This Slow Cooker No Bean Chili is rich, hearty, and loaded with smoky flavors. With no beans in the mix, this chili is loaded with protein from the rich combination of ground beef, bacon, and sausage. This recipe is ideal for game day, meal prep, or a chilly day!

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Overhead image of slow cooker no bean chili with garnish.

If you’re looking for more no-bean chili recipes, try my No Bean White Chicken Chili or my No Bean Turkey & Vegetable Chili

Do you have an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker? Try my Instant Pot Chili. This recipe is also a no-bean chili! 

Looking for something more traditional? You’ll love my Dutch Oven Chili! This classic chili recipe is hearty, rich, and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Protein-Packed Without Beans: Perfect for those who prefer their chili hearty and filling without the beans, thanks to the savory combination of ground beef, bacon, and sausage.
  • Bold, Smoky Flavor: The blend of adobo sauce, chipotle peppers, and smoked paprika creates a rich, smoky depth that elevates every bite.
  • Easy Slow Cooker Meal: Just a few minutes of prep, and your slow cooker does the rest! Ideal for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort.
  • Versatile & Customizable: Adjust the spice level, switch up the sausage, or add extra veggies to make this chili your own.
  • Great for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a big batch and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or freezing for future meals.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Overhead image of ingredients needed to make slow cooker no bean chili.
  • Ground Beef: You can use lean ground beef for a lighter option, or swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a different flavor and texture.
  • Bacon: Adds a smoky richness.
  • Yellow Onion: Any type of onion will work here—white or red onions offer slightly different flavors.
  • Bell Pepper: Any color bell pepper works, but red, yellow, or orange will add a slightly sweeter flavor than green.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: You can substitute diced tomatoes or tomato sauce if needed. 
  • Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Regular diced tomatoes work, but fire-roasted adds a deep, smoky flavor that elevates the dish.
  • Corn: Canned, frozen, or fresh corn can all be used. If you prefer no corn, just leave it out without affecting the recipe much.
  • Beef Broth: Use chicken or vegetable broth as a substitute if you don’t have beef broth on hand, but beef broth adds a richer depth of flavor.
  • Honey: Provides a subtle sweetness to balance the heat. 
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and depth. Soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos can be used as a substitute.
  • Adobo Sauce & Chipotle Peppers: Essential for a smoky, spicy kick. Omit the chipotle peppers for a milder version.
  • Chili Powder: This is the main flavoring, so use a blend you enjoy. If you’re out, a mix of paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper can mimic the flavor.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a distinct smoky taste. Regular paprika can be used if needed, though smoked paprika is preferred.
  • Cumin: A must for any chili recipe, but if you’re out, coriander can provide a similar warm, earthy flavor.
  • Granulated Garlic: Fresh minced garlic can be used instead, or garlic powder in a pinch.
  • Oregano: Dried oregano works best here, but Italian seasoning or thyme can be used as a substitute.
  • Kosher Salt: All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. It is the best salt for everyday cooking because of its size and flavor. If using table salt, the amount should be reduced. I highly recommend picking up some kosher next time you are at the store!
  • Sausage: Italian sausage or bratwurst both work well, but you can swap them for chorizo for a spicier version.

Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

How to Make Slow Cooker No Bean Chili

Quick Overview

  • Cook bacon & beef.
  • Sauté veggies.
  • Combine remaining ingredients.
  • Slow cook.

Quick Tip From Bri

Be sure to deglaze the pan with broth to release all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom!

  1. Cook the Bacon & Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced bacon together until browned and caramelized. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Remove most of the excess oil from the skillet with a paper towel, but leave the browned bits (fond) in the pan. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth, scraping up the fond. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.
  3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, corn, remaining beef broth, honey, Worcestershire, adobo sauce, chopped chipotle, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, granulated garlic, oregano, and salt to the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Remove the casing from the sausage and dollop small pieces of it on top of the mixture.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the flavors meld and the sausages are fully cooked.

Recipe Serving Suggestions

No chili recipe is complete without some bread! Here are my two favorites for a big bowl of chili: 

I also have a dedicated post on Toppings for Chili; from the classics to unique flavors!  

