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 instead of tomato sauce in chili? ›

What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
  • Tomato paste. “I think of tomato paste as the garlic powder equivalent to fresh garlic,” Xie said, noting that it's highly concentrated and very dehydrated. ...
  • Canned tomatoes. ...
  • Tomato soup. ...
  • Ketchup. ...
  • Fresh tomato. ...
  • Sun-dried tomatoes.
Mar 24, 2022

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

6 Substitutes for Tomato Sauce If You Run Out of the Pantry...
  1. Canned Tomatoes.
  2. Fresh Tomatoes.
  3. Tomato Paste.
  4. Tomato Soup.
  5. Ketchup.
  6. Tomato Purée.
Jun 9, 2023

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.

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.

Does chili need tomato sauce? ›

Traditional chili recipes usually contain ground beef, beans, and tomatoes or tomato sauce. Here in Texas, it's a common belief these things ruin the flavor of the spices and meat. I tend to agree - this type of chili is just much more flavorful and decadent.

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

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.

What is a good substitute for tomatoes if you are allergic to tomatoes? ›

Beets – If you're looking to add some sweetness to your salads or a substitute base for pasta sauces, beets can be a great substitute packed with Vitamin C that you would get from tomatoes. Carrots – Similar to beets, carrots can be a great substitute base especially in soups and are a great source of beta-carotene .

What is a good substitute for tomato paste without tomatoes? ›

If tomato is not a crucial flavor in your dish or you are allergic, roasted red peppers are an excellent alternative. Open up a jar or roast them yourself and puree in the food processor. They will add a pop of color and flavor but will not offer the same thickness as tomato paste.

What can you put on spaghetti instead of tomato sauce? ›

Pasta with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and whatever veggies you want is a deceptively delicious way to pasta. Also known as “Aglio e Olio” (garlic and oil) pasta, this easy alternative to tomato sauce is quick, easy, and delicious.

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? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

What is a substitute for 1 cup of tomato sauce? ›

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.

Can you use tomato soup instead of tomato sauce in chili? ›

Making Chili With Canned Tomato Soup

After your meat and vegetable base is cooked, add beans, diced tomatoes, and your canned tomato soup. Many recipes use chicken stock or water to thin out the chili, so this canned soup will act as the replacement.

How do you thicken chili without tomatoes? ›

Mix in a scoop of cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or oats.

For 1 tablespoon of flour, use 2 tablespoons of water. No slurry is required for the absorbent oats; simply stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons. In all cases, allow the chili to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes more, and you should notice it thicken up.

What is the closest thing to chili sauce? ›

Ketchup and Cayenne

Regular bottled ketchup provides a good blend of sweetness and acidity. It also has a nice thick consistency, making it a good substitute for chili sauce. To add the missing spicy flavor from regular ketchup, you can mix in a few dashes of Cayenne pepper powder.

Can I substitute tomato puree for tomato sauce? ›

Can I Use Tomato Puree and Tomato Sauce Interchangeably? Most of the time, yes. If it's a small amount, it's perfectly fine to do a 1-to-1 swap. Tomato puree is thicker than most canned tomato sauces, so you can water the puree down, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach a saucy texture.

How do you make tomato paste into tomato sauce? ›

Because tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomato puree, you can dilute it to the consistency of tomato sauce without much fuss. Adding one cup of water to three-quarters of a cup of tomato paste will result in a tomato base with the same texture and thickness as tomato sauce (after some brisk stirring).

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