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Slow Cooker Hearty No-Bean Chili

Made with two types of ground beef and loaded with flavor, you’ll never miss the beans in this Slow Cooker Hearty No-Bean Chili!

Made with two types of ground beef and loaded with flavor, you’ll never miss the beans in this Slow Cooker Hearty No-Bean Chili! #crockpot #chili #comfortfood #slowcooker #setitandforgetit #dinner #pumpkinnspice

Despite my bitter feelings towards winter (read: it’s been in the negative and single digits here within the past few weeks), I do love that this time of year makes me want to whip up warm and comforting meals.

There’s just something about a hearty dinner that fills me up and keeps me satisfied, even if there is three feet of snow outside (ok, so I’m exaggerating just a little).

And nothing screams comfort food more to me than chili.

I’ve been a chili fanatic for as long as I can remember! The spicy flavor and mixture of meats, veggies, and beans fits perfectly with a hunk of cornbread. And while I’ll eat chili any time of the year, I only make it in the winter. It just seems more appropriate, right?

Now enter in the hubster.

He loves chili too, though not as much as myself. However, he doesn’t like it with beans. Yep, you heard that right, friends…no beans! It must be a texture type thing, because you really can’t taste the beans once they’re cooked. Am I right? I can’t really blame him, though, because I wouldn’t eat those beans just on their own either, though I do love them in chili!

Made with two types of ground beef and loaded with flavor, you’ll never miss the beans in this Slow Cooker Hearty No-Bean Chili! #crockpot #chili #comfortfood #slowcooker #setitandforgetit #dinner #pumpkinnspice

So when we both got a craving for chili years ago, I compromised and made this Slow Cooker Hearty No-Bean Chili. Made with two types of ground beef and loaded with flavor, you’ll never miss the beans in this chili!

In fact, this is my favorite chili and I almost prefer it sans the beans.

I’ve been making this no bean chili for about five years now, as it’s a staple in my household during the winter.

While you can certainly make this on the stove in a little over an hour, I love whipping out my slow cooker for this dish. The flavors blend together and create such a delectable taste. And it makes your house smell wonderful, too!

Made with two types of ground beef and loaded with flavor, you’ll never miss the beans in this Slow Cooker Hearty No-Bean Chili! #crockpot #chili #comfortfood #slowcooker #setitandforgetit #dinner #pumpkinnspice

Besides being out-of-this-world good, this crock pot chili with no beans is a breeze to whip up!

Because I omitted the beans for the bean-loathing hubster, I used one pound of ground beef and one pound of ground chucks. This makes it extra meaty and definitely makes up for the lack of beans. Of course, you can definitely add in beans if that’s what you prefer, it’s delicious either way!

It’s also very easy to customize this chili based on your preferences. You can add in as much or as little chili powder and spice as you would like. I’ve played around with this recipe a lot over the years and found the perfect combination for me.

Serve this Slow Cooker Hearty No-Bean Chili with a side of my homemade Skillet Buttermilk Cornbread, and you have yourself a delicious meal, perfect to beat the winter-blahs!

Made with two types of ground beef and loaded with flavor, you’ll never miss the beans in this Slow Cooker Hearty No-Bean Chili! #crockpot #chili #comfortfood #slowcooker #setitandforgetit #dinner #pumpkinnspice

Looking for more slow cooker recipes? I’ve got you covered!

Yields 6 servings

Slow Cooker Hearty No-Bean Chili

Made with two types of ground beef and loaded with flavor, you’ll never miss the beans in this Slow Cooker Hearty No-Bean Chili!

15 minPrep Time

4 hrCook Time

4 hr, 15 Total Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 pound ground chuck
  • 2 (29 ounce) cans tomato sauce
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1/2 white onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 5-6 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, brown and crumble ground beef and ground chuck until cooked through. Drain and add to slow cooker.
  2. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, pepper, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, white sugar, oregano, salt and pepper to slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
  4. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, if desired.
  5. Enjoy!
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https://www.pumpkinnspice.com/slow-cooker-hearty-no-bean-chili/

 

Reader Interactions

    • Just way way way too much tomatoes, tomato paste, sauce, diced tomatoes. Way too much. It just tastes like a gigantic bowl of tomatoes. Did I mention tomatoes?
      Reply

      • Sorry to hear that, B.K. I've never had a problem with too many tomatoes, as that is the base of most chilis, so feel free to decrease that if you try this again.

