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? ›

Substitute Tomato Paste For Tomato Sauce

If you have a can of tomato paste in your pantry, you are in luck—this is the best substitution for tomato sauce. All you need is the tomato paste and water. Mix together 1 part tomato paste and 1 part water until well blended.

Does chili need tomato paste or tomato sauce? ›

Tomato sauce is not a strong a taste as tomato paste. Also, sauce will increase the liquid content of your chili ever so slightly. Tomato paste has a more full, rich, tomato taste and smell. Using either one is appropriate, but you will need to tweak your seasonings to suit your personal tastes, anyway.

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.

How do you make chili not so tomato? ›

Spice and heat can also counterbalance the acid of tomatoes: Adding chili powder, cumin, and cayenne can add more depth of flavor. But do be cautious when adding peppers and hot spices, in case the flavor becomes too spicy for your liking. For a more subtle change in flavor, try adding basil, oregano, or bay leaves.

Does chili need tomato sauce? ›

Traditional chili recipes usually contain ground beef, beans, and tomatoes or tomato sauce.

What is a good substitute for tomatoes? ›

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!

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 liquid to add to chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

Spices: While cumin, chile powder, and cayenne pepper tend to be common additions to many chili recipes, there's a broad world of flavor out there to experiment with. Try a little fenugreek, turmeric, garam masala, or sumac to layer in more complex flavors.

What can I substitute for chili sauce? ›

ingredients
  • 1 cup tomato sauce.
  • 14 cup brown sugar.
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar.
  • 14 teaspoon cinnamon.
  • 1 dash ground cloves.
  • 1 dash allspice.

Can I use ketchup instead of tomato sauce? ›

Since ketchup is made from tomatoes, it can be used as a tomato sauce substitute easily in a variety of dishes—just use your judgment and be sure to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Ketchup is best utilized as a substitute in recipes that already have some sweetness.

Can I use ketchup instead of tomato paste in chili? ›

Yep, ketchup makes a surprisingly adequate tomato paste alternative! Since ketchup is already quite concentrated, you can substitute from the bottle using a 1:1 ratio (if your recipe calls for one tablespoon of tomato paste, use one tablespoon of ketchup).

Why does my chili taste too much 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.

Why do you put vinegar in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

Should I drain canned tomatoes for chili? ›

DO NOT DRAIN CHILI BEANS. (That's what thickens it up, I don't use tomato paste) add juice and all! Do Not drain Stewed tomatoes,diced tomatoes,or tomatoes with green chiles. Add all ingredients, and seasoning, mix.

Can you substitute anything for tomato sauce? ›

Sun-dried tomatoes

“If you're looking for it to substitute as tomato sauce, you'll need to start cooking it down in some water or chicken broth until it's a little bit more rehydrated.” Then, blend it up into a paste, add garlic, olive oil, salt, and sugar.

Can I use ketchup in chili instead of tomato sauce? ›

For a 12-serving pot of chili, up to a cup of ketchup will add the sweet and tangy flavors to each bowl. A smaller pot of chili, or one that uses diced tomatoes along with the juice, might only need ½-cup of ketchup instead.

How much tomato paste to substitute for tomato sauce? ›

Tomato paste

For this swap, David Joachim, author of The Food Substitutions Bible, recommends you use ½ cup tomato paste and ½ cup water to replace 1 cup of tomato sauce—just keep in mind that you'll need to season your substitute to taste.

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