This flavorful ground beef chili was created with picky kids in mind. So, if you are craving a satisfying no bean chili, this kid friendly chili recipe is for you and your family!
This recipe can be prepared in the Instant Pot as originally written or I've also included stove top instructions for those of you who still aren't using a pressure cooker!
You may also notice that jalapenos are omitted from the base of the recipe. Kids can be sensitive to heat so instead I serve them on the side.
In order to keep everyone satisfied, what I like to do is set up a toppings station or a stir-ins station.
In the stir-in station I include canned, rinsed black beans for those who enjoy beans, a bowl of corn, sliced avocado (or sometimes guacamole), diced onions, sour cream, sliced jalapeno peppers and salsa.
I also serve a big old bowl of tortilla chips and / or corn chips because what kid (or adult for that matter) doesn't want chips for dinner!
Instant Pot Instructions
If preparing this kid friendly chili in the instant pot, simply soften the onion and peppers using the saute mode to start then add the ground beef and break it up. Once the beef is cooked, add all the spices and remaining ingredients and pressure cook.
Pro Tip: Use lean ground beef and you won't have to drain the grease from the ground beef.
When the pressure cooking is finished, I prefer to use a natural release (slow release). This is where you let the pressure cooker release the pressure slowly on its own.
Stove Top Instructions
The instructions are basically the same as the Instant Pot except you'll be doing the steps in a large sauce pan or dutch oven style pan.
Start by softening the onion and peppers and then cooking the beef. Add all other ingredients and stir it together well and simmer for about an hour.
If the stovetop method leaves you with a chili that is too thick, simply stir a little beef broth into the chili to loosen it up a little. This is purely preference, some people like it thick and some people like it more like a soup. Up to you!
Printable Recipe Card
No Bean Chili (Kid Friendly Chili)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced or diced
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 14 ½ oz can diced tomatoes I prefer fire roasted variety, no need to drain
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- ½ tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt kosher
- 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Instant Pot Instructions
- Set IP to saute mode. Once hot add the oil then the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, just until soft. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Add the ground beef. Break up beef with a wooden spoon (or similar) and cook until no longer pink.
- Stir in tomato paste, followed by Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes and spices.
- Turn off saute mode.
- Lock cover in place and set vent to sealing. Using the manual high pressure set timer to 15 minutes.
- After timer is finished, allow 10 minutes to natural release and then switch the vent to release any additional pressure before opening. Serve with your favorite stir-ins and toppings.
Stove Top Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and peppers and cook just until starting to soften. Add in the garlic and after 30 seconds add in the ground beef. Allow the beef to cook all while breaking it up into smaller pieces.
- Stir in the tomato paste and allow it to cook out about one minute while stirring. Add all other ingredients and bring just up to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Partially cover and allow to simmer thirty minutes to an hour. If at any point the chili seems to thick, feel free to stir in a little beef broth, about a ¼ cup at a time until you get the desired consistency.
- Serve with desired stir-ins and toppings.
Rachel Teodoro says
I was just craving chili this morning. Going to make this tonight!
Diana Rambles says
Great recipe! I love my Instant Pot.
Juli Purcell says
I'm with your kiddos--- No beans in the chili! But add the extra spice. THis looks Awesome and I LOVE that it's in the instant pot! WOOT WOOT!
Catherine says
Oh this looks perfect! I would love a bowl of this today.
Jill says
I haven't had my IP very long, but I love it and this is a great recipe. Since I was making it for adults I added black beans, red pepper flakes, and more garlic. I served it with green onions, shredded pepper-Jack cheese and sour cream. My husband thought it was delicious.
foodyschmoody says
Glad you enjoyed it. You might also like my IP Black Bean Chili Recipe.
D j says
Didn't have diced tomatoes handy so used a jar of salsa. Everyone was pleased.