If you are craving a comfort meal that’s bursting with bold flavors and a satisfyingly rich texture, this Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a nourishing bowl packed with savory ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage, this chili brings together a blend of smoky spices and tangy tomatoes, slow-cooked to perfection. The absence of beans lets the meat shine even brighter, delivering an indulgent, protein-packed dish that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in building depth, warmth, and texture. From the trio of meats giving richness to the tomato elements adding brightness, every item enhances the harmony of this chili.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a hearty and robust base flavor to the chili.
- 1 lb ground pork: Adds juiciness and a hint of sweetness to balance the bold spices.
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed: Brings aromatic spices and a little extra fat for richness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Offers a subtle sweetness and texture once cooked down.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the chili with its clever pungency and warmth.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds freshness and acidity to brighten the dish.
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste: Thickens the chili and delivers concentrated tomato flavor.
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce: Helps create a smooth, saucy consistency.
- 1 cup beef broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and keeps the chili moist during cooking.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: The signature spice blend that builds chili’s classic warmth.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Adds earthiness and depth.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Offers a smoky undertone that elevates every bite.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a herby note that balances the meat and spices.
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and sharpness.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat): Gives a kick for those who love a spicier chili.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning meat): Used to properly sear the meat and develop flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional): Adds a fresh herbal finish to the dish.
How to Make Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage, cooking them until fully browned and breaking the meat up with your spoon as it cooks. Browning is key here because it locks in flavor and creates those savory bottom-layer notes that make chili so addictive. Once cooked, drain the excess fat to keep the chili rich but not greasy.
Step 2: Transfer Meat to Slow Cooker
After browning and draining, transfer all that beautifully caramelized meat into your slow cooker. This is where the magic really starts as the ingredients get to meld and intensify over several hours of gentle cooking.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Tomatoes
Next, add the chopped onions and minced garlic directly into the slow cooker on top of the meat. Follow this with your diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir gently so that everything is beautifully combined, ensuring the tomatoes provide a lovely balance of acidity and sweetness against the savory meat.
Step 4: Season Generously
Sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if desired. These spices are what set this chili apart, layering in complexity and warmth. Don’t be shy here—these bold powders transform the dish into a cozy comfort classic.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it for low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, high heat for 3 to 4 hours will do. The slow cooking process tenderizes the meat further and melds all those flavors into one luscious, thick chili. The aroma alone will have everyone eagerly waiting at the dinner table.
Step 6: Final Taste and Texture Adjustments
Once cooking is complete, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if needed—maybe a pinch more salt or a little extra chili powder for punch. If you prefer a thicker chili, mash a few tomatoes or bits of meat against the slow cooker sides with your spoon until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Dish out your Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro if you like. This step adds a fresh, bright contrast to the deep, slow-cooked flavors, making each bowl feel special and inviting.
How to Serve Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe
Garnishes
Classic toppings like shredded cheese, dollops of sour cream, and sliced green onions add creaminess and texture, bringing additional layers of flavor. Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can also brighten the dish even more, lifting the rich, meaty profile perfectly.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider serving this chili alongside warm cornbread, crusty bread, or tortilla chips for dipping. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables add balance and a fresh crunch that complements the hearty chili beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your chili into a fun party dish by serving it in bread bowls or over a bed of rice or baked potatoes. You can also layer it in nachos or use it as a filling for chili cheese hot dogs — limitless delicious possibilities await to enjoy this Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe beyond just a bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day, perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
This chili freezes exceptionally well. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a comforting meal, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat gently.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm through evenly. You can also microwave single servings, adding a splash of broth or water if the chili feels too thick. Either way, it’s as satisfying as the first serving.
FAQs
Can I make this chili without Italian sausage?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute the Italian sausage with an extra half pound of ground beef or pork. The sausage adds a unique spiced flavor, but the chili will still be delicious without it.
Why no beans in this chili?
This Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe is designed for those who love pure, meaty chili without the usual beans, focusing on robust, concentrated meat flavors and spices that shine without distraction.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely. Omit the cayenne pepper for a mild version, or increase it and add chopped jalapeños for serious heat. The chili powder itself can also be swapped for a hotter variety if you like things spicy.
Is it possible to use a stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
You can simmer this chili on low in a heavy pot for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The slow cooker, however, allows the flavors to develop more deeply with less attention needed.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your canned tomatoes and spices’ labels to be certain, especially if you have a severe gluten intolerance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a deeply satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, give this Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe a try. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the comforting flavors of chili with all the richness of meat and bold spices simmered to perfection. I promise, once you have this chili on your table, it’ll be a staple in your meal rotation that friends and family keep asking for again and again.
Print
Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich and hearty all-meat chili slow-cooked to perfection without beans, featuring a blend of ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage simmered with tomatoes and bold spices. This comforting dish is perfect for a filling meal and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
Tomato Base
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
Liquids
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning meat)
Spices
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, ground pork, and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking the meat up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the browned meat mixture into the slow cooker to prepare for slow cooking.
- Add Vegetables and Tomato Base: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Season the Chili: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The chili should thicken, and flavors will meld beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning and Thickness: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. For thicker chili, mash some tomatoes or meat against the slow cooker’s side with a spoon.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon chili into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired, and serve hot with optional toppings like cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase cayenne pepper to taste.
- Drain excess fat after browning meat to reduce grease in chili.
- This chili is naturally gluten-free and perfect for low-carb diets as it contains no beans.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Customize toppings to your preferences such as avocado, jalapeños, or tortilla chips.
