This chili without beans recipe is a flavorful, healthy chili made with ground beef, ground turkey, carrots and sweet potatoes. It’s seasoned with bacon, brewed coffee and unsweetened cocoa powder for depth and smokiness.
I make chili often—especially in cooler months—because it’s quick to prepare, hearty, and full of flavor. This version pairs savory meats with sweet vegetables and unexpected accents like coffee and cocoa. Serve it with avocado and plantain chips for a satisfying meal.
The combination of coffee and cocoa deepens the sauce without overpowering it, while carrots and sweet potatoes replace beans to give texture and natural sweetness. If you want other chili styles, try the Apple Sage Turkey Chili or the Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken and Vegetable Chili for more variations.
Table of Contents
- What makes this recipe great
- Recipe ingredients
- Additions/ Substitutions
- Step by step instructions:
- Expert tips:
- Other dinner recipes you will love:
- Coffee and Cocoa Powder Chili (without Beans) Recipe
What makes this recipe great
- The unique seasoning creates a rich, smoky, and sophisticated chili.
- It’s an excellent option for those avoiding beans.
- Suitable for dairy-free, gluten-free, Paleo or Whole30 diets (omit maple syrup for Whole30).
- Easy to customize with different meats, spices, or vegetables.
Recipe ingredients
- Bacon – cooks down and releases flavorful fat to start the base.
- Onion and garlic – build savory aromatics for the meat and sauce.
- Red bell pepper – adds sweetness and color.
- Ground beef and ground turkey – provide protein and a hearty texture.
- Tomato paste and maple syrup – add umami and a touch of sweetness (omit maple syrup for Whole30).
- Cumin, chili powder, paprika, coriander – classic chili spices for warmth and depth.
- Brewed coffee and unsweetened cocoa powder – deepen and round out the flavors without making the chili taste like coffee or chocolate.
- Strained and chopped tomatoes – create the tomato base and body of the sauce.
- Sweet potatoes and carrots – replace beans with a pleasant, slightly sweet bite and added texture.
See the recipe card below for exact measurements and a full ingredient list.
Additions/ Substitutions
- Use only ground beef or only ground turkey if you prefer one meat.
- Substitute garlic and onion powders for fresh garlic and onion (about 1 tsp each).
- Adjust the spice amounts to suit your heat preference.
- Swap or add other vegetables—zucchini, mushrooms, or bell pepper varieties work well.
Step by step instructions:
Step 1: In a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat, cook the bacon pieces, minced onion and garlic until the onions are soft and beginning to caramelize, about 6–8 minutes. Scrape the bottom of the pan as you cook to capture flavor. Reduce heat to medium and add the diced red pepper; cook 2 more minutes.
Step 2: Add the ground beef and ground turkey. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste so it’s evenly distributed.
Step 3: Add maple syrup (if using), cumin, chili powder, paprika, ground coriander, salt and black pepper. Mix thoroughly so the spices coat the meat.
Step 4: Pour in brewed coffee, add cocoa powder, strained tomatoes, chopped tomatoes and a bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 5: Add the diced sweet potatoes and carrots. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the chili has thickened.
Expert tips:
Serving suggestions and tips:
- Top the chili with sliced avocado and serve with plantain chips or tortilla chips for crunch.
- If you’re not following Paleo or Whole30, add beans for a more traditional texture.
- Finish with shredded cheese or a vegan cheese alternative if desired.
- This chili also works well over baked potatoes or spooned over eggs for a savory breakfast option.
- Set up a chili bar with toppings like chopped onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and shredded cheese for gatherings.
Other dinner recipes you will love:
Did you try this recipe? Please leave me a ⭐ review below!
Coffee and Cocoa Powder Chili (without Beans)
Ingredients
- 2 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 Tbs tomato paste
- 2 Tbs maple syrup, (optional – omit for Whole30)
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1.5 Tbs chili powder
- 1.5 Tbs ground paprika
- 1.5 tsp ground coriander
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups brewed coffee
- 2 cups strained tomatoes
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes
- 1.5 Tbs unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 5 cups diced sweet potatoes, large dice (about 2–3 potatoes)
- 2 cups diced carrots, large dice (about ¾ inch)
Instructions
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In a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat, cook the bacon, minced onion and garlic about 6–8 minutes, stirring and scraping the pan so fond develops but doesn’t burn. Reduce heat to medium and add diced red pepper; cook 2 minutes until softened.
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Add ground beef and turkey, breaking up the meat as it browns, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste so it coats the meat.
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Mix in maple syrup (if using), cumin, chili powder, paprika, coriander, salt and black pepper until well combined.
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Pour in brewed coffee, add cocoa powder, strained and chopped tomatoes, and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 15 minutes. Add diced sweet potatoes and carrots, lower heat to low, and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Notes
If you’re not avoiding legumes, feel free to add beans for a more traditional chili texture.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an estimate.