This Mild No Bean Chili is thick, savory, and full of classic chili flavor without any beans. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients and designed to be a balanced, family-friendly version that’s easy to customize for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
It’s hearty, protein-rich, and comes together quickly on the stovetop while still tasting like it simmered all day.
🍲 Save this Mild No Bean Chili for an easy cozy dinner.
For a richer, thicker chili with more depth and a velvety texture, you may also like my Thick & Cozy No Bean Chili, which features a surprise ingredient and optional heat adjustments.
⏱ Quick Info
- Serves: 4–6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 45–60 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (16 oz) ground beef
- 1 lb (16 oz) ground turkey
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp ground paprika
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 bell pepper
- 1/2 onion
- 4 oz (1/2 cup) broth or stock (can use beef, chicken, or vegetable)
- 14.5 oz can fire roasted tomatoes with chipotles
- Optional: 4 oz canned green chiles (mild)
Instructions
- Cook aromatics:
Heat butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic powder and cook briefly to bloom the flavor. - Cook the meat:
Add ground beef and turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. - Build the base:
Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles (if using), broth, cumin, paprika, and salt. Mix until fully combined. - Simmer:
Reduce heat to medium/low and simmer uncovered until chili thickens and the liquid reduces slightly. The chili should coat a spoon and look rich and glossy rather than watery.- If it becomes too thick, add a splash of broth. If too thin, simmer a bit longer uncovered.
- Taste and adjust:
Adjust seasoning before serving. - Serve:
Serve hot with optional toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs.- The chili is ready when the sauce has thickened, the flavors taste fully blended, and the texture is rich enough to hold together on a spoon without excess liquid pooling.
🔁 Variations & Add-Ins
- Add extra bell pepper for sweetness and texture
- Use all beef or all turkey depending on preference
- Stir in cream cheese at the end for a creamy chili
- Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder for deeper flavor
🧠 Why This Recipe Works
This chili builds flavor by browning the meat first to create a savory base, then simmering tomatoes and spices to concentrate the flavor.
It keeps things simple and balanced, creating a thick, satisfying chili without beans or heavy thickeners. The result is a lighter, milder version of classic chili that still delivers depth and warmth.
If you prefer a richer, thicker chili with more depth and optional heat, you may also like my Thick & Cozy No Bean Chili, which uses a surprise ingredient for an extra velvety texture and can be made spicier depending on your preference.
🥗 Diet Notes
This recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten-free. It works well for keto-style eating depending on toppings and portion size.
🧊 Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Chili also freezes well for up to 3 months.