If you’re craving comfort food that’s full of rich, robust flavors and a satisfying meaty texture, look no further than this Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe. This chili breaks away from the traditional bean-laden versions and instead delivers layers of savory goodness through a combination of ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage, slow-cooked to tender perfection. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out and invites everyone to gather round the table for a cozy meal that feels like a big, flavorful hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is the secret to making this chili truly shine. Each component contributes to the depth of flavor, texture, or color, creating a harmonious, mouthwatering dish that’s far from ordinary.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds hearty, beefy flavor and a tender texture to the chili.
- 1 lb ground pork: Brings a slightly sweet, juicy element that complements the beef.
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed: Injects bold, spiced notes that elevate every bite.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness and foundational flavor base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the chili with aromatic warmth.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds fresh tomato flavor and a little texture.
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato essence, thickening the chili beautifully.
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce: Balances acidity and adds smoothness to the sauce.
- 1 cup beef broth: Deepens the savory notes and ensures the chili stays juicy.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: The heart of the spice blend, giving warmth and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Offers an earthy, smoky layer that pairs perfectly with chili powder.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky aroma enhancing the meatiness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Gives a slightly herbal touch for balance.
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of sharpness without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like their chili with a spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning meat): Essential for caramelizing the meat and locking in flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional): Brings a fresh, zesty finish when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, ground pork, and Italian sausage all at once. Use a spoon to break the meat into small pieces, stirring occasionally until everything is cooked through and beautifully browned—this should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t rush this step because the caramelization adds deep flavor. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the chili from becoming greasy before transferring it to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic right into the slow cooker with the meat. Follow with the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything gently to combine the ingredients evenly, ensuring those lovely tomato flavors will mingle with the meat and spices as it cooks.
Step 3: Add the Spices
This is where your chili really starts coming to life. Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re feeling bold. These spices build layers of warmth, earthiness, and just the right touch of heat, so stir them in until your mixture is well blended.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it either on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your schedule. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop deeply and the meat to become melt-in-your-mouth tender. The aroma filling your kitchen will testify to the magic happening inside the pot.
Step 5: Final Touches
When the cooking time is up, give your chili a taste and adjust salt or spices if needed. If you want it thicker, just use the back of a spoon to mash some of the tomatoes or meat against the side of the slow cooker. This simple trick transforms the chili from saucy to hearty without any extra effort.
How to Serve Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this chili even further, grab some fresh chopped cilantro to sprinkle on top. It adds a pop of bright flavor and fresh color. You can also include shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions to add creamy or crunchy textures that complement the rich meat base perfectly.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs beautifully with classic sides like cornbread, a leafy green salad, or buttery rice to soak up every last bit. For a cozy night in, serve it alongside warm tortilla chips or crusty bread—perfect for dipping and savoring every savory spoonful.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get fancy, consider serving your chili in mini bread bowls or topping it with a fried egg for a brunch twist. Another fun idea is layering chili over baked potatoes or nachos for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that elevates the usual chili night to something extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got chili leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often intensify after a day or two, making your leftovers even more delicious the next time you enjoy them.
Freezing
This Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some room at the top as the chili will expand when frozen.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your stored chili, thaw it in the fridge overnight if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until simmering all the way through. Stir occasionally to maintain even warmth — your chili will taste just as amazing as the first day it was made.
FAQs
Can I make this chili without the Italian sausage?
Absolutely! You can simply increase the amount of ground beef or pork to replace the sausage. However, the sausage adds a wonderful spiced flavor, so if you omit it, you might consider adding a pinch of fennel seeds or extra paprika for depth.
Is this recipe very spicy?
This chili is moderately spiced, but the heat level is completely adjustable. If you like it milder, skip the cayenne pepper. For more kick, add an extra pinch or top your serving with hot sauce.
Why no beans in this chili?
Some folks prefer chili that focuses entirely on meat for a richer, more robust texture and flavor. This recipe embraces that idea by highlighting the meaty goodness without beans diluting the hearty feel.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Definitely. Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version, but keep in mind the flavor profile will be less rich. You can also experiment with diced stew meat if you want chunks of tender meat instead of ground.
How thick should the chili be?
The perfect chili has a thick, stew-like consistency that clings to your spoon without being dry. If your chili is too liquidy at the end, mashing a few tomatoes or letting it cook uncovered for a bit longer can help thicken it up.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe enough if you want a deeply satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare but so full of flavor. The combination of three meats slow-cooked with aromatic spices creates a chili experience that’s perfect for chilly evenings and family dinners alike. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why this chili has become such a beloved favorite in my kitchen and, hopefully, yours too!
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Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans) Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty all meat chili is a satisfying, bean-free dish perfect for slow cooking. Combining ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage with a rich blend of tomatoes and spices, this chili develops deep, complex flavors over several hours. Ideal for cozy dinners, it’s thick, flavorful, and customizable 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
Tomato & Broth Base
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
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)
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 ground beef, ground pork, and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until thoroughly browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Move the browned meat mixture from the skillet into the slow cooker to prepare for slow cooking.
- Add vegetables and liquids: To the slow cooker, add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Incorporate spices: Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well to distribute the spices throughout the chili mixture.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This allows the chili to thicken and for flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjust consistency and seasoning: Taste the chili when cooking is complete. Adjust seasoning as needed. For a thicker texture, mash some of the tomatoes or meat against the side of the slow cooker.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired, and serve hot alongside your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced onions.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
- If you want a milder chili, omit the cayenne pepper entirely.
- Brown the meat well to develop richer, deeper flavors.
- You can customize toppings per your preference: cheese varieties, sour cream, chopped green onions, or jalapeños all work well.
- This chili freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Entree
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
