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Easy 30-Minute No-Bean Chili Recipe Kids Love

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A quick, budget-friendly chili made without beans that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This crowd-pleasing recipe uses simple ingredients and a secret baking soda trick to keep the beef tender, delivering deep, savory flavor in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 teaspoons jarred minced garlic)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder (mild blend)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce (no salt added preferred)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted recommended)
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the bell pepper if using. Open the cans of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Measure out the spices into a small bowl.
  2. Brown the beef: Place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon baking soda. Break the meat apart and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until well browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a bowl, leaving about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pot.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. If using bell pepper, add it with the onion.
  4. Bloom the spices: Add the tomato paste and all measured spices (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper). Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Build the chili: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the brown sugar if using. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  6. Simmer and thicken: Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Rest and serve: Remove the pot from heat and let the chili rest for 2 minutes. Ladle into bowls and top with desired toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or crushed tortilla chips.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda—it keeps the beef tender. Let the chili rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. For a milder version, use mild chili powder and omit cayenne. This chili freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bean chili, easy chili recipe, 30-minute chili, kid-friendly chili, budget-friendly chili, ground beef chili, quick chili, family dinner

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/easy-30-minute-no-bean-chili-recipe-kids-love/