Down-Home Chili – No Beans Recipe is a thick chili that eats like a stew. It’s loaded with meat, warm spices, peppers, and saucy tomatoes. Whether you think beans belong in chili or not, you’re right. Chili is as personal as there are recipes. This one may be your new favorite.

Down-Home Chili recipe came about when John and I were hosting our first neighborhood chili cook-off. We took this throw down so seriously that I made my “chili recipe” and John put together this “No Beans” version.

We have very different ideas on what makes the Best Chili Recipe. John likes a thick meaty spicy chili no beans version. It’s more of a stew in my book. I like more of a Classic Chili recipe. I’ve got to admit this Pork and Beef chili recipe is hard to beat.
Simply, chili is a low-simmered one-pot dish that contains meat, tomatoes, and some form of heat (chiles, chili powder, hot sauce, etc.).
Traditional Red Chili is defined by the International Chili Society as any kind of meat or combination of meats, cooked with red chili peppers, various spices,
I’m not going there! I think this is one of the most controversial questions. Do what you like…I wont judge!
Tips for perfect Down-Home Chili
- Let your chili simmer as long as you’ve got. The meat becomes tender and the flavors come together. It will even taste better the next day so feel free to make it in advance.
- Don’t over spice (John). Add a reasonable amount and give it a chance to blend with your other flavors before adding more.
- Don’t use “Chili Seasoning” which is a combination of spices and a few ingredients I can’t pronounce. Use “Chili Powder” which is just ground red chilis.

Contest aside, what is your favorite chili? This is one good chili recipe even if it isn’t mine!
Variety is the spice of life and here are a few more spicy chili recipes you’re going to love!
- The BEST Chili Recipe
- Chili Con Carne Instant Pot Recipe
- Tailgate Chili
- White Chicken Chili
- Instant Pot Pork Green Chili
You May Need
9-quart dutch oven or stew pot – I use my 9-qt dutch oven for all of my large soups, stews, or bolognese. It is pretty enough to serve from and nothing ever sticks.
Freezer containers – This recipe makes a lot of chili. I freeze it in these containers so I can enjoy it year round.
Down Home Chili – No Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 yellow onions chopped
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 celery stalk
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2.5 lbs stewing beef such as chuck, sirloin or round
- 2.5 lbs pork butt (same as pork shoulder)
- 60 oz stewed tomatoes (4 cans) pureed
- 1 12oz beer
- 7 tbsp jalapenos seeded, ribs removed & finely diced
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp Cumin
- Salt and Pepper
Garnishes: Shredded cheese, crackers (gold fish), sliced green onions, sour cream
Instructions
- Cover the bottom of a large dutch oven with vegetable oil and pre-heat.
- Remove any extra fat from the meat and cut it into large chunks. Salt and pepper it liberally. Add meat to the hot dutch oven and brown. Cook in batches and don’t crowd otherwise the meat will just steam. Remove meat from the pan after it is browned.
- Saute the onions, bell pepper, and celery until al dente. Add garlic and jalapeno and cook for 2 more minutes. Deglaze the pan with the beer.
- Add meat back into the pan. Add remaining ingredients and once the chili is hot reduce to a simmer. Taste and add additional chili powder or cayenne according to your tastes. Let cook for 2 hours stirring occasionally.
Michaela Kenkel
Tuesday 26th of October 2021
I used to be a no bean chili girl -- but now I am all about the beans! Thank you for yet another fantastic recipe, Julie!
Julie Menghini
Wednesday 27th of October 2021
I love beans. The more the merrier! Thanks, Michaela!
Darci Dingell
Sunday 25th of October 2020
The third type of bean out there that you might want to look into is called the "large-mouth" bean. These are often sold as "little bean-shaped chilies" and are very popular with many of the people who are making chili for those who cannot eat too much meat.
Julie Menghini
Sunday 25th of October 2020
Thank you, Darci! I'll definitely look into that bean!
Kathy
Thursday 28th of February 2019
I admit I like chili both ways, with beans and without. This chili looks amazing and sounds delicious. A must try for sure!
Julie Menghini
Friday 1st of March 2019
Thank you, Kathy!
michele
Wednesday 27th of February 2019
Im a big no beans chili girl... only so I can make chili dogs for leftovers! This sounds like just the right thickness for me!
Julie Menghini
Wednesday 27th of February 2019
Thank you, Michele! Chili dogs are something I loved when I was younger and never remember to fix them! Great reminder.
Jennifer A Stewart
Tuesday 26th of February 2019
This chili is so amazing! I made a big batch over the weekend because it was so cold and rainy and it made the weekend better!
Julie Menghini
Tuesday 26th of February 2019
Thank you, Jennifer! Spring better get going soon or I'll lose my mind!