Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans)
The Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans) is a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. This chili stands out with its rich blend of spices and tender beef, making it a favorite among chili lovers. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply craving something comforting, this recipe delivers an authentic taste without the fuss of beans. Enjoy it on its own or topped with your favorites for an unforgettable meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of spices like chili powder, cumin, and oregano creates a depth of flavor that warms you from the inside out.
- Quick Prep Time: With only 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in just over an hour.
- Versatile Serving Options: Customize each bowl with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh jalapeños to suit everyone’s taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week; it freezes well for later use!
- No Beans Needed: This bean-free recipe stays true to Texas-style chili traditions, focusing purely on meat and spices.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans), you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help you create a delicious chili without any hassle.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or large soup pot: Ideal for slow cooking and evenly distributing heat, ensuring your chili cooks perfectly.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and meat, making prep easier.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife speeds up your preparation time by allowing you to chop ingredients quickly and efficiently.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware and helps to mix ingredients thoroughly.
Ingredients
For the Chili
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 jalapeños, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2.5 pounds of ground beef
- 1.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 3 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 3 ounces tomato paste
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef stock (more for a thinner consistency)
How to Make Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans)
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the olive oil, onions, and jalapeños to a large Dutch oven (or soup pot) on medium heat. Cook and stir regularly until the onions are translucent—about 6–8 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Now add in the ground beef along with salt and pepper. Break apart the beef but leave some larger chunks for texture. Cook for about 8 minutes or until the beef is no longer pink. If there’s excess grease in the pot, feel free to drain some off at this point.
Step 4: Incorporate Spices
Add in the spices including chili powder, cumin, oregano, and coriander. Stir well and cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices lightly.
Step 5: Combine Tomatoes and Stock
Mix in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring everything to a simmer before reducing heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour) while stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Check Consistency
The chili is done when the beef broth has reduced significantly and it has thickened into a hearty consistency.
Step 7: Serve with Toppings
Enjoy your Texas-style chili hot! Top with your favorite toppings such as cheese, sour cream, diced red onion, chopped green onion, jarred diced jalapeños, fresh diced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, salsa, or salsa verde.
With this straightforward method and quality ingredients, you’re sure to impress friends and family with this Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans)!
How to Serve Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans)
Serving your Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans) is a delightful experience that can be tailored to your taste. The rich flavors of the chili pair beautifully with various toppings and sides, enhancing each bite.
Classic Toppings
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of cheddar or Monterey Jack adds creaminess and richness.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the spiciness and adds a cool touch.
- Chopped Onions: Fresh diced red onions add crunch and a burst of flavor.
- Sliced Jalapeños: Spice it up with fresh or pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread: Serve warm cornbread on the side for a sweet contrast to the savory chili.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips can be used for dipping or as a base for nachos.
- Rice: A side of fluffy rice absorbs the chili’s rich sauce, making for a hearty meal.
Creative Serving Ideas
- Chili over Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with chili for a filling and comforting dish.
- Chili Dog Style: Spoon chili over hot dogs for a fun twist on classic frankfurters.
How to Perfect Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans)
Perfecting your Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans) involves attention to detail and some essential tips. Follow these pointers to elevate your dish.
- Bold spices: Use fresh spices for maximum flavor. Consider toasting whole spices before grinding to enhance their aroma.
- Quality meat: Choose high-quality ground beef for better texture and flavor. Grass-fed beef is an excellent choice.
- Simmer longer: Allowing the chili to simmer longer deepens the flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but feel free to extend this time if possible.
- Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer longer; add more beef stock if you like it thinner.
- Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning gradually while cooking. This ensures balanced flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans)
Pairing side dishes with your Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans) can create the ultimate dining experience. Here are some fantastic options.
- Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread complements the spicy chili perfectly. Try adding jalapeños or cheese for an extra kick.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread provides a satisfying contrast while soaking up the delicious chili sauce.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crispness and acidity, balancing the richness of the chili.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A melty grilled cheese offers comfort and pairs wonderfully with hot chili.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf is light yet filling, making it an excellent accompaniment to soak up those savory juices.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide color, flavor, and nutritional balance alongside your hearty bowl of chili.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad refreshes the palate with every bite, contrasting well with spicy flavors.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo brings brightness and crunch, making each spoonful of chili even more enjoyable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans) perfectly, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls.
- Not browning the meat properly: Failing to brown the ground beef can result in a less flavorful chili. Ensure it’s cooked until no longer pink and slightly caramelized.
- Skipping the spice mix: Omitting or underestimating spices like chili powder and cumin can lead to blandness. Always measure them accurately for maximum flavor.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Low-quality or canned tomatoes can affect the taste. Opt for fresh or high-quality canned tomatoes for better results.
- Overcooking or undercooking: Not paying attention to cooking times can change the texture. Aim for a simmer of 30 minutes to an hour for the best consistency.
- Ignoring consistency preferences: Some may prefer a thicker chili while others like it thinner. Adjust the beef stock accordingly to achieve your desired texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the chili to cool completely before sealing it in the container.
Freezing Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans)
- Freeze in a suitable container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers as chili expands when frozen.
Reheating Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot. Add more broth if it’s too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans).
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that still provides excellent flavor and texture.
What toppings go well with Texas style chili?
Popular toppings include cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and fresh jalapeños. Customize according to your preference!
How do I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat, consider using more jalapeños or adding cayenne pepper to your spice mix for an extra kick.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making it a day in advance allows flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it properly as mentioned above.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
The Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans) is not only rich and hearty but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various toppings or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans)
The Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans) is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s ideal for any occasion, from game day gatherings to cozy family dinners. This authentic recipe showcases a rich blend of spices and tender ground beef, delivering a comforting meal that stays true to Texas chili traditions. With no beans to distract from the meaty goodness, this chili lets the robust flavors shine through. Customize each serving with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a bowl of warmth that will leave everyone craving more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 jalapeños, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2.5 pounds ground beef
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 3 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 3 ounces tomato paste
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef stock
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and jalapeños; sauté until onions are translucent (6–8 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned (about 8 minutes), breaking it into chunks.
- Mix in chili powder, cumin, oregano, and coriander; cook for another minute.
- Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef stock. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for about 30 minutes or until thickened.
- Serve hot with desired toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
