When you’re craving a warm, hearty meal that requires little effort but delivers maximum flavor, Simple Slow Cooker No Bean Chili is the perfect choice. This recipe is rich, smoky, and meaty, without a single bean in sight. It’s ideal for anyone following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, those with legume sensitivities, or simply for chili lovers who prefer a more meat-forward dish.
Using your slow cooker, you’ll let time and gentle heat work their magic, allowing all the spices and ingredients to blend together into a bowl of pure comfort. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family, a game-day gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is both versatile and satisfying.
In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about making the best slow cooker no bean chili, including ingredients, step-by-step directions, tips, variations, and serving ideas.
Why Make Chili Without Beans?
Traditional chili often includes beans, but many people enjoy (or require) chili without them:
- Low-carb & keto friendly: Skipping beans reduces carbs, making it perfect for keto diets.
- Meatier flavor: Without beans, the rich flavors of beef, spices, and tomatoes shine.
- Easier digestion: Some people find beans hard to digest, so this recipe is a great alternative.
- Classic Texas-style inspiration: Texas chili is famously made without beans, focusing on bold spices and hearty meat.
If you’ve never tried chili without beans, this simple slow cooker recipe is an excellent place to start.
Ingredients for Simple Slow Cooker No Bean Chili
Here’s everything you’ll need for this recipe:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor) – You can also use ground turkey, pork, or a mix.
- 1 large onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is best for bold flavor.
- 2 bell peppers, diced (red or green) – Adds color and slight sweetness.
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes – Fire-roasted tomatoes give a smoky kick.
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste – Thickens the chili and intensifies flavor.
- 1 cup beef broth – Adds richness and helps everything simmer smoothly.
- 3 tablespoons chili powder – The star spice blend.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika – Brings depth and smokiness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – Earthy and warming.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – For herbal notes.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – For extra heat.
- Salt & black pepper, to taste – Balance and enhance flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For browning the meat and veggies.
Optional garnishes: shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, avocado, fresh cilantro.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Combine in Slow Cooker
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to your slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and all the seasonings. Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The longer it cooks, the richer the flavors become.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Before serving, taste your chili and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your simple slow cooker no bean chili into bowls. Add toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro for a restaurant-style finish.
Tips for the Best No Bean Chili
- Brown the meat first: Don’t skip this step—browning adds a deep, savory flavor.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes: They give your chili a smoky, char-grilled depth.
- Spice it up: Adjust cayenne, jalapeños, or hot sauce depending on your heat tolerance.
- Thicker chili: If you want an extra-thick chili, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- Make ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day, after the flavors meld together.
Variations of Slow Cooker No Bean Chili
- Low-Carb Keto Chili: Replace bell peppers with zucchini or mushrooms for fewer carbs.
- Turkey Chili: Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Spicy Kick: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smoky heat.
- Chunky Chili: Use cubed chuck roast instead of ground beef for a Texas-style twist.
- Vegetable-Packed Chili: Even without beans, you can bulk up the dish with cauliflower rice, carrots, or spinach.
Serving Ideas
This simple slow cooker no bean chili is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:
- Cornbread – A classic, slightly sweet pairing.
- Over rice or cauliflower rice – To make it more filling.
- Chili dogs – Spoon over hot dogs for a game-day treat.
- Baked potatoes – Load a potato with chili, cheese, and sour cream.
- Tortilla chips – Dip into chili like a hearty nacho topping.
Storing and Freezing
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Chili freezes beautifully. Store in freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until hot.
Nutritional Information (per serving, 6 servings)
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
(These numbers will vary based on ingredients and toppings.)
Why This Simple Slow Cooker No Bean Chili is a Winner
This recipe is:
- Effortless: Your slow cooker does the heavy lifting.
- Customizable: Adjust the heat, meat, and veggies to your taste.
- Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep.
- Comforting: Rich, hearty, and satisfying without being complicated.
With bold flavors, tender meat, and a rich tomato base, this Simple Slow Cooker No Bean Chili proves you don’t need beans for a comforting bowl of chili.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that everyone will love, this Simple Slow Cooker No Bean Chili is a must-try. It’s a hearty comfort food perfect for weeknights, game days, or cozy weekends at home. By letting your slow cooker work its magic, you’ll have a delicious, bean-free chili that tastes like it’s been simmering all day—without any of the hassle.
So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let’s bring this no bean chili to life. One bowl, and you’ll understand why this recipe has become a go-to for so many home cooks.