Chili con carne is a classic dish with deep roots in Tex-Mex cuisine, beloved for its spicy, hearty, and robust flavors. Traditionally, it’s made with beef, beans, and tomatoes simmered together with a variety of spices. But what if you want to make a version of chili con carne without tomatoes or beans? Whether you're avoiding these ingredients due to dietary restrictions, personal taste preferences, or just looking to try something different, you can still enjoy a rich and flavorful chili. In this recipe, we’ll explore how to create a delicious and unique version of chili con carne using beef mince, with alternative ingredients to replace the tomatoes and beans.
Why Skip Tomatoes and Beans?
Before diving into the recipe, let’s discuss why someone might want to make chili without tomatoes and beans:
Tomato Sensitivity or Allergy: Some people are allergic to tomatoes or experience digestive issues due to the acidity in tomatoes.
Low-Carb or Keto Diet: Tomatoes and beans contain carbohydrates, which may not fit into certain dietary plans like keto or low-carb diets.
Personal Preference: You may simply not like the texture or taste of beans or tomatoes in chili, but still crave the warmth and spice of the dish.
Tex-Mex Purism: Interestingly, some traditional Texan chili recipes, or “true” chili con carne, exclude beans entirely and focus more on the meat and spices.
Whatever your reason, the following recipe will guide you in making a satisfying chili con carne without tomatoes or beans.
Ingredients
For this recipe, we'll be using beef mince as the base, complemented by a selection of vegetables, rich broth, and aromatic spices. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) beef mince (ground beef)
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large red bell pepper, diced (you can use other varieties of bell pepper as well)
1 large carrot, diced
1 zucchini, diced
2 cups beef stock (low-sodium, or homemade if possible)
2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Spice Mix:
2 tbsp chili powder (adjust to your spice tolerance)
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, adds warmth and depth)
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
For Garnish (Optional):
Fresh cilantro (coriander), chopped
Sour cream
Grated cheese
Sliced jalapeños
Lime wedges
Step-by-Step Recipe for Chili Con Carne Without Tomatoes or Beans
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Start by preparing your vegetables. Dice the onion, bell pepper, carrot, and zucchini. These veggies will add texture, color, and a variety of nutrients to your chili, making up for the absence of tomatoes and beans.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the diced bell pepper, carrot, and zucchini to the pot. Cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
3. Brown the Beef Mince
Once the vegetables are softened, push them to the side of the pot and add the beef mince. Increase the heat to medium-high, and cook the beef until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Make sure the beef is fully browned to develop a deep, rich flavor.
4. Add the Spices
Once the beef is browned, add all the spices: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, oregano, cinnamon (if using), and cayenne pepper (if you want extra heat). Stir everything together so the beef and vegetables are well-coated in the spice mix. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to toast slightly and release their aromas.
5. Add the Beef Stock
After the spices are well-incorporated, pour in 2 cups of beef stock. The stock will serve as the base of the chili and help create a rich sauce without the need for tomatoes. Make sure to use a low-sodium or homemade beef stock to control the saltiness of the dish.
Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 30-40 minutes. This slow simmering process allows all the flavors to meld together and intensify.
6. Adjust the Consistency
After simmering, check the consistency of the chili. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more beef stock to loosen it up.
7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Before serving, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you want more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce.
8. Serve the Chili
Once the chili is done, it's time to serve! Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish as desired. Fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, grated cheese, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime juice can all add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
Tips for Customizing Your Chili
Add More Veggies: Since this recipe skips the beans, you can bulk up the chili by adding more vegetables such as mushrooms, corn, or butternut squash. These will add more texture and depth to the dish.
Use Different Meat: While beef mince is the classic choice, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb for a different flavor profile.
Make It Smokier: For a deeper, smokier flavor, consider adding a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, or use smoked paprika liberally.
Make It Creamier: For a creamier consistency, stir in a spoonful of full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream right before serving.
Spice Level: If you're sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper, or leave them out altogether. On the flip side, if you love a spicy kick, feel free to amp up the heat with fresh chilies or extra chili powder.
A Flavorful Chili Without the Classics
Creating chili con carne without tomatoes or beans may seem unconventional, but it opens up a world of possibilities for different flavors and textures. By relying on a combination of well-chosen vegetables, rich beef stock, and a dynamic mix of spices, you can make a satisfying and hearty chili that’s full of bold flavors.
This recipe not only caters to dietary needs but also offers an exciting twist on the traditional chili con carne. So, whether you’re looking to avoid tomatoes and beans or just try something new, this version of chili will surely warm you up and leave you wanting more!
Social Plugin