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 one of America’s most iconic and beloved dishes, but it’s also one that sparks heated debate One of the biggest controversies surrounding chili is whether or not it should contain beans While most chilis have some kind of bean, there is a long tradition of Texas-style chilis made without beans.
The History of Beanless Chili
Chili likely originated in Texas in the late 1800s, where it was sold by “chili queens” in open air markets and town squares. This style of chili was made with dried chile peppers, meat, and spices – no beans.
As chili grew popular nationwide in the early 1900s, canned beans were added to stretch the dish and make it more substantial. This style came to be known as “bowl of red” outside of Texas. But traditionalists argued that true, authentic chili is beanless.
So what kind of chili has no beans? Traditional Texas-style chili, which stuck to the original meat and chile pepper formula. Texans claimed chili with beans was not real chili. The debate rages on today.
Reasons Behind the No Bean Stance
Lots of Texans still believe real chili should never include beans. Here are some of their arguments:
- Beans dilute and mask the distinct flavors of chili – the spices, meat, and chile peppers should stand out
- Chili is meant to showcase quality cuts of meat
- Beans make the texture too mushy instead of rich and thick
- Beans were only added later to stretch chili and cut costs
- Tradition! Original chili had no beans, so beanless chili is more authentic
Despite these passionate stances, many chili experts point out there is no one “correct” recipe. The dish has always evolved with the times and local tastes.
Official Rules of Chili Competitions
Chili cooking competitions crystallize the controversy over beans. According to the International Chili Society (ICS), beans are strictly prohibited from “Traditional Red Chili.” This reflects the Texas attitude favoring a beanless chili.
However ICS’s “Homestyle Chili” category does require beans, recognizing the widespread addition of beans in chili across America.
Other major cookoffs like those held by CASI (Chili Appreciation Society International) also forbid beans in traditional Texas-style red chili. So in competitive circles, “real” chili still means no beans for sticklers.
Tradition of Texas Chili sans Beans
Texas chili traditionalists argue that beans spoil the essence of true chili con carne. They have a long history of chili making on their side.
Some other key qualities of classic Texas chili with no beans:
- Chunks of meat – usually beef, sometimes venison or other meats
- Chili peppers – ancho, New Mexican, guajillo dried chiles
- Thick and rich texture – no tomatoes
- Savory flavor profile – cumin, garlic, onion, oregano
- Slow simmered – up to 4 hours uncovered
This style entwickled in the cattle country of Texas where beef and chiles were staple ingredients. Slow cooking tenderizes the meat into tender chunks in the thick sauce.
Contemporary Twists on Beanless Chili
While Texas traditionalists maintain chili is strictly beanless, many contemporary recipes offer creative new takes on beanless chilis:
- White Chicken Chili – uses shredded chicken in place of beef
- Turkey Chili – a lighter version using ground turkey
- Vegetarian Chili – skips the meat and uses extra veggies like onions, peppers, and mushrooms
- Cincinnati Chili – a Greek-inspired meat sauce served over spaghetti
The variety of chilis today shows the dish is open to reinventing based on local tastes. But beanless chili retains a special place as the original, authentic version.
How To Make Texas Red Chili Without Beans
Want to try making classic Texas-style chili at home? Here are some tips:
- Use fatty cuts of beef like chuck, brisket, or short ribs
- Mix different dried red chiles – ancho, arbol, chipotle
- Brown the meat first for richness
- Add tomatoes sparingly for texture and color
- Simmer uncovered at least 1 hour, up to 4
- Adjust spices like cumin, oregano, cayenne
- Finish with a splash of vinegar or beer
- Garnish with cheddar, diced onion, cilantro
The most important factor is using quality chile peppers and meat. Let those bold Texas flavors shine!
Enjoying Beanless Chili Today
Beans or no beans, chili remains a diverse and adaptable dish open to creativity. But the tradition of Texas-style beanless chili also continues today:
- Order a “bowl of red” at chili parlors and diners across Texas
- Find beanless options at chains like Wendy’s and Chili’s
- Look for “Texas-style” chili recipes that skip beans
- Use ground beef, chunks of chuck, or venison in your homemade chili
- Add extra chili peppers and spice without beans
Some chili purists insist beans don’t belong. But others say the more chili styles the merrier. Whichever camp you fall into, chili with or without beans makes for a warm, hearty meal with a kick.
FAQs About Beanless Chili
What’s the difference between chili and chili con carne?
Chili con carne means “chili with meat” in Spanish. The term refers to traditional Texas-style chili made with chunks of meat and peppers, no beans. Plain “chili” became a broader term for all chili styles.
Is it okay to put beans in chili for a chili cookoff?
For cookoffs like sanctioned ICS events, beans are not allowed in the Traditional Red Chili category. Other cookoffs may also prohibit beans to judge more traditional recipes. Check competition guidelines.
Do you put tomatoes in old fashioned chili?
Traditional Texas-style chili does not contain tomatoes. Tomatoes were not available in early chili recipes. Some chili today does add tomatoes for flavor and color. But purists argue tomatoes detract from the true chili taste.
Why do Texas chili recipes call for no beans?
Texas chili traditionally contained just meat, chili peppers, and seasonings. Beans were added later in other regions. Texans argue beans disguise the flavors of true chili – the meat, chiles, and spices should stand out.
What do chili traditionalists say about beans?
Many chili purists insist that real, authentic chili should never contain beans. Beans just stretch the dish and make the texture mushy. Traditional Texas chili is beanless. But others don’t mind bending the “rules” for a hearty bowl.
What is the oldest chili recipe?
The earliest print recipe for chili from 1895 included dried chili peppers, suet, salt, and meat slowly stewed. It had no beans or tomatoes. This basic formula reflects the chili sold in Texas markets starting in the 1880s by chili queens.
What are the spices in real Texas chili?
Classic Texas chili spices include garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, sometimes cloves or allspice. Chili powder blends contain spices like these. Cayenne or other chiles add heat. Onion and celery are aromatic vegetables.
Can you use corn in chili instead of beans?
Some creative chili recipes use corn or hominy as a substitute for beans. The corn adds texture and flavor without being a traditional bean. But traditionalists would still argue this adulterates the real chili flavor.
Does chili freeze well?
Chili freezes very well for up to 4 months. Let chili cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop until steaming hot. The flavors will continue developing as it freezes.
What is the best way to thicken chili without beans?
To thicken beanless chili, reduce the liquid by simmering uncovered. You can also mix in masa harina flour, cornmeal, or corn starch. Stir in some dark beer or cocoa powder. And blending or m
What To Serve with Homemade Chili
That’s a lot of food in one bowl of no-bean chili. If you add a bunch of toppings, it’s even better. If you want to add one or two sides, try the shrimp Caesar salad as a starter and add a slice of skillet cornbread or garlic breadsticks. I’ve even served it with cooked spaghetti. I also love to use leftovers to make beef enchiladas.
For a game day twist, consider ladling the beef over hot dogs, creating tasty chili dogs. And, of course, don’t forget dessert. Cinnamon rolls are one of my favorites.
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.