How To Make Chili Without Tomato Sauce (Easy Recipe) – Happy Muncher (2024)

Are you looking for an easy way to make chili without tomato sauce?

This delicious recipe is the perfect solution!

It’s packed full of flavor, is simple to make, and won’t leave you missing the traditional tomato sauce.

Get ready to enjoy a hearty and flavorful chili that everyone in the family will love!

How To Make Chili Without Tomato Sauce (Easy Recipe) – Happy Muncher (1)

Table of Contents

How To Make Chili Without Tomato Sauce

First, let’s go over the ingredients you need to make chili without tomato sauce.

You will need:

  • 1 lb. of ground beef or turkey
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
  • 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup of beef broth

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get started on making the chili:

  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned.
  3. Once the meat is cooked, add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
  4. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  6. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  7. Add the black beans, kidney beans, and beef broth.
  8. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  9. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  11. Serve with your favorite toppings.

And there you have it- it’s that easy! Enjoy!

5 Substitutes for Tomato Sauce for Chili Recipes

Don’t panic if you don’t have any tomato sauce when you’re making chili.

There are plenty of other ingredients you can use to give your chili a delicious flavor.

1. Salsa

Salsa is a great substitute for tomato sauce when making chili.

It is a zesty mix of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices that can be used to give your chili a flavorful kick.

Salsa can be found in mild, medium, or hot varieties, so you can choose the level of spice to suit your tastes.

If you want to give your chili an extra kick, try adding a few dashes of hot sauce or chili powder.

You can also add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and celery for more flavor.

2. Canned diced tomatoes

Canned diced tomatoes can be a great substitute for tomato sauce in chili recipes.

They provide a similar texture and thickness as tomato sauce and can be used in the same way.

Start by draining and rinsing the diced tomatoes and then add them to your chili.

Depending on your preference, you could also puree the tomatoes before adding them to the chili.

The diced tomatoes will provide the chili with a subtle yet delicious flavor.

3. Barbecue sauce

Barbecue sauce has a sweet and smoky flavor that can really add depth to the chili.

It also helps to carry the flavor of the other ingredients and can help to thicken the dish.

To use barbecue sauce in your chili, add it to the pot once you’ve added your spices and cooked the other ingredients.

Start with a small amount and add more to taste. If your chili is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar to cut the sweetness.

4. Enchilada sauce

Enchilada sauce is a spicy and flavorful sauce made with a combination of tomato, chili powder, and other seasonings.

The flavor is slightly smoky, and the texture is slightly thicker than tomato sauce.

When using enchilada sauce in chili, you may want to reduce the amount of chili powder you use, as it is already quite spicy.

To add more flavor and texture, consider adding some diced tomatoes, onions, and peppers to your chili.

This will also help to thicken the sauce and make for a more robust chili.

5. Tomato paste mixed with water

Tomato paste mixed with water is an easy and tasty substitute for tomato sauce when making chili.

To make a substitute, mix equal parts of tomato paste and water until it has a sauce-like consistency.

This substitute can be used in place of tomato sauce to give your chili a rich and flavorful base.

The tomato paste adds a concentrated tomato flavor to the chili, while the water helps to thin the sauce out and create a more traditional chili texture.

Be sure to adjust the amount of tomato paste and water you use depending on the desired thickness and flavor of your chili.

4 Tips for Making Chili Without Tomato Sauce

1. Use a combination of beef broth and beef stock to replace the tomato sauce

How To Make Chili Without Tomato Sauce (Easy Recipe) – Happy Muncher (2)

Using a combination of beef broth and beef stock to replace tomato sauce in chili is an excellent way to achieve a delicious flavor without the use of tomato sauce.

Beef broth and beef stock both contain a deep and rich flavor that will give the chili a unique and savory taste.

When adding the broth and stock to the chili, make sure to season it with additional spices such as garlic, onion powder, and cumin to enhance the chili’s flavor even further.

This can be a great alternative to tomato sauce if you are looking for a different flavor in your chili.

2. Add a variety of spices to bring out the flavor of the chili, such as cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano

How To Make Chili Without Tomato Sauce (Easy Recipe) – Happy Muncher (3)

When making chili without tomato sauce, it’s important to add a variety of spices to bring out the flavor of the chili.

Cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano are all excellent additions that will give your chili a distinct, delicious flavor.

For a milder chili, use less chili powder, and for a spicier chili, add more.

Garlic powder and oregano will also help to enhance the flavor of the chili.

Experiment with different combinations of spices to find the perfect flavor for your chili.

You can even add a bit of sweetness with a pinch of brown sugar.

3. Add a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, jalapenos, and zucchini, to give the chili a crunchy texture

How To Make Chili Without Tomato Sauce (Easy Recipe) – Happy Muncher (4)

Another great tip is to add a variety of vegetables.

Bell peppers, onions, jalapenos, and zucchini are all excellent options as these vegetables will add a crunchy texture and a variety of flavors to your chili.

This will help to create a delicious and unique chili that your family and friends will love!

Additionally, the vegetables will give your chili a healthy boost, as they are full of vitamins and minerals.

4. Add a small amount of dark chocolate to give the chili a rich, smoky flavor

Adding a small amount of dark chocolate to your chili can be a great way to give it a unique smoky flavor.

The chocolate should be added at the end of the cooking process, and a little goes a long way.

Start by adding a 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips and tasting the chili, adding more if desired.

The chocolate will enhance the flavor of the chili without overpowering it.

