Chili Without Tomatoes is a bold twist on the classic comfort food, perfect for those looking to avoid tomatoes or simply explore a new flavor profile.
This recipe swaps the traditional tomato base for a hearty blend of spices, rich broth, and savory ingredients that deliver the same soul-warming satisfaction.
Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or seeking a fresh culinary adventure, this tomato-free chili offers layers of flavor with every bite.
Packed with protein, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, it’s a wholesome dish that proves you can reinvent tradition without losing the comforting essence of a beloved favorite.
How To Make Chili Without Tomatoes?
Preparation Times: 10 minutes
Cooking Times: 40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Yields: 4-6 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can of kidney beans or black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 2 bottles of chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for depth of flavor)
Instructions
1. Sauté the Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
2. Brown the Beef
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
3. Build the Flavor
Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the spices’ aroma.
4. Add Liquids
Pour in beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, and chili sauce. Stir well.
5. Combine Beans and Heat
Add kidney beans and jalapeño (if desired). Simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Season and Serve
Adjust salt to taste and serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese or sour cream.
Nutrition Facts Of Chili Without Tomatoes
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
Serving Suggestions
✱ Chili Over Rice
Serve the chili over a fluffy white or brown rice bed for a hearty meal. The rice absorbs the flavors, making it a filling and comforting option.
✱ Chili in a Bread Bowl
For a fun and creative twist, serve the chili inside a hollowed-out bread bowl.
✱ Chili with Tortilla Chips
Serve the chili with a side of crunchy tortilla chips for dipping. The chips add a satisfying crunch and balance the richness of the chili.
✱ Chili with Grilled Vegetables
Serve the chili alongside grilled vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, for a smoky, charred flavor that complements the chili’s hearty and savory profile.
Tips and Variations
▶ Thickening Tip: Simmer longer to reduce liquid for a thicker chili or add a cornstarch slurry.
▶ Vegetarian Option: Swap beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
▶ Spice Control: Adjust jalapeño and chili powder for the desired heat level.
▶ Flavor Boost: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar powder for depth.
▶ Custom Veggies: Incorporate zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots for added texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chili without using tomatoes?
Yes! You can make a delicious chili by using alternative ingredients like broth, beans, vegetables, and spices for a rich flavor.
Is chili without tomatoes still flavorful?
Yes! Spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic provide plenty of flavor, and additional ingredients like beans or meat enhance the taste.
Can I make a vegetarian version of tomato-free chili?
Yes, simply use plant-based proteins like beans or lentils, along with vegetables and spices, to create a hearty vegetarian chili.
How do I thicken this chili sauce?
Thicken your chili by simmering it longer, adding mashed beans, or mixing in a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Can I freeze tomato-free chili?
Yes, chili without tomatoes freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months, and reheat it as needed.
Conclusion
Chili Without Tomatoes is a flavorful testament to creativity in the kitchen, proving that bold spices and wholesome ingredients can shine without the classic tomato base.
Perfectly satisfying and adaptable, this dish invites you to savor a new take on comfort food that’s both delicious and unforgettable.
Chili Without Tomatoes
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound 450g ground beef (or substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat)
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper any color, diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can of kidney beans or black beans rinsed and drained
- 2 bottles of chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 small jalapeño finely chopped (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional, for depth of flavor
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the spices’ aroma.
- Pour in beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, and chili sauce. Stir well.
- Add kidney beans and jalapeño (if desired). Simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust salt to taste and serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese or sour cream.
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.