Easy No Bean Chili

This wonderfully chunky no bean chili is ready in 30 minutes, and it's as flavorful as if you've cooked it for hours!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings servings

Calories 312kcal

In a small bowl, use a fork to mix the cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, cayenne, tomato paste, and fresh garlic, creating a thick paste.
1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 2 tablespoons chili powder, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 3 ounces tomato paste, 2 tablespoons fresh garlic
Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, ground beef, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook, stirring to break up the meat, for about 7 minutes, or until the onions are soft and the meat is browned.
2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion, 1 pound 93% lean ground beef, 1 ½ teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt
Add the seasoning mixture (use a small spatula to scrape it off the bowl) and cook, stirring to mix it into the beef and onions, for one more minute.
Add the beef stock, tomatoes, bay leaf, the remaining salt, and the black pepper. Lightly mash the diced tomatoes while stirring them into the mixture. Bring to a boil.
1 cup beef stock, 15 ounces diced tomatoes, 1 bay leaf, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the chili uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Garnish the chili with your favorite toppings, such as diced red onions, chopped scallions, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and guacamole. Serve immediately.

If using any salt other than Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, including Morton kosher salt, use half the amount listed.
Seasonings, especially salt, are guidelines. Adjust to taste.
Optional garnishes are not included in the nutrition info.
You can use ground pork, turkey, or chicken instead of beef. If using ground poultry, use dark meat. It's juicier and more flavorful than white meat.
Use a teaspoon of garlic powder if you don't have fresh garlic.
You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat them covered in the microwave. Like all chilis and stews, the leftovers improve as the chili thickens and the flavors have a chance to meld.