  3. When it's freezing outside, I can't think of much better! Fantastic recipe, and I love that you can turn it on and leave it alone!
    Reply

  4. My husband would totally love this chili, too! He's been asking for chili for a while... I made a sweet potato chili the other night, but I don't think it was quite what he was hoping for :) This looks delicious!
    Reply

  5. Hearty and robust ~ Gayle this chili looks marvelous. Chili is one of my favorite meals, it's so filling and I love the cheddar you put on top. My favorite. I'm with you on the beans, I don't think one can taste them so I throw them in but funnily enough, my husband and father-in-law hate beans (they say , it um causes stomach issues later, Ha, I won't go into the specifics) so I love your chili recipe that is easy to customize for those picky eaters. Perfect for the super bowl coming up too!!!
    Reply

    • It must be a texture thing with the beans! Sounds like this would be a great dish for your husband and father-in-law, Laura! Thanks for the kind words!
      Reply

  6. Eeee! Girl, we are both TOTAL chili-post blogging buddies today! Great minds definitely think alike. :) I absolutely looooove this chili! It looks so filling and hearty, and I love how much MEAT there is in it! My carnivore brothers will love it. :)
    Reply

      • I'm not sure about textures but beanless tastes amazing, goes great on chili dogs and chili burgers etc...but the best part is being able to sleep in bed with your significant other cause no beans = no gas!

    • I hope your husband loves this chili if he tries it, Jen! My husband goes nuts over this, too. Thanks for the pin, friend!
      Reply

  12. It's too funny that you're sharing a no-bean beef chili today, because I made a three-bean no-meat chili this weekend! My husband actually prefers to eat vegetarian most nights. I guess I'm lucky in that because I'd rather only eat meat a few times a week as well. I could actually eat it more often than he'd like! This chili looks delicious, especially with that skillet cornbread! Lovely photos, too!
    Reply

    • I've never had a no-meat chili before, so I definitely need to try that! I hope you share the recipe, Kristine! :) Thanks so much for the kind words!
      Reply

  13. Gayle, I feel the same way about winter .. ugh. . we just gotta get through it. . bowls and bowls of this chili will help though! I husband would love this. . loaded with ground beef and everything good. . looks great!!
    Reply

  14. While I love beans, I'd gladly go for a bowl of this no-bean version! And chili really does chase away those winter blahs! For me, soup and chili makes winter a happy time, but I also don't have 3 feet of snow. :) This looks delicious, Gayle! Pinned. :)
    Reply

  15. Ohhhh I love me some chili! I always crave it whenever I go skiing with my family in the winter since the resorts always sell it at the top of the mountain. Nothing beats a warm bowl and cornbread after a long day of exercise and chilling winds! Great recipe!
    Reply

  16. So funny your husband doesn't like beans in his chili! What a good wife to make a delicious version that is bean free. It's so cold and rainy here in California today, a bowl of this hearty chili would be just the thing to warm us up!
    Reply

  20. I can commiserate with you about the cold weather. I just can't wait until it reaches above 20 degrees! This chili looks amazing and perfect for cold winter days. I love that you didn't add beans (not my favorite in chili) Looks amazing Gayle!
    Reply

  21. It's been so cold over here too and I can't think of anything better than a big bowl of chili and some cornbread to warm up with! This looks so deliciously hearty and comforting, Gayle! Haha my husband feels the same way about beans. He is a big meat-eater so he would absolutely go nuts over this gorgeous chili! :)
    Reply

  23. I actually like the idea of no bean chili, double the mead, please :) . And my slow cooker is my best friend, when I decide to make some! Pinning and will definitely try them!
    Reply

  29. I'm with you on the whole winter thing, but I love that I get to cook comfort meals a lot more, chili included. I've never made chili without beans before, but i will certainly have to try this recipe next time Gayle. It looks delicious.
    Reply

  31. Oh my goodness Gayle, single and negative digits. I don't even know how I would function. I think its 75 here today in California. Come visit me!! :) The hubby doesn't like beans? Any types or just in his chili. I love the beans :-) !! But this no bean chili looks out of this world delish!! I need this when the weather cools! Pinned!
    Reply

    • I would love to be in sunny California right now, Cyndi! My husband doesn't like the type of beans that goes in chili, though he does eat green beans. Thanks for the kind words and pin, Cyndi!
      Reply

    • Oh yum! I love your idea of using fritos with this chili, Leah! Definitely trying that out next time. Thanks for the pin, friend!
      Reply

  33. I'm with you - one of my favorite parts about winter is all the soup / chili I make! My husband would loveeeeee this version! It looks fantastic!
    Reply

  38. My family likes chili especially in the fall/winter however my hubs is similar in not liking the beans. I personally believe chili should NOT have beans anyways. Finding a yummy not soupy recipe has been hard. Going to give this a try Sunday :)
    Reply

