There's nothing quite like a bowl of chili in to warm you up this winter. I have always loved the idea of chili but am not a fan of its traditional components. Thats why I came up with this comforting no bean- lentil chili.
This rich and flavorful chili offers a taste of comfort in every spoonful. Ground beef is browned to perfection, mingling with lentils, a burst of peppers, and the aromatic blend of spices. Slow-cooked in a crockpot, the ingredients meld together into a satisfying and nutritious dish that's perfect for cozy nights.
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Why You'll Love This No Bean Chili:
- Effortless : Create a heartwarming chili with simple steps and minimal hands-on time.
- Customizable : Adjust the level of spiciness and spices to your preference, making it ideal for the whole family.
- Balanced Nutrition: Packed with protein from beef and fiber from lentils, this chili is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
Ground beef, Onion, Bell peppers , Jalapeño peppers , Garlic, Green lentils, Diced tomatoes (or tomato sauce), Chicken stock or vegetable stock, Paprika, Onion powder, Garlic powder, Black pepper, Salt, Olive oil
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works well, but feel free to adjust based on your preferences.
- Jalapeño Peppers: Modify the quantity to suit your spice tolerance.
- Green Lentils: You can use other types of lentils, but be mindful of cooking time and liquid ratio adjustments.
- Diced Tomatoes (or Tomato Sauce): You have the flexibility to choose between diced tomatoes or tomato sauce based on your texture preference. Diced tomatoes provide a chunkier, rustic texture, while tomato sauce results in a smoother, homogenous base. Both options infuse the chili with a rich tomato flavor, so go with the one that suits your desired consistency.
How to Make Savory No Bean Chili:
In a large pot, heat olive oil, sauté onions, garlic for 5 minutes, then add the peppers.
Brown the ground beef in the same pot, breaking it into crumbles.
Transfer the mixture to a crockpot.
Add lentils, tomato sauce, stock, and the seasonings.
Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, until lentils are tender
Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like cornbread!
Note: I used my Ninja Speedi which is an all-in-one machine that I can sauté and slow cook in.
Recipe Tips and Tricks:
- Toppings Galore: Garnish with your favorite toppings like cornbread croutons, green onions, fresh herbs, or avocado slices.
- Alternative Lentils: Experiment with different lentil types, adjusting cooking time and liquid as needed.
- Stovetop Variation: If you don't have a crockpot, simmer the chili on low heat, stirring occasionally until lentils are tender.
Frequently Asked Questions:
A: Yes, you can experiment with using alternative lentils. Remember to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly.
A: Absolutely, you can adjust the jalapeño quantity to your preferred spice level or take them out entirely!
A: Yes, as long as the seasonings and stock are gluten-free.
A: Certainly, simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender, and adjust liquid as needed.
Other Recipes You'll Love
No-Bean Chili
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 cup green lentils
- 2 bell peppers any color, diced
- 2 jalapeño peppers chopped (adjust for spiciness)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
- 3 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add in the peppers and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon, until lightly browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer ingredients to a crock pot then add in the lentils, can of diced tomatoes (or tomato sauce), chicken or vegetable stock, and spices.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 until the lentils are tender.
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Serve the no-bean chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Margaret Brown says
Lentils are mentioned in the instructions but I don't see them in the ingredient list.
Nikiweinstock says
This error has been updated! Thank you.