If you are craving a rich, warming dish that’s bursting with robust flavors and tender meat, you have to try this Hearty Slow Cooker All-Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort food that stays true to chili’s meaty roots, featuring a symphony of ground beef, pork, and succulent chuck roast, all slow-cooked to perfection. This chili is so satisfying and straightforward, giving you that classic chili experience without any beans getting in the way. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a total winner that brings boldness, depth, and pure joy in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this chili lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every item plays a key role—adding savory richness, a touch of heat, and vibrant color that makes each bite a comforting delight.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds hearty flavor and a juicy base for the chili.
- 1 pound ground pork or Italian sausage: Brings a touch of fat and seasoning for depth.
- 1 pound beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces: Offers tender, melt-in-your-mouth chunks of meat.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the chili with its unmistakable savory punch.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Gives a smooth, rich tomato base that holds everything together.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Adds texture and bursts of fresh tomato flavor.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the chili.
- 1 cup beef broth: Keeps the chili juicy and deepens the meaty taste.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: The heart of the chili’s signature heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Adds earthy warmth and enhances other spices.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a smoky, slightly sweet note that elevates the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers herbal brightness to balance the meatiness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for melding all the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love extra heat.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Injects a tangy umami boost that rounds out the chili.
How to Make Hearty Slow Cooker All-Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Meats
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and browning the ground beef and ground pork until no pink remains. This process seals in the juices and creates the foundation for deep flavor. Once browned, drain off excess fat to avoid a greasy chili, then transfer the flavorful meat mixture to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Sear the Chuck Roast Pieces
Using the same skillet, quickly sear the bite-sized beef chuck roast pieces until they develop a nice brown crust on all sides. This extra step locks in the meat’s richness and adds a lovely texture contrast. After searing, add these chunks directly to the slow cooker with the ground meat for an irresistible meat medley.
Step 3: Combine Vegetables and Sauces
Next, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic—they’ll soften beautifully and release their aromas as the chili cooks. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to create a luscious, saucy base that holds all the components together.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Stir
Now for the magic—the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes if you like it spicy, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything thoroughly so every bite benefits from this symphony of spices and sauces. This blend defines the hearty and robust profile of the dish.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the meat melts into tender bliss, and the chili thickens to a perfect stew-like consistency. Before serving, give it a good stir and taste for seasoning—adjust if you want more salt, spice, or Worcestershire zing.
How to Serve Hearty Slow Cooker All-Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your chili experience with creamy shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, crisp green onions, or fiery jalapeños. These toppings add layers of texture and flavor, from cool and creamy to sharp and spicy, creating an indulgent finish with each spoonful.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs beautifully with classic sides like crusty cornbread or warm tortilla chips for dipping. If you want to keep it low-carb, a crisp, refreshing green salad or roasted vegetables balance the richness wonderfully without overwhelming the hearty meatiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chili over cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash to make it a wholesome bowl meal. You can also top it on baked potatoes or make chili cheese fries for a crowd-pleasing party dish. The rich, all-meat flavor makes it versatile and inviting in many forms.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Hearty Slow Cooker All-Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making leftovers just as satisfying as the first meal.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the chili in portion-sized freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for an easy go-to meal that tastes just as hearty and fresh as when you first cooked it.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave portions in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heat. Add a splash of beef broth if it needs loosening up after chilling.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in this no bean chili?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add ground turkey, chicken, or even diced venison for a different flavor profile. Just remember to adjust cooking times if your cuts vary significantly in size or texture.
Is it really okay to leave out the beans?
Yes, definitely! This chili celebrates meatiness without beans, focusing on robust, hearty flavors and textures—perfect if you’re avoiding beans for dietary reasons or simply prefer the traditional Texan-style chili.
Can I make this recipe in a regular pot instead of a slow cooker?
You sure can. Brown the meats and sear the chuck as directed, then combine everything in a large pot. Simmer gently on low heat for about 2 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and the chili thickened, stirring occasionally.
How spicy is this chili? Can I adjust the heat?
The chili has a moderate spice level from the chili powder and optional red pepper flakes. You can easily dial it down by reducing or omitting the red pepper flakes or amp it up by adding fresh jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce to taste.
What’s the best way to thicken the chili if it seems watery?
Simmer uncovered for an additional 15 to 30 minutes to let excess liquid evaporate, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, stirring in a spoonful of tomato paste or a small cornstarch slurry can help thicken your chili quickly.
Final Thoughts
If you want a soul-warming dish that’s undeniably satisfying, this Hearty Slow Cooker All-Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe is the answer. It’s simple, flavorful, and comes together with minimal fuss, delivering maximum comfort in every bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite chili!
Print
Hearty Slow Cooker All-Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free
Description
This Hearty Slow Cooker All-Meat Chili is a rich and flavorful no-bean chili that combines ground beef, pork, and tender beef chuck roast. Perfect for a comforting meal, it simmeres slowly to develop deep, robust flavors enhanced by a blend of classic chili spices. Ideal for those following low-carb or gluten-free diets, it delivers satisfying protein-packed goodness with a kick of warmth.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork or Italian sausage
- 1 pound beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and ground pork until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and transfer the browned meat to a slow cooker.
- Sear the Beef Chuck: Using the same skillet, quickly sear the beef chuck pieces until browned on all sides to lock in juices and flavor. Then transfer these seared pieces to the slow cooker.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: To the slow cooker, add chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything well to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Slow Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the meat is tender and the chili has thickened to your liking.
- Final Touches and Serve: Before serving, stir the chili to combine any settled ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- For a smoky kick, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce during slow cooking.
- Leftovers freeze well and taste even better the next day once flavors have melded.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
