If you’re someone who loves a hearty bowl of chili but isn’t a fan of beans, then you’re in for a real treat with this Slow Cooker Chili (No Beans!) Recipe. It’s a cozy, flavorful dish that simmers slowly to develop a rich depth of spice and savory goodness without a single bean in sight. Perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying with minimal effort, this chili brings together tender ground beef, fresh veggies, bold spices, and tomato richness that everyone in the family will adore. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to become your go-to comfort food classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A slow cooker filled with thick chili showing a rich, chunky texture. The chili has a deep red color with visible pieces of green and red bell peppers, ground meat, and tomato chunks spread evenly throughout the sauce. The sauce looks glossy and smooth around the chunks, with small bits of onion mixed in. The cooker is black and contrasts with the white marbled surface it sits on. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chili (No Beans!) Recipe lies in its simplicity — just a handful of essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering vibrant flavor, satisfying texture, and that perfect chili color you expect. From seasoning to veggies to the choice of tomatoes, everything works together to create a meal that’s bold, comforting, and ready to warm you up.

2 lb lean ground beef: The star of the dish, providing hearty protein and a rich base flavor.
1 small onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and aroma that enhances the chili’s depth.
1 T olive oil: Helps sauté the onions perfectly without burning and adds a touch of richness.
3-4 garlic cloves, minced: For that essential savory punch and fragrant undertone.
2 bell peppers, diced (1 red, 1 green recommended): Offer a pop of color and a slightly sweet crunch to balance the spice.
2 cans diced tomatoes (approx. 15 oz, undrained): Provide juicy acidity and texture—Rotel is a great option to kick up the flavor.
2 cans tomato sauce (approx. 15 oz): Creates the rich, thick chili base that carries all the spices.
2 T chili powder: The heart of spice, blending warmth and a hint of smokiness.
½ T cumin: Adds an earthy, slightly nutty aroma that complements the chili powder perfectly.
1 tsp paprika: Boosts color and a subtle smoky layer without overpowering.
1½ tsp oregano: Provides a mild herbal note, rounding out the spice mix.
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Gives a boost of umami that deepens the overall flavor.
½ tsp pepper: Sharpens the spice to taste without overwhelming the dish.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
3 T tomato paste (plus more as needed): Thickens the chili and intensifies the tomato flavor for that perfect finish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chili (No Beans!) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Brown the Beef

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and adding the olive oil. Once warmed, toss in the diced onions and let them soften for about 3 to 4 minutes, until they’re just turning translucent. This step releases their natural sweetness, which is key to balancing the chili’s bold flavors. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s fully browned with no pink remaining. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease — it keeps the chili from becoming oily.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Transfer your perfectly browned beef and softened onions into the slow cooker. Then add the minced garlic, diced bell peppers, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and salt. Give everything a good stir to mix all those fantastic flavors evenly. Your slow cooker is now ready to work its magic.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Perfectly Tender

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow, gentle simmer allows the spices to marry beautifully with the meat and veggies, softening the peppers and deepening the tomato base while building layers of flavor that you just can’t rush.

Step 4: Finish with Tomato Paste

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the tomato paste. This little addition thickens the chili up nicely and intensifies the richness of the sauce, giving it that classic hearty chili consistency. If you want it thicker, add a bit more tomato paste or scoop out excess liquid; if it’s a touch too thick, a splash of beef broth does the trick.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili (No Beans!) Recipe

A close-up view of a thick, rich red chili stew inside a black pot filled with visible chunks of cooked ground meat, small cubes of red and green bell peppers, and onions, all coated in a shiny, textured tomato-based sauce. Small bits of bright green herbs are sprinkled on top, with a metal ladle scooping some filled with the hearty mixture. The pot rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top while it’s hot so it melts deliciously into the chili. Fresh chopped cilantro or green onions add brightness and a fresh aroma. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or a scoop of creamy avocado for a cool contrast to the warm spices. For some extra crunch, crushed tortilla chips or crunchy corn chips are fantastic.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Chili (No Beans!) Recipe pairs beautifully with warm cornbread, which soaks up every bit of that luscious chili sauce. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint. You can also serve it alongside steamed rice or even baked potatoes if you want to make it a substantial meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not turn your chili into a loaded chili cheese dip by baking it with shredded cheese and serving with chips? Or use it as a topping for hot dogs or baked potatoes for a fun twist. For a weeknight taco night, spoon the chili into warm tortillas, adding your usual taco fixings. The options truly are endless and always delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your chili to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will stay delicious for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners later in the week. Reheat gently on the stove, in the microwave, or even in the slow cooker set on warm to maintain that great texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy your Slow Cooker Chili (No Beans!) Recipe down the road, it freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your chili gently to avoid drying out the meat. A stovetop simmer or microwave at medium power works great. If it looks a bit thick after refrigerating or freezing, stir in a splash of broth or water to bring back its perfect consistency before serving.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative and still absorb the spices wonderfully. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as leaner meats cook a bit faster.

Why no beans in this chili?

Some people just prefer their chili hearty and beefy without the added texture or flavor of beans. This recipe celebrates that preference while still offering a rich and satisfying dish.

Can I make this chili spicy?

Yes! Simply add chopped fresh jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or use Rotel tomatoes to kick up the heat. Adjust the chili powder amount as well to suit your spice tolerance.

Is it okay to cook the chili longer than 8 hours?

While slow cooking offers flexibility, going beyond 8 hours can dry out the meat since this recipe steers clear of beans, which add moisture. If you need to leave it longer, consider adding a bit of broth to maintain juiciness.

How can I thicken the chili if it is too watery?

Stir in additional tomato paste a little at a time or remove some of the liquid with a spoon. Simmering uncovered for the last 30 minutes can also help concentrate the flavors and thicken the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chili (No Beans!) Recipe is a comforting classic that brings warmth and bold flavor to your table with very little fuss. It’s perfect for anyone who loves rich, meaty chili but wants to skip the beans without sacrificing any of the hearty goodness. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your meal rotation — a slow cooker treasure that will keep calling you back for more cozy bowls of deliciousness!

Slow Cooker Chili (No Beans!) Recipe