Modern American dishes are often loaded with cheese and cream. But classic favorites don’t need any dairy. This 30 minute dairy-free chili is one such meal. It’s rich and satisfying, with a delicious smoky flavor. The recipe was shared with us by a reader, who adapted it from a bean-free Rachael Ray recipe. She says her family has enjoyed it for years, and it’s perfect for the football season. We love that it’s allergy-friendly, quick and easy, so you can share it with friends and loved ones without a fuss.
Dairy-Free 30 Minute Chili with Options for All
We originally posted this 30 minute beef chili recipe over 15 years ago. We’ve since updated it, added nutrition facts, and I have helpful information and options for the ingredients in the FAQs below.
What is Ground Sirloin?
This is the leanest type of ground beef. You can’t substitute ground round if ground sirloin isn’t available or is a little too pricey. Really, you can choose lean variety of ground beef, preferably with less than 15% fat. If you can only find standard ground beef that’s a bit fatty, I would use 1 1/4 pounds and drain off any excess fat. If you’d prefer to use ground turkey, I would add a little Worcestershire sauce to the meat as it cooks.
What Type Of Beer Do You Recommend?
Avoid milk stouts and cream stouts, which really can contain milk. In fact, make sure you’re choosing a dairy free beer. If you have gluten free needs, obviously you want to look for a gluten free beer. If not, your favorite beer should work just fine. Some people like to use a dark beer in Chile. I just use whatever we have on hand.
Isn’t All Broth Dairy Free?
Believe it or not, quite a few broths contain milk and other top allergens. See our dairy-free broth guide for recommendations.
But Tomato Paste is Dairy Free, Right?
Plain tomato paste without any additional ingredients is simply tomatoes. However there are some seasoned tomato paste varieties that contain milk. Contadina actually has two seasoned tomato paste varieties that contain milk, and they look very similar to their plain tomato paste. Make sure you pick up the right one
What is Dark Chili Powder?
It’s a type of chili powder that’s often labeled as dark chili powder or ancho chili powder. It’s smokier, sweeter, and milder than many other types of chili powder.
Is This 30 Minute Chili Spicy?
It has a medium amount of spice. You can always add more heat with with additional hot sauce or chili peppers. For low heat, add the hot sauce to taste, or omit it. Ancho chili powder should be mild enough, but you can taste a tiny bit before adding it just to be sure.
How Can I Add More Vegetables to This Recipe?
Here are some of our favorite suggestions for vegetables that work well in this dairy-free 30 minute chili:
- Corn: Add 1 (15-ounce) can drained corn with the beans.
- Bell Pepper: Core, seed, and dice a bell pepper (any color). Sauté it with the onions and garlic.
- Zucchini: Dice 1 zucchini and sauté it with the onion and garlic.
- Tomato: Deseed a ripe tomato and dice it. Stir the diced tomatoes into the ground beef just before adding the other ingredients. Taste test and add more seasoning if needed when the chili is finished.
- Root Vegetables: Parsnips, sweet potatoes, or potatoes would also go nicely in this dairy-free 30 minute chili. I would dice and steam them for a few minutes in advance or use leftover roasted vegetables.
What Other Topping Options Do You Recommend?
I love chopping topping chili with diced avocado. It’s also delicious with crushed tortilla chips or salty and on top. If you’re a fan of fresh herbs, chopped cilantro or oregano will pair well with the flavors in this easy chili recipe. We never serve it with dairy-free cheese alternative or dairy-free sour cream alternative. But you can use these if you like.
Which Dairy Free Chips, Crackers, or Rolls Do You Recommend?
I use tortilla chips, saltines, or Enjoy Life Lentil Chips. The latter are great for scooping. In terms of bread, Sarah’s Dinner Roll Recipe is fabulous. These quick and easy Mayo Rolls are also great in a pinch.
Special Diet Notes: 30 Minute Chili
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, and optionally soy-free. Be sure to choose a broth, beer, BBQ sauce, and hot sauce that meet your dietary needs.
Dairy-Free 30 Minute Chili
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oil in a deep pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft.
- Add the ground beef and sauté for another 3 to 5 minutes.
- Season the meat and onions lightly with Montreal seasoning or salt and pepper.
- Add the beer and let it cook until reduced by half.
- Stir in the beans, broth, paste, smoky BBQ sauce, hot sauce, chili powder, and cumin. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer the chili for 10 minutes.
- Top with onions, if desired.
- Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or rolls.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!
Also enjoy this Dairy-Free White Chicken Chili!
