Bean-Free Chili Recipe (Paleo & Keto Friendly)

This fast bean-free chili recipe is a simple and filling meal on a cool day. It can be made as spicy (or not) as you like and even kids will gobble it up.

We generally avoid lectins, so I make my chili without beans. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it!

Fast and Tasty Bean-Free Chili

We all have our favorite versions, but chili usually consists of a simple stew of ground meat, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and chili spices. My recipe has a little heat, but if you like your chili a bit spicier, feel free to add additional chili powder or some cayenne pepper.

This is a fast recipe that’s ready in about half an hour. If you have a little more time, simmering the chili longer will really deepen the flavors. It also reheats really well, and in fact tastes even better the next day. Chili is also a meal that freezes perfectly. This recipe makes about 6 cups of chili, so try batch cooking and freezing some.

If you want to work in a larger serving of veggies (and have fewer dishes!) I love the idea of serving the chili in a baked acorn squash bowl.

Sneaky Nutrition Tip

Another trick that I always try is pureeing raw liver in the blender and adding it to this recipe to sneak in the nutrients of liver without my husband or kids knowing (don’t tell them!). We buy grass-fed liver here.

Other Variations

• Make a Cincinnati-style chili by adding a tablespoon of cinnamon and an ounce of dark chocolate plus a few teaspoons of honey instead of the chili powder and cumin.
• For a hands-off approach, try my even easier 5-ingredient chili recipe for the slow cooker.

A Note on Chili Seasoning

To make things easy, I pre-make many of my most frequently used seasonings. I store them in jars in my cupboard and they’re always ready for easy use when I’m making dinner on a busy night.

Some of my favorite blends are my taco seasoning and chili seasoning.  If you’re using homemade chili seasoning, use about 2-3 tablespoons for this recipe instead of the spices listed below.

Here is a list of my most frequently used spice blends.

Bean-Free Chili Recipe

This hearty bean-free chili is packed with protein, vegetables, and the perfect amount of spice.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Calories 415kcal

Author Katie Wells

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Servings

6 cups

1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground turkey (or beef)
• 2 medium onions
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 (18 oz) jars diced tomatoes
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 1½ TBSP chili powder
• 1½ tsp cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

• In a large pot, brown the meat.
• While the meat is cooking dice the onions and bell pepper and mince the garlic.
• When the meat is nearly cooked, add the onion and bell pepper and saute 5 minutes. 
• Add the minced garlic and cook an additional 2 minutes.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and all the spices.
• Simmer 15-20 minutes until well warmed.
• Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onion if desired.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Bean-Free Chili Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 ½ cups)

Calories 415 Calories from Fat 115

% Daily Value*

Fat 12.8g20%

Saturated Fat 5.5g34%

Cholesterol 137mg46%

Sodium 882mg38%

Carbohydrates 25.4g8%

Fiber 6g25%

Sugar 14.3g16%

Protein 49.4g99%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes

• If you like your chili a little thinner or if it’s a little too tomatoey for you, try adding about 1 cup of beef stock.
• If you like your chili a little spicier, try adding a little cayenne pepper.

What is your favorite way to make chili? Ever put cinnamon and chocolate in yours?