1-First Step: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients Begin by pulling together all your ingredients to make the process smooth. Chop the green bell pepper and onion finely, and measure out the seasonings so everything’s ready to go. This mise en place step only takes about 5 minutes and helps avoid any last-minute scrambles, making your no bean chili prep feel effortless.

2-Second Step: Brown the Meat and Veggies Crumble 2 pounds of lean ground beef into a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper right in. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender, which usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. If you’re using ground turkey, it might cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on it to ensure it stays juicy and flavorful.

3-Third Step: Add the Tomatoes and Liquids Once the meat and veggies are ready, stir in 30 ounces of canned diced tomatoes, 6 ounces of tomato paste, and 2 cups of beef stock or broth. Don’t forget to add 4 tablespoons of minced garlic for that extra zing. This step builds the base of your no bean chili, creating a rich, thick consistency that’s perfect for a quick meal.

4-Fourth Step: Incorporate the Seasonings Now, mix in the spices: 1½ tablespoons chili powder, 1½ teaspoons paprika, 1½ teaspoons onion powder, 1½ teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring the flavors spread evenly. For dietary tweaks, like a low-sodium version, start with less salt and adjust later to fit your needs.

5-Fifth Step: Simmer and Let It Blend Cover the pot and let the chili simmer on medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together, making your no bean chili even more delicious. If you’re adapting for a vegan diet, use a plant-based substitute and check that it simmers without sticking to the pot.

6-Sixth Step: Taste and Adjust After simmering, give your chili a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This final tweak ensures it’s just right for you, whether you like it mild or with a kick. Serve it hot, portioned into about 8 cups, and feel free to add toppings like cheese or avocado for extra fun.

7-Optional Cooking Methods: If you want to try something different, use a slow cooker by browning the meat and veggies first, then transferring everything in and cooking on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. Or, for an Instant Pot, sauté in the pot until browned, add the rest of the ingredients, and pressure cook on high for 15 minutes followed by a 10-minute natural release. These methods keep your no bean chili versatile for any kitchen setup. The total time stays around 30 minutes for the stovetop version, so it’s great for busy schedules.