How To Make Chili Without Tomato Sauce (Easy Recipe) – Happy Muncher (6)

How To Make Chili Without Tomato Sauce (Easy Recipe)

Are you looking for a delicious and easy chili recipe that doesn't include tomato sauce? Look no further! This post will show you how to make a flavorful and hearty chili without tomato sauce. We'll provide you with an easy-to-follow recipe that you can make in no time.

Plus, you'll learn about some of the best ingredients to use for this chili, so it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Get ready to enjoy a delicious and unique chili dish!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 456 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth

Instructions

  • Heat a large pot over medium-high heat.

  • Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned.

  • Once the meat is cooked, add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic.

  • Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

  • Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

  • Add the black beans, kidney beans, and beef broth.

  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

  • Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

  • Serve with your favorite toppings.

Keyword How To Make Chili Without Tomato Sauce

Benjamin

CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.

How To Make Chili Without Tomato Sauce (Easy Recipe) – Happy Muncher (2024)

FAQs

What can I use if I don't have tomato sauce for chili? ›

7 Substitutes for Tomato Sauce If You Run Out of the Pantry...
  • Canned Tomatoes.
  • Fresh Tomatoes.
  • Tomato Paste.
  • Tomato Soup.
  • Ketchup.
  • Tomato Purée.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
Apr 27, 2024

Does chili need tomato paste or tomato sauce? ›

Tomato paste is a great way to add bonus tomato flavor, and thickness, to a chili recipe. To get the best flavor it needs to be browned. Add a couple tablespoons (or a whole can if you want a thicker soup base) directly to the pan after cooking the meat and onions.

What is a substitute for tomato juice in chili? ›

Tomato Sauce Substitute for Tomato Juice

Mix one part tomato sauce and one part water until well blended. For example, 1/2 cup tomato sauce and 1/2 cup water to make 1 cup tomato juice. This alternative will give you a very close approximation of what you will get with canned tomato juice.

What is a substitute for tomato paste in chili? ›

You don't have to dash out to the store if you're out of tomato paste; tomato sauce and tomato puree are both an excellent substitute. For every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste needed, use 3 tablespoons of tomato puree or sauce.

What replaces tomato sauce? ›

Thankfully, you probably have something in your pantry or fridge that you can use in its place. Let's look at four possible substitutes for tomato sauce: The two best are tomato paste and canned tomatoes, while ketchup and tomato soup can be used for certain recipes when you are really in a pinch.

What is the best substitute for chili sauce? ›

The best sweet chilli sauce substitutes are a combination of maple syrup, red pepper flakes or chili powder, and white vinegar or other spicy condiments like sriracha, sambal oelek, chili garlic sauce or spicy ketchup.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

Peppers: For many people, chili isn't chili without some heat. To add some, experiment with dried ancho peppers or chipotle peppers (often sold in adobo). If you'd like to add flavor without much heat, anaheim peppers are wonderful.

What can I use if I don't have tomato juice? ›

1 cup tomato juice: substitute 1/2 cup tomato sauce and 1/2 cup water. 1 10-3/4 ounce can tomato soup: substitute 1 cup tomato sauce plus 1/4 cup water.

How do you make chili taste less like tomato sauce? ›

Bay leaves, dried basil, and cumin seeds can be added to chili to tone down tomato flavor. You can also use bell peppers and onion cubes to soak up the tomato flavor. Likewise, you can also add something sweet to balance off the tomato, such as dark chocolate or jelly.

How do you thicken chili without tomatoes? ›

Make a cornstarch slurry: Mix together 1 tablespoon each of cornstarch and cold water, stirring well to remove any lumps. Then, stir the slurry into your chili and let it simmer for another 10 minutes to fully thicken.

Can I use ketchup instead of tomato sauce? ›

For this reason, ketchup is best used as a swap in recipes that already feature a degree of sweetness. Still, in a pinch, it can be used as a 1:1 substitute for tomato sauce in a variety of dishes—just use your judgment and be sure to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

What is a good substitute for tomatoes in a recipe? ›

Tomato-free swap: Roasted red peppers, refreshing cucumber slices, roasted beets, and figs are just a few options to replace that slightly sweet, juicy tomato. You might find that you prefer your gourmet tomato substitute!

How do you thicken chili if you don't have tomato paste? ›

4. 7 Ways to Thicken Chili Using Pantry Staples
  1. Add Cornstarch to Thicken Chili. ...
  2. Use Flour to Thicken Chili. ...
  3. Use Baking Powder to Thicken Chili. ...
  4. Add Cornmeal to the Chili. ...
  5. Add Mashed Beans to Thicken the Chili. ...
  6. Thickening Chili With Oats. ...
  7. Add Vegetables to the Chili.

Can I use crushed tomatoes instead of tomato sauce? ›

It's also cooked. Crushed tomatoes are raw tomatoes that are ground; they're cooked a little bit in the canning process but not much. If you're in a pinch then you can blend crushed tomatoes in a blender until super smooth and sub for tomato sauce, as long as your dish is being cooked.

Can I substitute tomato juice for tomato sauce? ›

In a pinch, Tomato Juice can be a substitution for tomato sauce. Obviously, the juice is much thinner than the sauce. You could either simmer it down, add some tomato paste to thicken it or decrease other liquids in your recipe.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dan Stracke

Last Updated:

Views: 6636

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dan Stracke

Birthday: 1992-08-25

Address: 2253 Brown Springs, East Alla, OH 38634-0309

Phone: +398735162064

Job: Investor Government Associate

Hobby: Shopping, LARPing, Scrapbooking, Surfing, Slacklining, Dance, Glassblowing

Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.