This homemade slow cooker no-bean chili recipe is ammmazing! It is a great Texas-style ground beef & bacon version that everyone should make part of their regular easy dinner rotation.
This is one of my favorite keto/low-carb CrockPot recipe - it is almost all carne (meat) without frijoles (beans) and it's delicious. Ground meat recipes like this and my ground pork stir fry are cheap & easy to make so make it a go-to meal in your home too.
This recipe is similar to my Slow Cooker Hot Dog Chili sauce since both are great as a topping on so many things. Try either when making nachos, chili cheese fries, or topping a baked potato made in the air fryer.
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Ingredients for Chili without Beans
There are only a few ingredients needed for this chili. Ground beef & bacon are the stars of this recipe. Plus canned tomatoes & sauce with a bunch of spices is all you need.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here are the quick and easy steps for getting this chili into the slow cooker so the magic can begin. Look how rich, hearty, & yummy this looks.
Follow these 3 steps for the best CrockPot Ground Beef & Bacon Chili without Beans.
1 - Cook the Ground Beef
Crumble and brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once browned, DO NOT DRAIN! You want fat, aka flavor. Plus if you are on a keto diet, you really want that fat.
2 - Add Ingredients to the CrockPot
Add the ground beef and fat to the insert of your slow cooker. Next, add the spices and minced dry onion. Stir to combine.
Add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine evenly.
3 - Set the CrockPot
Close the lid and set the timer to 6 hours on LOW. The meat is already cooked so you wonder why so long. This step is all about infusing the spices into the meat and keeping it tender and juicy in the acidic tomatoes.
4 - Cook the BACON!!!
I bake my bacon in the oven. I like it extra crispy but cook it how you like.
You can also cook it in a skillet or try making bacon in the toaster oven. Either way, cook and then let the bacon drain on paper towels. Set aside to add to the chili later.
Serving Suggestions
Once the Beef and Bacon Chili is ready - spoon it into bowls and bring out all the toppings you want, including the bacon. On this night I had shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, and avocado.
Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (or other meats, see above comments)
- 6 slices bacon
- 15 ounces can diced tomatoes
- 15 ounces can tomato sauce
- 3 TB chili powder
- 1 TB minced dry onion
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional - for added heat
Instructions
- Crumble meat into a large skillet and saute on medium until meat is browned and cooked all the way through.
- DO NOT drain the fat. Transfer meat to the insert in your slow cooker.
- Add both canned tomato products and remaining ingredients – not the bacon- and stir. Close the top and set the timer to 6 hours on LOW.
- Bake bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet in the oven at 425°. Cook until desired crispness, we like it super crispy which takes about 20-25 minutes.
- Drain bacon on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cool, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Once the chili is done, spoon into serving bowls and stir in bacon. Top with desired toppings. See above for a great list of chili topping options.
Notes
- Store leftovers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- This also freezes well for up to a month.
- Reheat leftovers over medium-low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition
More Slow Cooker Recipes
Here are similar recipes that you may also enjoy or try any off my ideas for Slow Cooker Main Dishes.
Brad says
Chili with no beans.👍 Not draining off the fat. 👍 Bacon? Hell yes!👍 This looks delicious.
Angela says
The three main food groups, right .... beef, bacon, and fat!
Holly says
I love chili without beans so I am really excited to try this recipe!! Thank you!
Angela says
Great, I hope you love it. Come back and let me know what you think and how you top yours!
Caroline says
Wow! This must immediately go on the list for this weekend at my house!
Angela says
Great, enjoy it especially during this winter weather.
Jere Cassidy says
No beans in the chili would make my kids happy. I love you added bacon to this soup. It's definitely some good comfort food,
Liz says
Beef and bacon that's sounds like a delicious dream to me.
Angela says
Dreams do come true - it is a delicious reality!
Raquel says
This was such an informational post about chili. I didn't think there was much to learn about the dish, but there really is! I appreciate how you listed the multiple ways to enjoy chili (:
Angela says
Thank you. That was only a few ways to enjoy chili, I am sure I will add to this post as more recipes develop. Stay tuned.
Beth says
We all like beans in our chili, especially the toddler, but I've never added bacon to mine. I'm also in the crisp-bacon camp! I can't wait to try it in my chili, mmm.
Angela says
You are missing out if you have never had bacon!
Christy Boston's Kitchen says
I love all the suggestions for toppings and ways to serve this chili. The addition of bacon is something I need to try. I bet it add a nice smoky flavor to the chili.
Jacqueline Debono says
I was actually planning to make a classic chili today with beans but I think I'm going to try this one with bacon instead! Looks so good!
Simone says
What a great idea to set up a chili bar! Great for parties & game days... no why didn't I think of that? lol
Sonila says
Add bacon to anything and I know I will love it, this chili with no beans sounds so goooood. Plus, slow cooker...that's the solution for every busy mom!! Thank you for this recipe:)
Nart | Cooking with Nart says
Finally! A chili with no beans YAYYYYYY! I'm so gonna love this 😀
Angela says
Yes, it is a wonderful thing!
Lathiya says
I have seen lots of chili recipes using beans. This one without beans sounds and looks fabulous.
Stephanie says
So being a vegetarian I sure love beans, peppers, tomatoes, and onions in my chili. I love the toppings and different ways to eat the chili. And yay to crock pots doing the cooking for you! 😊
Charlotte says
All meat sounds great, but then you added bacon. My stomach is growling thinking about it! Can’t wait to try the recipe out.
Lisa says
We have tried different variations of chili and would have never thought to add bacon! We will be adding that to our next batch. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Eva says
Of all the things I've put in my chili through the years (rice, pasta, cheese, sour cream, chives, cinnamon, potatoes), I have never thought to put bacon in it. Great idea and I love that it's keto. Definitely adding it to my upcoming menu. Thanks, Angela!
Angela says
Yes, there are so many choices when it comes to topping chili and what to eat with your chili. I am glad I opened your eyes to the best of all - bacon!
Sydney Delong says
This looks so good! Printing the recipe to try it out soon!!
Miz Helen says
This will be a delicious slow cooker full of chili, we will love it! Hope you are having a great week and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday!
Miz Helen
Allison says
How would this taste without the bacon? I have a bacon intolerance so I haven't eaten it in years.
Angela says
It would be just fine, enjoy.
Shirley says
I love chili but my hubby does not. He is not a big bean eater. So I bet he will live this chili! Thanks for sharing. I cant wait to try it!
Angela says
I hope you both enjoy it.
Kat says
This looks delicious. love the bacon idea.
Shirley says
I'm going to try this for Super Bowl Sunday!
Angela says
Great - enjoy the chili, game, and commercials!
Melissa Jones says
I love having new slow cooker recipes!!!
Gina says
My husband would love this. He hates beans in chili and picks them out and who doesn't love bacon?
Angela says
He sounds like a good man! lol
Dee | Grammy's Grid says
Yummy chili! Thanks so much for linking up with me at #AThemedLinkup 12 for Crock Pot and Instant Pot Recipes, open February 28 to March 10. All entries shared on social media if share buttons installed.
Douglas Jasper says
This looks awesome. Will definitely try this one. We love beef and bacon so this definitely works.
Angela says
Beef & bacon for me is like other people's PB&J - haha!
Becky says
Yes! This is my new favorite keto dinner. I have made it twice this month including for fourth of july and everyone agrees with me. It is so good. I cannot wait to try your other keto recipes now.
Angela says
I am so glad you found a new keto recipe to love. Let me know what you think of the other keto recipes on my site that you try.