My friends were recently in a heated debate about what makes chili, well, chili. Is it the beans, the meat, the chili powder? Or, does it come down to texture or thickness? No real conclusions were made, but the conversation spurred me to give this No-Bean Chili a try. And I have to admit, I’m very glad I did. Loaded with three different chili powders and a hefty three pounds of ground beef, this chili is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

The slow cooker does the bulk of the work here, but the recipe starts out with a quick stovetop step. You’ll brown the ground beef, drain off the grease, then add the onion, garlic, poblanos, and spices. Let that mixture cook until it’s nice and fragrant, then transfer it all to the slow cooker. Pour in the tomato sauce and fire roasted tomatoes, with the juices. Set it to low and let that flavor cook in all day long.

This chili is the perfect choice for any winter get together or tailgate. Top off your bowl with sour cream, cheese, tortilla chips, and whatever else your heart desires. No one will be missing the beans with a chili this tasty. Give this easy recipe a try the next time you need a hearty meal and it’s bound to be a hit!