Hamburger No-Bean Chili Casserole

Hearty, cheesy, and packed with bold chili flavor, this Hamburger No-Bean Chili Casserole is the ultimate comfort-food dinner without the beans. Juicy seasoned ground beef is simmered in a rich tomato-chili sauce, topped with plenty of melted cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No beans — Perfect if you prefer chili without beans.
• Low-carb friendly — Great for a hearty low-carb dinner.
• Cheesy and comforting — Plenty of melted cheese on top.
• Easy one-dish meal — Simple ingredients and minimal cleanup.
• Family-friendly — Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

Perfect For

This casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, family meals, game nights, potlucks, and cozy comfort-food dinners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not browning the beef well — Browning adds much more flavor.
2. Making the sauce too watery — Simmer until it thickens before baking.
3. Adding cheese too early — Add it once the meat mixture is ready so it stays creamy and golden.
4. Skipping the resting time — Let the casserole sit briefly before serving so it sets.

Required Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9 × 13-inch baking dish
• Spatula
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Best Season: Fall & Winter
Total Calories (Per Serving): Approximately 410 calories

📝 Ingredients

Chili Mixture

• 1½ lb (680 g) ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz / 225 g) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
• ½ cup beef broth

Cheese Topping

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Optional Toppings

• Sour cream
• Diced avocado
• Jalapeños
• Sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Hot sauce

Note: If you’re following a strict low-carb plan, choose canned tomatoes and tomato sauce without added sugar.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven.
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the baking dish.
   Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
3. Brown the beef.
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
4. Drain excess grease.
   Drain most of the excess fat if necessary.
5. Add the vegetables.
   Stir in diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
6. Add garlic.
   Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds.
7. Add the seasonings.
   Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
8. Add the tomatoes and sauce.
   Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth.
9. Simmer.
   Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
10. Transfer to the baking dish.
    Spoon the chili mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
11. Add the cheese.
    Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack evenly over the top.
12. Bake.
    Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
13. Broil if desired.
    For a golden, bubbly top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
14. Rest.
    Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes.
15. Garnish and serve.
    Sprinkle with green onions and fresh cilantro. Add your favorite toppings and serve warm.

Low-Carb Tips

• Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables instead of bread.
• Use full-fat cheese for a richer casserole.
• Choose tomato products without added sugar.
• Add zucchini or mushrooms for extra vegetables without adding beans.
• For an even lower-carb version, reduce the onion and tomato sauce slightly.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving — Approximate

• Calories: ~410
• Fat: ~28 g
• Cholesterol: ~105 mg
• Sodium: ~720 mg
• Potassium: ~650 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: ~12 g
• Fiber: ~3 g
• Net Carbs: ~9 g
• Sugars: ~6 g
• Protein: ~31 g
• Calcium: ~250 mg

Nutrition values are approximate and depend on the beef, cheese, and canned tomato products used.

Notes

• Extra spicy: Add jalapeños or more cayenne.
• Extra cheesy: Add another ½ cup shredded cheese.
• Creamy: Stir 2–3 tablespoons cream cheese into the chili mixture.
• More vegetables: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Higher protein: Use lean ground beef and increase the meat slightly.
• Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
• Low-carb: Yes, especially when served without bread or high-carb sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well, although the casserole will have a slightly lighter flavor.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, refrigerate, and bake within 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting cold.

3. Can I add beans?
Absolutely, if you don’t need it to be a no-bean chili. Black beans or kidney beans work well.

4. What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are all excellent choices.

5. What should I serve with it?
Try avocado, sour cream, a green salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice.