If you’re craving a meaty, flavorful chili that hugs you from the inside out, look no further than this Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe. This rich, robust bowl of comfort swaps out beans for an irresistible mix of ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage, slow-cooked to tender perfection. With layers of smoky, spicy, and savory goodness, it’s pure satisfaction in every spoonful — perfect for cozy nights, game days, or when you simply need a meal that feels like a warm hug. Plus, using your slow cooker means it’s practically effortless to fill your kitchen with that amazing chili aroma, filling you with anticipation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this chili just right means paying attention to simple, essential ingredients that each bring their own magic to the pot. From the trio of meats that create a rich base to the spices that build depth and warmth, every component is key to crafting the perfect texture, color, and flavor that make this dish unforgettable.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a hearty, juicy foundation packed with robust flavor.
- 1 lb ground pork: Adds a sweet, tender contrast that balances out the beef’s richness.
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed: Injects savory spices and a little extra fat to keep the chili moist and flavorful.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Builds a sweet and aromatic base that melds beautifully with the meats.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses subtle pungency and depth enhancing the chili’s complexity.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Brightens the dish with acidity and chunks of tender tomato.
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the chili beautifully.
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce: Adds smoothness and rounds out the tomato base.
- 1 cup beef broth: Brings a savory liquid body to the chili, keeping it moist during slow cooking.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: The star spice that layers heat and smoky richness into every bite.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Adds earthiness and warmth complementing the chili powder.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Contributes a delicious smoky undertone that sings in every spoonful.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a subtle herbaceous note balancing the spicy punch.
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for brightening and harmonizing all flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick and spice complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Perfect for those who want a little extra heat without overwhelming the palate.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning meat): Helps create a tasty sear locking in flavor and juices.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional): Adds a fresh, bright finish to each serving.
How to Make Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe
Step 1: Brown the 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 your spoon as they cook. This step is crucial for developing rich flavors and caramelization — about 8 to 10 minutes until they’re nicely browned and no pink remains. Be sure to drain excess fat to keep the chili from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Transfer Meat to Slow Cooker
Once browned, transfer the meat mixture into your slow cooker. This makes it easy to combine all the other ingredients later and allows the flavors to meld beautifully during the long, slow cook.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Tomato Base
Next, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic directly into the slow cooker. Follow that by adding the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir these together to create a thick, savory base that will soak up all those wonderful spices.
Step 4: Spice it Up
Here comes the flavor bomb. Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper over the ingredients. Stir well so that the spices are evenly distributed, ensuring every spoonful has that perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and earthiness.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer allows the meat to become meltingly tender and the flavors to harmonize in a way you simply can’t rush. The chili will thicken beautifully as it cooks, melding meat and seasonings into an unbeatable, cozy stew.
Step 6: Final Taste and Adjustments
When the cooking time is up, give your chili a good taste test. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a thicker texture, just press some of the meat and tomatoes against the slow cooker’s sides with your spoon — the residual cooking will thicken the chili even more.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top your Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe with fresh chopped cilantro if you like. It adds a lively pop of color and freshness that brightens the deep, smoky flavors. Now it’s ready to serve hot, straight from the slow cooker, perfect for diving into!
How to Serve Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe
Garnishes
The right toppings can elevate your chili to next-level deliciousness. Consider shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese for creamy richness, dollops of sour cream for cooling tang, and finely chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for a vibrant bite. Each garnish adds texture and visual appeal, making the meal feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair this chili with classic sides like crunchy cornbread, warm tortilla chips, or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Mashed potatoes or steamed rice also work wonders, soaking up that hearty sauce perfectly. Whatever you choose, these sides complement the chili without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chili over baked potatoes topped with cheese and sour cream or stuff it into warm pita bread for an easy portable meal. You can also spoon it over nachos or use it as a filling for chili dogs. These creative presentations keep the excitement alive every time you make this Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover chili into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it an excellent candidate for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen chili can be kept for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring every minute or so to heat evenly. If the chili has thickened up too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back up.
FAQs
Can I make this chili spicier?
Absolutely! To ramp up the heat, add extra cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking. Just be mindful to adjust gradually so the spice level suits your taste buds.
Why no beans in this chili?
This recipe focuses on a hearty, meat-forward chili that’s thick and rich without the texture or flavor beans typically bring. It’s perfect for those who prefer a pure meat experience or are avoiding beans due to dietary preferences.
Can I use different meats?
Definitely! While the mix of beef, pork, and Italian sausage creates a balanced flavor profile, you can swap in ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even chorizo for different tastes. Just adjust cooking times if needed.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can make this chili on the stovetop in a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients and simmer gently, covered, for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to develop flavor and tenderness.
How can I thicken my chili without tomato paste?
If you’re out of tomato paste, try simmering the chili uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking to thicken it up nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of this Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe to bring comfort and joy, especially when life gets busy. It’s rich, flavorful, and totally satisfying — and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. I hope you take the plunge and make this chili soon; it might just become your new go-to recipe whether you crave something cozy on a chilly night or need a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering.
Print
Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili is a rich, flavorful chili made entirely with meat, featuring ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage simmered slowly with tomatoes and a robust blend of spices. Perfect for chili lovers who prefer a bean-free, protein-packed meal with deep, comforting flavors.
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
Tomatoes & Sauces
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 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 meats. 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 to reduce grease in the chili.
- Transfer to slow cooker. Move the cooked meat mixture into the slow cooker to begin the slow cooking process.
- Add vegetables and tomatoes. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker along with the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Season the chili. Sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir again to evenly incorporate all spices throughout the mixture.
- Cook the chili low and slow. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or use high heat for 3-4 hours. The chili will thicken and flavors will meld beautifully during this time.
- Adjust consistency and seasoning. Once cooking is complete, taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed. For a thicker chili, mash some of the tomatoes or meat against the side of the slow cooker with a spoon.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the chili if desired. Serve hot, accompanied by favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can omit the cayenne pepper or adjust it according to your heat preference.
- To reduce fat, drain the cooked meats thoroughly before adding to the slow cooker.
- If you prefer, you can substitute Italian sausage with spicy or sweet sausage based on taste.
- Serving the chili with cornbread or over rice can make it a complete meal.
- For thicker chili, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
