Paleo Chili: The Ultimate Healthy Comfort Food

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Bold Flavors Without the Guilt: This Paleo Chili is packed with spices and hearty ingredients, delivering a satisfying and flavorful experience that feels indulgent but is entirely healthy.
Low in Carbs, High in Protein & Fats: Perfect for those following a paleo or low-carb lifestyle, this chili keeps your blood sugar stable while fueling your body with essential nutrients.
Easy to Make & Customize: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this chili in no time. Plus, it’s versatile—add your favorite toppings or tweak the spice levels!
Perfect for Meal Prep & Leftovers: Make a big batch and enjoy it for days. It tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep.

Introduction

Imagine a steaming bowl of chili that’s not only bursting with flavor but also aligns perfectly with your paleo lifestyle. No beans, no processed ingredients—just pure, wholesome goodness simmered to perfection. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or looking for a nutritious dish to fuel your day, Paleo Chili is your new best friend. It’s hearty, spicy, and downright delicious, with a depth of flavor that develops the longer it cooks. Plus, it’s so easy to make that even kitchen novices will feel like culinary pros. Ready to dive into a bowl of comfort that’s good for your body and soul? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients with Measurements

2 pounds grass-fed ground beef (900g)
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (450g)
½ pound sugar-free bacon (225g)
2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes with juice (1.6kg)
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste (170g)
1 large yellow onion, chopped (150g)
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped (150g)
2 cups beef stock (480ml)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (15ml)
1½ tablespoons dried oregano (22ml)
1 tablespoon ground cumin (15ml)
1 tablespoon paprika (15ml)
1 teaspoon dried basil (5ml)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (5ml)
1 teaspoon onion powder (5ml)
1 teaspoon salt (5ml)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper (5ml)
¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper (3.75ml)

Step-by-Step Directions to Make Paleo Chili

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop the onion and red bell pepper. Crumble the bacon and set aside.
Cook the Meat: Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Cook the Bacon: In the same pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and add to the meat mixture.
Sauté Vegetables: In the bacon drippings, sauté the chopped onion and red bell pepper for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
Add the Meat & Vegetables: Return the cooked meat and bacon to the pot. Stir to combine.
Add Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: Pour in the diced tomatoes with juice and add the tomato paste. Mix well.
Pour in Beef Stock & Seasonings: Add the beef stock, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all flavors.
Simmer: Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld and deepen.
Adjust & Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Creative Ways to Present & Serve Paleo Chili

Classic Bowl: Serve in a deep bowl topped with chopped onions, crumbled bacon, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor and crunch.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out additional bell peppers, fill with hot chili, and bake for a colorful, nutritious meal.
Over Cauliflower Rice: For an extra low-carb option, spoon chili over cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains.
With Avocado & Lime: Top with slices of ripe avocado and a squeeze of lime for a creamy, tangy twist.
Chili Lettuce Wraps: Spoon chili into crisp lettuce leaves for a light, fresh presentation perfect for a paleo-friendly appetizer or main.

How to Store & How Long It Lasts

This Paleo Chili stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, transfer it to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until hot. The flavors deepen over time, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week or freeze portions for future meals.

FAQs About Paleo Chili

1. Is this chili suitable for a paleo diet?: Yes! It contains only paleo-approved ingredients like grass-fed beef, sausage, bacon, vegetables, and spices, with no beans or processed foods.
2. Can I make this chili vegetarian?: While this recipe is designed for meat lovers, you can substitute the meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, and add plant-based protein sources.
3. How spicy is this chili?: The recipe includes cayenne pepper for heat, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
4. Can I add beans or corn?: Traditional beans and corn are not paleo, but if you’re not strict, you can add cooked beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
5. What toppings go well with Paleo Chili?: Chopped onions, crumbled bacon, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime are excellent options.
6. Is this chili suitable for meal prep?: Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for preparing meals ahead of time.
7. Can I make this in a slow cooker?: Yes! Brown the meat and sauté vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
8. How can I make this chili spicier?: Add extra cayenne, chili powder, or hot sauce to increase the heat level according to your taste.
9. Is this chili suitable for kids?: Yes, but consider reducing the cayenne pepper for milder flavor if serving to children.
10. Can I freeze leftovers?: Yes! Store in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

Paleo Chili 🌶️

A hearty, flavorful, and healthy chili bursting with rich spices.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2

Total Time 2 20

Cuisine Paleo

Servings 10 servings

Calories 408 kcal

Equipment

Large Stockpot

Ingredients

2 pounds Ground Beef grass-fed
1 pound Italian Sausage casings removed
0.5 pound Sugar-Free Bacon
2 28 oz cans Diced Tomatoes with Juice
6 oz can Tomato Paste
1 large Yellow Onion chopped
1 seeded and chopped Red Bell Pepper
2 cups Beef Stock
1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
1.5 tablespoons Dried Oregano
1 tablespoon Ground Cumin
1 tablespoon Paprika
1 teaspoon Dried Basil
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
0.75 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

Instructions

Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and sausage, cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
Cook bacon until crispy, crumble, and add to the pot. Sauté onion and pepper in bacon drippings for about 5 minutes until translucent, then add to the pot.
Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef stock. Season with garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Mix well, cover, and simmer on low for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed after simmering. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful it becomes.
Remove from heat and serve hot, or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor. Top with onions, crumbled bacon, or your favorite chili toppings!

Notes

Feel free to adjust seasonings and toppings to your preference. This chili is perfect for meal prep and freezing.

Delicious Paleo Chili Recipe for Healthy Eating