Paleo Chili
Try this Paleo Chili recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Paleo Chili recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 pounds grass-fed ground beef (i used leaner beef with 5%
- 1 pound italian sausage casings removed (i used spicy italian from trader joe’s)
- 1/2 pound bacon (ensure it’s sugar-free to stay compliant)
- 2 cups beef stock (homemade or compliant brand - use bone
- 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
- Carbohydrate 5.02163963900248 g
- Cholesterol 43.09127515 mg
- Fat 18.1897107485738 g
- Fiber 1.4245454151842 g
- Protein 8.92425811091806 g
- Saturated Fat 6.45110878186381 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (236g)
- Sodium 417.922198058049 mg
- Sugar 3.59709422381828 g
- Trans Fat 1.04482544901188 g
- Calories 219 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat a large stock pot over medium-high heat.
- Crumble the ground chuck and sausage into the hot pan, and cook until evenly browned.
- Drain off excess grease.
- In a different pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble and add to stock pot.
- Cook the chopped onion and pepper in the bacon drippings for about 5 minutes or until onions are translucent.
- Add to the stock pot.
- To the stock pot, add in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef stock.
- Season with garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- Stir to blend, then cover and simmer over low heat for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- After 2 hours, taste, and adjust salt, pepper, and chili powder if necessary. The longer the chili simmers, the better it will taste.
- Remove from heat and serve, or refrigerate, and serve the next day.
- Serve with onions and crumbled bacon or whatever chili toppings you prefer!
My Paleo Chili Adventure: A Flavorful Journey
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy, delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. But when I crave comfort food, nothing beats a hearty bowl of chili. This Paleo Chili recipe has become a staple in our home, a perfect balance of convenience and wholesome goodness. It's a recipe I can easily adapt to whatever ingredients I have on hand, making it incredibly versatile and perfect for busy weeknights.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s not overly complicated, requiring no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The ingredients are mostly pantry staples, with the exception of the grass-fed beef, which adds a richness and depth of flavor you won't find in conventionally raised beef. I always opt for grass-fed whenever possible, believing it is a healthier choice for my family. I even make my own beef stock, but using a good quality store-bought version works just as well in a pinch, it is a time-saver. The use of fresh vegetables adds to the vibrant color and freshness, and let's be honest, who doesn't love the satisfying crunch of perfectly cooked bacon? I usually buy sugar free bacon as it follows to paleo diet.
The initial browning of the ground beef and sausage is crucial for developing rich flavor. I like to use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for a truly satisfying depth of flavor, but you can certainly adapt it to your preferences. Adding the onions and peppers to the bacon drippings adds another layer of taste, maximizing the flavor from each ingredient. The spices are carefully chosen to create a harmonious blend of warmth and complexity, providing a delightful kick without being overwhelmingly spicy. I find that a little cayenne pepper goes a long way! Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne depending on your spice preference. Once everything is combined, I simply let the chili simmer for at least two hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
This recipe is incredibly forgiving. If you don't have a specific spice on hand, feel free to substitute or omit it entirely. The chili is delicious whether served immediately or the next day; the flavors just deepen as it sits. It's the perfect meal prep recipe; I often make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week. The leftovers also make great chili dogs, or you can top it with all your favourite chili toppings!
More than just a recipe, this Paleo Chili is a testament to the joy of simple, wholesome cooking. It’s a dish that brings family and friends together, a reminder that nourishing food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's a go-to for comfort, a celebration of flavor, and a testament to the fact that healthy eating can, and should, be delicious!
I often experiment with different variations of this recipe. Sometimes I'll add a can of kidney beans (for a non-paleo variation) or different vegetables, like butternut squash, for a sweeter touch. I’ve also experimented with different types of sausage, using chicken sausage for a leaner option. The possibilities are endless, which is what I love most about this recipe. It's the perfect base that you can modify to suit your own taste and dietary preferences. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Happy cooking!
