Hearty Texas Chili without Beans
This robust chili recipe comes from my friend Chris in Cleveland, who understands that not everyone appreciates beans in their chili. Packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and an array of spices, this dish creates a wonderful balance of flavors that will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this Texas-style chili is a hearty meal that delivers comfort and richness in every bite. If you love depth of flavor and a meaty chili, you’ll find this recipe truly irresistible. Plus, making it a few days in advance intensifies the flavor, making it even more delicious when served!
10
Servings
350
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless beef roast
3.5-4 lbs (cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
Cooking oil
1/2 cup (for browning the meat)
Chopped onions
2 cups (fresh, plus extra for garnish)
Green peppers
3 medium (diced)
Garlic cloves
4 (crushed)
Canned tomatoes
2 (28 ounce) cans (preferably crushed)
Tomato paste
1 (12 ounce) can (none)
Wine or coffee
2 cups (your choice)
Chili powder
1/3 cup (none)
Brown sugar or molasses
1/8 cup brown sugar or 3/4 cup molasses (none)
Salt
2 tablespoons (none)
Oregano leaves
2 teaspoons (dried)
Cracked pepper
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Monterey Jack cheese
to garnish (shredded)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
14g
Carbs
28g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Texas Chili without Beans?
This is a robust, meat-centric chili recipe that excludes beans, focusing on tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich blend of spices.
Who provided this recipe?
The recipe comes from a friend named Chris in Cleveland, who developed it for those who prefer chili without beans.
How many servings does this chili recipe produce?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings, making it ideal for large gatherings or meal prepping.
What type of meat is recommended for this Texas chili?
The recipe calls for 3.5 to 4 pounds of boneless beef roast, cut into half-inch cubes.
Are there beans in this recipe?
No, this is a traditional Texas-style chili recipe which specifically excludes beans.
How many calories are in a serving of this chili?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
This hearty chili provides about 28 grams of protein per serving.
Can I make this chili in advance?
Yes, making this chili a few days in advance is actually recommended as it allows the flavors to intensify and meld together.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The base includes 2 cups of chopped onions and 3 medium diced green peppers.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 crushed garlic cloves for a savory depth of flavor.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe specifies two 28-ounce cans of tomatoes, preferably crushed, along with a 12-ounce can of tomato paste.
What unique liquids are used for the broth?
You can use 2 cups of either wine or coffee to add a sophisticated depth of flavor to the chili.
How much chili powder is required?
This recipe uses 1/3 cup of chili powder to achieve its signature spicy profile.
Can I substitute brown sugar with molasses?
Yes, you can use either 1/8 cup of brown sugar or 3/4 cup of molasses depending on your sweetness preference.
What are the recommended garnishes?
It is recommended to garnish the chili with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and extra chopped fresh onions.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving in this chili recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
Each serving contains 14 grams of carbohydrates.
How should I prepare the beef?
The boneless beef roast should be cut into small 1/2 inch cubes for even cooking and a meaty texture.
What spices are used besides chili powder?
The spice blend includes 2 tablespoons of salt, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano leaves, and 3/4 teaspoon of cracked pepper.
Is this chili considered spicy?
Yes, with 1/3 cup of chili powder and cracked pepper, it has a robust and spicy flavor profile.
What is the purpose of adding coffee to chili?
Adding coffee enhances the earthy notes of the beef and spices, providing a richer color and deeper flavor profile.
How much oil is needed for browning the meat?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of cooking oil to properly brown the 3.5-4 lbs of beef cubes.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
With 14g of carbs and no beans, it is lower in carbohydrates than many standard chili recipes, though it does contain some sugar/molasses.
What type of cheese is best for topping?
Shredded Monterey Jack is the specific cheese recommended for its mild flavor and excellent melting properties.
Does this recipe include tomato paste?
Yes, a 12-ounce can of tomato paste is used to thicken the sauce and add concentrated tomato flavor.
What category of food does this fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Meat and is considered a hearty stew or comfort food.
Can I use green bell peppers?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 3 medium green peppers, diced.
Is this a quick meal?
While tagged as a quick meal, the flavors benefit significantly from simmering and even better results are achieved if made in advance.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of salt to season the large quantity of beef and vegetables.
Why is this called 'Texas Style'?
It is called 'Texas Style' because it focuses on meat and spices while strictly omitting beans, which is a hallmark of traditional Texas chili.