Expert Tips

  • Brown for Flavor: Take the time to fully brown the bacon and ground beef. This caramelization enhances the depth of flavor in your chili, giving it a rich, savory taste.
  • Deglaze for Extra Flavor: After sautéing the vegetables, don’t skip deglazing the pan with a splash of beef broth. This step lifts the flavorful browned bits (fond) left from cooking the meat and adds them to your chili.
  • Don’t Skimp on the Adobo & Chipotle: The adobo sauce and chipotle peppers bring a smoky heat that elevates the dish. 
  • Low & Slow is Best: Choose the low setting on your slow cooker for optimal results. This gradual cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully and ensures the sausage turns out tender and juicy.

Additions & Variations

  • Swap the Protein: Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef. 
  • Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers and adobo sauce depending on your heat preference. For a milder chili, use less. 
  • Add Beans (If You Must!): While this chili is designed to be bean-free, you can add a can of black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans in place of the canned corn for extra fiber and bulk.
  • Top It Off: Garnish with your favorite toppings like cheddar cheese, avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or even a squeeze of lime for a fresh pop of flavor.

The 10 Best Substitutes for Adobo Sauce

Adobo sauce is a key ingredient in many Latin American and Mexican dishes, known for its rich and smoky flavor.…

Read More
Up close overhead image of slow cooker no bean chili with garnish.

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Slow Cooker No Bean Chili

5 from 1 vote
This Slow Cooker No Bean Chili is rich, hearty, and loaded with smoky flavors. With no beans in the mix, this chili is loaded with protein from the rich combination of ground beef, bacon, and sausage. This recipe is ideal for game day, meal prep, or a chilly day!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 5 slices bacon, diced
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 15-ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 15-ounce can yellow corn, drained
  • 1 14.5-ounce can beef broth
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • 1 Tablespoon worcestershire
  • 1/4 cup adobo sauce, plus 1-2 chopped chipotles*
  • 3 Tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika*
  • 1 Tablespoon cumin
  • 1 Tablespoon granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 3/4 teaspoon Morton kosher salt*
  • 3 raw sausage links, italian or bratwurst

Instructions 

  • Cook the Bacon & Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced bacon together until browned and caramelized. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
    1 pound ground beef, 5 slices bacon, diced
  • Sauté the Vegetables: Remove most of the excess oil from the skillet with a paper towel, but leave the browned bits (fond) in the pan. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth, scraping up the fond. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.
    1 yellow onion, diced, 1 bell pepper, diced, 1 14.5-ounce can beef broth
  • Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, corn, remaining beef broth, honey, Worcestershire, adobo sauce, chopped chipotle, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, granulated garlic, oregano, and salt to the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Remove the casing from the sausage and dollop small pieces of it on top of the mixture.
    1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes, 1 15-ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes, 1 15-ounce can yellow corn, drained, 1 Tablespoon honey, 1 Tablespoon worcestershire, 1/4 cup adobo sauce, plus 1-2 chopped chipotles*, 3 Tablespoons chili powder, 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika*, 1 Tablespoon cumin, 1 Tablespoon granulated garlic, 1 teaspoon oregano, 3/4 teaspoon Morton kosher salt*, 3 raw sausage links, italian or bratwurst
  • Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the flavors meld and the sausages are fully cooked.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below!

Notes

  • Adobo Sauce & Chipotle Peppers: Essential for a smoky, spicy kick. Omit or reduce the chipotle peppers for a milder version.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a distinct smoky taste. Regular paprika can be used if needed, though smoked paprika is preferred.
  • Kosher Salt: All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. It is the best salt for everyday cooking because of its size and flavor. If using table salt, the amount should be reduced. I highly recommend picking up some kosher next time you are at the store!
  • Brown for Flavor: Take the time to fully brown the bacon and ground beef. This caramelization enhances the depth of flavor in your chili, giving it a rich, savory taste.
  • Deglaze for Extra Flavor: After sautéing the vegetables, don’t skip deglazing the pan with a splash of beef broth. This step lifts the flavorful browned bits (fond) left from cooking the meat and adds them to your chili.
  • Cook Low & Slow: Choose the low setting on your slow cooker for optimal results. This gradual cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully and ensures the sausage turns out tender and juicy.
  • Top It Off: Garnish with your favorite toppings like cheddar cheese, avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or even a squeeze of lime for a fresh pop of flavor.
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Nutrition

Calories: 501kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 3048mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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