If you’re craving a rich, bold chili that skips the beans but doubles down on flavor and texture, this Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe is going to become your new go-to comfort food. Imagine tender, perfectly browned ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage simmering gently with a symphony of spices, tomatoes, and broth for hours, resulting in a thick, meaty chili that’s bursting with smoky, savory goodness. This recipe is so deeply satisfying and easy to make that it feels like a warm hug on a cold day—and it’s perfect whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers to savor all week long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each brings its own magic to the bowl. From the trio of meats that create a deep, savory foundation to the carefully chosen spices that add complexity and warmth, every element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and a comforting chili texture that’s pure perfection.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides rich, hearty flavor and a satisfying texture that anchors the dish.
- 1 lb ground pork: Adds a slightly sweet and juicy note that balances the beef’s robustness.
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed: Infuses the chili with aromatic herbs and spices for complexity.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth of flavor as it cooks down.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers aromatic warmth and a gentle kick that perks up every bite.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings bright acidity and texture to the chili base.
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, lending thickness and richness.
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce: Smooths the texture and rounds out the tomato elements perfectly.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds depth and umami, plus helps everything meld beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: The star spice that heats and flavors the dish with smoky warmth.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Brings an earthy, slightly nutty background note.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor that ties all the meats together.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Introduces a herbaceous touch to balance the tomato acidity.
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and sharpness.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Gives the chili a little extra kick if you like things spicy.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the meat and adding a silky richness.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish): Provides a fresh, bright contrast to the rich chili.
How to Make Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe
Step 1: Brown Your Meats
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, ground pork, and Italian sausage, breaking them up with a spoon. Cook everything until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step is key to developing deep, hearty flavors through caramelization. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the chili from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the perfectly browned meat mixture into your slow cooker. Then add chopped onion and minced garlic, which will soften beautifully and infuse the chili as it cooks. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth, stirring gently to mix all those savory ingredients together in one cozy pot.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir well to blend the spices evenly throughout the mixture. This combination ensures the chili will develop that signature depth, warmth, and just the right touch of heat that your taste buds crave.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, using the high setting for 3 to 4 hours works too, but slow and steady is best for the richest flavor and tenderest texture. By the time it’s done, your chili will have thickened nicely and the flavors will have married into a delectable meaty masterpiece.
Step 5: Final Taste and Adjust
Before serving, taste your chili and tweak the seasoning if necessary. If you’d like a thicker chili, mash some of the tomatoes or meat gently against the side of the slow cooker using a spoon. This personalized touch lets you control the texture exactly how you like it.
How to Serve Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to elevate your hearty chili is with some fresh and flavorful garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and brightness. You can also pile on shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or chopped green onions to make every spoonful exciting and messily delicious.
Side Dishes
This all meat chili pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the sauce and complement its rich taste. Classic cornbread, buttery tortilla chips, or even a side of steamed rice serve as perfect vehicles to enjoy every bit of this chili’s goodness. Crisp salads or roasted vegetables also provide a fresh counterpart to the hearty intensity.
Creative Ways to Present
Ready to wow your friends or family? Try serving this chili over baked potatoes or stuffed inside a warm bread bowl for a fun, rustic experience. You could also layer it in nachos or use it as a flavorful topping for hot dogs or burgers. This Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe is unbelievably versatile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This chili keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its rich flavors and meaty texture without drying out. Leftovers actually taste even better as the spices continue to mingle.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? This chili freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, leaving some space for expansion. Properly sealed, it will keep well for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic ready-to-go meal for busy days.
Reheating
When reheating, thaw frozen chili overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure even warmth without drying out the chili.
FAQs
Can I substitute the meats in this chili?
Absolutely! While the combination of ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage creates a fantastic flavor profile, you can swap in turkey, chicken sausage, or even diced steak if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times to ensure everything is fully cooked.
Is it possible to make this chili spicy or mild?
You can easily control the heat level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder. Bake it mild by omitting the cayenne or crank up the heat by adding extra chili powder or some hot sauce at the end.
Can I add beans if I want to?
This recipe is designed as a no-bean chili to keep it all about the meaty goodness, but you can always add beans if you like. Just stir in a can of drained and rinsed beans during the last hour of cooking and allow them to warm through.
What’s the best slow cooker size for this recipe?
A 5 to 6-quart slow cooker is ideal. It gives enough room for the ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding, but if you have a larger slow cooker, that works too—just be mindful of the cooking times.
Can I prepare this chili the night before?
Yes! You can brown the meat and combine all ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before. Cover and refrigerate, then cook the next day. Just give the mixture a good stir before turning on the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bowl of this Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe that feels like a celebration of simple, delicious ingredients coming together so perfectly. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s an easy and satisfying dish that invites comfort and joy with every bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite chili for all seasons!
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
Description
This Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili is a rich, flavorful dish featuring a blend of ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage simmered with tomatoes and spices. Perfect for those who prefer a bean-free chili, this recipe delivers a robust and comforting meal that develops deep flavors over hours in the slow cooker.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato and Broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 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)
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning meat)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, ground pork, and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker, followed by the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Season the Chili: Add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir again to ensure all spices are well incorporated.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
- Adjust Flavor and Texture: Once cooking is complete, taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. For a thicker chili, mash some of the tomatoes or meat against the side of the slow cooker with a spoon.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired and serve hot. Accompany with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions to enhance the dish.
Notes
- You can omit the cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder chili.
- For a slightly different flavor, experiment with adding smoked chipotle powder instead of smoked paprika.
- This chili can be made a day ahead; the flavors deepen when refrigerated overnight.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze nicely for up to 3 months.
- Serve with cornbread or over rice for a more filling meal.