    • I think you and your husband will love this chili, Nikki! I've been making it for years and it is so flavorful and hearty. Please let me know how you liked it if you get the chance! :)
      Reply

  39. How many servings do you think this makes? I am hosting a party tomorrow and stumbled upon this when looking for bean-less chili (I too don't understand but lots of my guests don't like beans!).
    Reply

  40. Have this in the crockpot as we speak! My husband is weird about beans too, so this seemed like a recipe I could compromise for! Thanks!
    Reply

    • I hope you and your husband love this recipe, Cori! It's the only chili my husband will eat, and he loves it! :) Thanks so much for stopping by!
      Reply

    • I'm so sorry that you didn't like this chili, John! I've made this many times and have always had good success.
      Reply

    • I think i'm going to be doing the same. It doesn't taste very good at all. I was skeptical about the 58oz of tomato sauce & dadly, rightfully so. It's more like soup than water & very acidic . I even used about 4 tablespoons of corn starch & it's still really watery. Also an oddity, the recipe doesn't call for salt?
      Reply

      • I'm very sorry this didn't work out for you, Daniel. I have never had an issue with it being watery and have had many positive reviews on this. And as for the salt, with all of the spices and flavor it really isn't needed. That's more of personal preference, so definitely not an oddity. Thanks for stopping by!

      • Thanks, Gayle. Just to clarify - the tomato sauce - that's supposed to be two, 29oz cans and not two 9oz cans?

      • Hi Daniel! Yes, I used two 29 ounce cans of sauce. Since you add two pound of meat and also tomato paste, it should thicken up quite nicely. If your chili was soupy, maybe decrease that by a can? I have never had that problem, though. Thanks!

  43. HI Giving this a try, I had to change it up a little due to my allergies to onion and garlic, we will see how well it is received tonight at the Chili party.
    Reply

      • HI it came out great! I had a hard time finding black olives from the can so I get the fresh ones from the salad bar. It was a huge hit. I will make it again.

      • I'm so glad you liked it, Patricia! Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out!

  44. I Love beans and make a separate pot of them and only add the amount I want when heating the Chile, as it's Always better the next day. I use a Mexican based recipe for the beans which gives them a nice flavor. And besides, now I get Many more servings from this recipe. And without beans this is Perfect for topping my Chile Dog. Thanks for a Great recipe. The temps are hovering around triple digits these last few days, but who cares, Chile is Always Good. PS, I frequently put chopped raw onion on top with the cheese, it gives a nice crunch.
    Reply

    • Hi Bill! That's a great idea to make a separate pot of beans and add as you like. I'm going to have to try that. And I agree with you, chili is always good, no matter the temperature. Thank you for the kind words and for stopping by!
      Reply

  45. My kids are allergic to legumes/beans, and I never thought of just leaving them out because my husband says chili isn't chili without them! Have this in the crock pot for tonight's supper (first really cold weather we've had) and it smells AMAZING! Hubby says it smells even better than HIS mother's recipe...and that's impressive. Chopped the ground meat super-fine so we can ladle it over pasta. Perfect comfort food!
    Reply

    • I hope you and your family LOVE this chili, Christy! I do like beans in mine, but I actually prefer this meaty, no-bean version more. Definitely great comfort food and such a good idea to ladle it over pasta. Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you enjoy!
      Reply

  46. Your chili recipe is in the crock pot as I type - my son doesn't like soup at all, but he LOVES chili (no beans - the apple doesn't fall far from the tree). Smells delicious! Thanks for sharing your recipe!
    Reply

    • I'm so glad you are trying this recipe, Teresa! I hope you and your son love it. It's my favorite chili and my no-bean loving husband can't get enough of it. Thanks for stopping by to let me know!
      Reply

  47. We are allergic to legumes so this recipe is perfect! Just wondering, how many servings do you estimate for this recipe? I am going to serve this for NYE and need to serve 9 adults and 12 kids. Thanks!
    Reply

  48. I had never made chili before and made it today in my new slow cooker. It's a winner! I had avoided chili most of my life because I dislike beans, but happened to have it a couple times last year and really liked it - I love spicy food and discovered I didn't taste the beans very much. Still, when it came to making my own chili I prefer to leave them out so this recipe was perfect for me. Unlike some comments above, it thickened up nicely, perhaps due to the length of time in the cooker. Excellent flavor. Thanks very much! Best wishes, Laura
    Reply

    • Hi Laura! Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out! I'm so glad you liked this chili. It's one of my favorites, and you don't miss (or need) the beans. Thanks again!
      Reply

