A traditional mix of spices, lots of tomatoes, and a lot of ground beef give this thick and hearty No Bean Chili recipe a lot of flavor. You’ll love the sizzling Southwest flavor of this meaty Texas chili recipe!.
I love beans just as much as the next person, and I love them in chili. But not everyone does. In fact, some chili cooks, especially in Texas, won’t put beans in their chili. For them, real chili is saucy and meaty, not bean-y! That’s where this no-bean chili recipe comes in. It’s also called Texas chili for the same reasons. It’s quick and easy, and it’s loaded with tons of flavor – just no beans. This bowl of tender meat, vegetables, and tomatoes is so comforting that you could even add a couple of cups of your favorite beer to it. No beans in sight! Then, go a step further and turn it into Chili Stuffed Poblano Peppers!.
Get this Slow Cooker Beef Chili recipe or my White Chicken Chili recipe if you want to make it in a crock pot.
Chili is a beloved stew that comes in countless variations across the United States. While recipes differ based on region a constant debate is whether or not beans belong in a proper bowl of chili. For those that argue beans don’t belong, what exactly do you call chili that contains no beans?
The Origins of Chili con Carne
To understand the name for beanless chili it helps to look at the dish’s origins. Chili con carne, Spanish for “chili with meat” was likely first created by cowboys in Texas. This earliest version contained chunks of beef slowly simmered with hot peppers, garlic, onions, and spices. No beans were used.
So the original chili, as envisioned in Texas, was beanless The meaty concoction ladled out by the Chili Queens of San Antonio didn’t include frijoles either So purists argue that true “chili con carne” never has beans.
Why Add Beans?
In other regions, cooks soon started putting their own stamp on chili by adding ingredients like tomatoes, oregano, corn, and beans. Beans bulk up chili and add protein, fiber, and texture. People developed tastes for these localized chili styles.
But in the homeland of Texas, beans were seen as an unwelcome intrusion. As chili spread its reach, opinions clashed over whether beans belong in the bowl. The debate rages on.
##Naming Beanless Chili
For those insisting beans don’t mix with “real” chili, alternative names distinguish their meat-only version:
- Texas-style red – Homage to the Lone Star State’s traditional chili
- Chili con carne – Emphasizes it contains just meat and chili peppers
- Bowl of red – Describes its vivid red color sans beans
- Bowl of meaty chili – Straightforward description specifying beanless
Other options are simply calling it “chili” or noting meat choices like “beef chili.” Outside Texas, menu descriptions might specify “Texas-style chili, no beans” for clarity.
Official Definitions
According to the International Chili Society (ICS), traditional Red Chili is defined as any meat or combo of meats cooked with peppers, spices, and other ingredients. Beans are excluded.
The ICS’s Homestyle Chili category does require beans. But that reinforces the notion that “real” chili is bean-free for purists. Menu terminology tends to make the distinction clear.
Ordering Chili Dos and Don’ts
Clarity on whether you want beans helps when ordering chili:
- In Texas, just order “chili.” Expect no beans unless otherwise specified.
- Elsewhere, order “chili with no beans” to avoid getting a beanful bowl.
- When beans are welcome, order “chili” or “chili with beans.”
- Call it “Texas-style” chili when you want it beanless outside Texas.
Know that traditional chili at heart contains no beans. And menus should make clear when chili does have added legumes.
The Great Chili Debate Rolls On
The disagreement over beans in chili won’t be settled any time soon. Those who grow up with Texas-style bowls of red see beans as an unnecessary addon. Others can’t imagine chili without them.
What everyone can agree on is that a steaming bowl of chili, whether dotted with beans or not, provides a richly satisfying and warm eating experience. Savor the chili style you love, beans or no beans. Just be sure to give your variety the proper name to avoid any confusion.
How to Make No Beans Chili Recipe
There’s no time like the present to make this Texas chili recipe. It’s very simple and can be ready in less than an hour.
- Brown the beef. Set a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat on the stove and heat the oil in it. Salt and pepper the ground beef, then add it to the hot oil and cook it until it turns brown. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks.
- Stir in aromatics and seasonings. Add the onions, bell pepper, and garlic after the beef has browned. Cook for 4 minutes, or until veggies are soft. Then add the paprika, cumin, dried oregano, and chili powder and mix them in.
- Add the remaining ingredients. Mix in the tomato paste, then cook for three minutes. Then add the tomatoes and broth and stir them in. Scrape the bottom of the pot to get rid of any brown bits. Put in the bay leaf and slowly bring the chili to a boil.
- Simmer. Cook the chili on low heat for about 30 minutes. If there is enough liquid, you can let it cook for another 3 to 4 hours. If you want it to cook longer, add more water to the pot. Water is fine to use for the extra liquid.
- Serve. Remove the chili from the heat. Taste it for salt and pepper, and adjust. Remove the bay leaf. Put the chili in bowls and top them with cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, or anything else you like.
Can You Freeze No Bean Chili?
Yes, you can! Allow the chili to cool completely, then place it in freezer-safe food storage bags or containers, leaving as little air as possible in the bag or container before sealing it closed. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop as directed above.
The SHOCKING SECRET to great chili
FAQ
What do you call chili without beans?
What chili does not use beans?
Why do Texans say no beans in chili?
Is beanless chili still chili?