do you serve on top of chili?

I love to garnish beanless chili with a variety of toppings. Each bite is full of different flavors. Here are beanless chilling toppings:

Minced Onion
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour Cream
Cilantro
Fritos (omit if you are low carb)
Tortilla chips, broken (omit if you are low carb)
Lime wedge

Variation: Slow Cooker Instructions

In a heavy bottom pan, brown the ground beef.
Leave the rendered fat in the pan and saute the onions in the fat and meat.
Add the garlic and stir for 1 minute.
Skim the fat off the meat, if desired.
Sprinkle in the seasonings and stir to warm the spices.
Add 1 ½ of the beers to the meat. Drink the other ½ beer.
Add the tomatoes & diced chilies and the crushed tomatoes.
Transfer to a slow cooker / crock-pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3.
Adjust the seasoning before serving.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey makes a delicious beanless chili that is a bit lighter than the beef version of this recipe. Yes, you can absolutely use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this beanless chili recipe.

Here are a few suggestions if you swap out ground turkey for the ground beef:

Choose ground turkey that has some fat content, like 93% lean, so the chili doesn't become too dry. The fat helps carry flavor.
You may need to add a little extra oil or butter when sautéing the onions, since ground turkey renders less fat than beef.
Turkey can sometimes provide less depth of flavor than beef, so you may want to amp up the spices/seasonings slightly or add things like Worcestershire sauce to boost the savoriness.
The cooking time should be about the same for ground turkey as ground beef.

FAQ's and Tips

How do you freeze leftovers?

Be sure the chili has been cooled to at least room temperature by chilling it in an ice bath. Store in freezer-safe containers removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

How do you reheat this recipe?

I reheat chili in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. If a stove is not available, reheat the chili in the microwave in a microwave-safe container on 50% heat for 1 minute, stirring halfway through and heating until reaching the desired temperature.

I am Sarah Mock. Welcome!

Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 15 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.

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