  49. First time making chili w/o beans. Needed a change and it turned out really good. Family really enjoyed the spicy flavor w/o having the beans drown it out. Thanks!
    Reply

    • Hi, Carole! I am so gad this chili turned out well for you. It's definitely nice for a change and is one of my favorite meals. Thanks for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out!
      Reply

  50. I was slightly confused about the amount of tomato sauce to use, seemed like a lot. I couldn't find 29 oz cans at my local Kroger so I used 4 (15 oz) cans. I was pretty excited about this but after making it, I was a little disappointed. I felt it had potential to be really good. Mine wasn't soupy but it was definitely way too much tomato sauce. I think I'm gonna try it again with just two (15 oz) cans of tomato sauce. Thanks for posting the recipe though.
    Reply

    • Hi Mike! So sorry to hear it didn't turn out for you. I've never had a problem with the consistency. Have a great day!
      Reply

  51. Hey Gayle- My kids won't touch a kidney bean so this recipe was just what I was looking for. Since my previous attempts at chili all Came from a can (don't judge me :) ) we were all happy to have a home made flavorful Bowl of chili. I had a 'soupy' problem as well so I think I'll cut down on a can of sauce next time, but otherwise this is a great recipe. Thanks!
    Reply

    • Hi Connie! I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe. Sorry it turned out soupy for you, but hopefully it will be better if you try it again. Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out!
      Reply

  52. This recipe looks fabulous. Would I need to change anything to the cook time or amount of meat used if I was to use ground turkey instead of beef?
    Reply

    • I am so glad you loved this, Kimberly! I've never used ground turkey before, but I think it would most likely cook the same amount of time. Thanks for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out!
      Reply

  53. I love this recipe! I never put beans in my chili(UGH) but never thought about double the meat. I use two cans of chili ready tomatoes,a whole onion chopped, garlic, 2 Tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp cumin, and 1 15 oz can tomato sauce. This sounds very good and will use next time I want chili. I also like the idea of a pot of beans for the ones who want them. Yeah, all taken care of.
    Reply

      • Wow thanks for getting back to me so quickly! I made it tonight and it made soooo much I wanted to make sure I used the right amount. It was so yummy! My picky son loved it. I will add beans to the leftovers tomorrow for him. He likes beans, I don't. Thanks for the recipe and the quick rely.

      • You're very welcome, Tammy! It does make a lot but it's good for leftovers! Great idea to add beans in, too. Thanks again for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out. Have a good night!

  55. I'm anxious to try this as it's for our youth fund raiser. Approximately how many ounces will this make? I have a large crock pot so I might have to double it. I'm not the only one making chili but have to provide a no-bean type and this looks good.
    Reply

    • HI Terry! This sounds perfect for a fund raiser! I don't know how many ounces it makes, but it does make a lot. I would say it easily feeds 6-8 people. Hope you enjoy this if you try it!
      Reply

  56. I SO appreciate this recipe. For my family, it isn't a taste/texture issue with beans...It's an allergy! My husband is allergic to beans. They cause his throat to start swelling shut. I have this recipe in my crockpot right now, and I can't wait to try it tonight.
    Reply

    • I really hope you and your family love this recipe, Gretchen! It's requested by my husband all the time. Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a great night!
      Reply

  57. Hi Gayle ! I bought all the ingredients for this and was going to make it tonight and realized it’s for a crockpot. Do you think I could do it over the stove stop ? Or would that ruin it Thank you !!
    Reply

    • Hi Samantha! You could definitely do this on the stove top! I'm not quite sure of the cooking time since I haven't done that before, but I would follow the instructions listed and then maybe simmer for an hour or so for flavor. Just a guess! Hope you love this and thanks for stopping by!
      Reply

  58. Hi Gayle, I have this in the crockpot right now! It has become a New Year's Eve tradition for my family. Thank you so much for sharing this yummy chili recipe!!
    Reply

    • Hi Kelly! I'm so happy to hear that! Sounds like such a wonderful tradition. Thank you so much for letting me know, I appreciate it! Happy New Year to you and your family!
      Reply

  59. Hi! This recipe sounds delicious! I was wondering if you mean a bell pepper or a jalapeño pepper for the green pepper? Thank you!
    Reply

  60. Hello, I plan to triple this recipe for a party and plan to use only ground beef. Do you foresee any problems with this or have any suggestions? Thank you.
    Reply

    • Hi Jessica! I've never done that before, but I would think using just ground beef would be fine. Hope you enjoy and thanks for stopping by@
      Reply

  61. Hi Gayle! Have you ever browned the meat the night before? Trying to save time before tomorrow's Super Bowl party. Thanks!
    Reply

    • Hello! I've never done that before, but I don't see why that wouldn't work. Sound like it would be a good time saver! Hope you enjoy and happy Super Bowl! :)
      Reply

  62. I’ve done this recipe before and planning to do it again this weekend. My fiancé can’t do beans and definitely love meat so this is an absolute perfect recipe. Easy and delicious! Thank you for sharing!
    Reply

    • I'm so glad you and your fiance love this recipe, Anna! My husband doesn't like beans in his chili either, so he loves this. Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out!
      Reply

  63. I made it tonight. It was really good. I've never made it without beans before. I did leave out 1 tblspn of the chili powder. Since it was the first time doing it I was a little worried about 6 tablespoons. The 5 were fine. 6 probably would have been even better. I also forgot to get a green pepper at the grocery store. That probably would have made it even better, but it was fine without it. My husband kept saying it looked like spaghetti sauce. Which it did. He said he'd be fine with beans next time, but it was good without them. Thank you for a good recipe! It's always scary trying something new. Especially since I didn't see a lot of comments with people that actually made it and adjusting this or that. You really don't need to. It's totally fine the way it is. I also had cornbread. I like to put it in the bottom of the bowl with the chili on top. Not your recipe, but I think I'll try that next time. And I did put cheese and sour cream on top. Yum! Once again, thanks! And BTW it makes a lot. So with just my husband and I we have a lot left over. Lots to take to work for lunch! Thanks again!
    Reply

    • Hi Krista! I'm so glad you liked this recipe! Cornbread is delicious with this, that's how I like to eat it, too. Thanks for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out!
      Reply

  64. I’ve made this half a dozen times and I LOVE it!!! It’s perfect for a bean hater like me ???? the taste is phenomenal and the spice is perfect. Seriously the best “no bean” chili I’ve ever had or made. Thank you!!
    Reply

    • Thank you so much, Kelsey! Your comment made my day! I'm so happy that you love this. This is my husband's favorite because he doesn't like beans, either. Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out! :)
      Reply

  65. Hello! I'm interested in trying this recipe but wondered if any readers have tried making it without the diced tomatoes. Any suggestions as to what I could substitute for the diced tomatoes?
    Reply

    • Hi Lisa! You could definitely omit the diced tomatoes if you prefer. I haven't tried that before, but I would think that regular tomatoes, diced would work, or just not using them at all. Hope you enjoy this if you try it and thanks for stopping by!
      Reply

      • Thank you so much for your reply Gayle. If I omitted the diced tomatoes completely, would I need to add more of anything else?

      • Hi Lisa! I don't think you would need to add anything else in place of the diced tomatoes, as it really just adds more texture to the dish. The consistency should still be the same. If you try it this way, please let me know how it turned out!

  66. I made this last night....turned out amazing!! I don't read directions carefully and bought 2 14oz cans of tomato sauce instead of 2 (29 ounce) cans tomato sauce, but it still worked! And I threw in a little quinoa to thicken it up- and get that super grain in there!
    Reply

    • I'm so glad you loved this, Andrea! Such a great idea to add in some quinoa! Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know how this turned out!
      Reply

  67. I don't stomach green peppers, or any peppers for that matter, very much. Would it make a huge difference if the pepper was left out of the recipe? Otherwise it sounds like it would be really good!
    Reply

    • Hi Rebecca! No, not at all! I sometimes leave the peppers out because my husband doesn't like them and I notice no difference. Hope you like this if you try it!
      Reply

  68. I love this recipe. I make it for myself more than my wife would like (she likes variety) but I've made this recipe as my base. I triple the meat with 1 lb beef and 2 lbs ground pork. I also leave out the second can of tomato sauce and replace with an extra can of diced tomatoes. It turns out perfect for me!
    Reply

    • I'm so glad to hear that, Ryan! Sounds like a great idea to triple the meat and use an extra can of diced tomatoes instead! Thanks for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out!
      Reply

  69. I'm on about my 5th batch of making this delicious chili!!! I don't vary much, maybe a little garlic powder, along with clove of garlic...I also add frozen corn, just to bulk it up, making it even more filling, since I don't like beans at all, in chili!! I try to tell my partner at work about it and she basically says, girl, that ain't chili then!!! Lol....I tell her how filling, and chunky it still turns out, and dee-lish!! To each their own! Imo, it's not too many tomato'ish produce to use in the recipe....So glad I came across your recipe!! And I bring my lunch to work daily, so I can easily have this 5-6 days in a row, without getting sick of it!!!
    Reply

    • I'm so glad you enjoy this, Andrea! Corn is a great addition! This is my favorite chili too...so good for leftovers! Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out!
      Reply

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