Steam on the windows. That deep, tomato-garlic smell curling out of your kitchen. The kind of night you want a bowl and a big spoon. This paleo chili is warm, bold, and quietly going viral thanks to smart swaps and Whole30 love. People just can’t stop sharing it.
This one’s loaded with ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and a mess of spices that’ll hug your taste buds. Cozy and filling, but easy enough for a Tuesday night. No beans, no fusskind of like your classic chili, but cleaned up a bit. Full details in the blog!
The first time I made this was during a snowstorm when beans were nowhere in sight. My teenage daughter said it was the best “non-chili” chili we ever had. Years later, it’s still in our dinner loopand yes, I tested every bite. You’ll love the secret!
This paleo chili is a delicious and healthy paleo dinner option that is easy to prepare. Enjoy a flavorful, gluten free chili made with ground beef, sausage, and bacon. Perfect for a Whole30 chili and low carb chili recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds grass-fed ground beef I used leaner beef with 5% fat
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 Whole30 compliant
2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes with juice
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 large yellow onion chopped
1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped
2 cups beef stock homemade or compliant brand use bone broth for an even richer taste
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 1/2 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
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
Instructions
Warm up a large stock pot on medium-high heat and brown the ground beef along with the sausage by breaking them apart in the pan. Drain the fat after cooking.
In another pan, crisp the bacon, crumble it, and add it to the stock pot. Use the bacon fat to sauté chopped onion and bell pepper until the onion turns translucent.
Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef stock to the pot. Mix in garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cover and let simmer gently for at least 2 hours, stirring once in a while.
Taste and adjust seasoning after 2 hours, and simmer longer if desired for deeper flavors.
Take the pot off the heat and serve the chili immediately or cool and refrigerate to serve later with your choice of toppings like extra onions or crispy bacon.
Notes
To prepare this chili in a slow cooker, brown the beef and sausage and cook bacon separately, then sauté onion and bell pepper in bacon fat
Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker, mix well, and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours
Adjust seasonings before serving
For the Instant Pot method, brown meats and bacon using sauté mode, add vegetables, spices, and liquids
Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes
Thicken with sauté mode if needed before serving
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:120 minutes
Category:Soups
Method:Stovetop
Why You’ll Love This Paleo Chili
This cozy, hearty chili checks all the boxescomforting, healthy, and incredibly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. Perfect for Whole30 or anyone seeking a bean-free, low-carb bowl of goodness, this take on chili feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
One of the best parts? It’s bursting with bold flavors thanks to a blend of ground beef, sausage, and smoky bacon, combined with fragrant spices that develop as it simmers. Plus, it’s wonderfully versatilemake it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or even your Instant Pot. This is one recipe you’ll want to bookmark and share.
And don’t worry about complexityeverything here is pantry-friendly and straightforward. You’ve got this!
Key Ingredients & What Makes Them Shine
Several powerhouse ingredients come together to make this chili truly special. Let’s take a closer look:
Ground Beef & Italian Sausage: The heart of the dish. Using lean ground beef and spicy sausage adds incredible depth and protein.
Bacon: Smoky, crispy, and irresistible. Cooking your veggies in the leftover drippings is a real game-changer.
Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: These create the rich, savory tomato base classic to chili.
Bell Pepper & Onion: Classic vegetables that round out the flavorssweet, slightly crunchy, and cozy.
Aromatics & Spices: Garlic, cumin, oregano, and paprika are the flavor heroes here, giving the chili its bold, irresistible kick.
Note: Use sugar-free bacon and compliant beef stock to keep this dish Whole30-friendly!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Paleo Chili
This is one of those recipes where the longer it cooks, the better it tastes. Here’s how to make it:
Start with the Meat: Brown your ground beef and sausage in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease once cooked through.
Cook the Bacon: In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it. Save the flavorful drippings to sauté your veggies.
Sauté the Veggies: Toss in the onions and bell peppers, cooking them in the bacon drippings until soft and fragrant, then transfer them to the stock pot.
Add the Flavor: Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, garlic, and spices. Blend everything together, cover, and let it simmer for at least two hours.
Taste & Adjust: After simmering, check the seasoningadjust salt, spices, or cayenne for more heat if desired. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavors become.
Because we love options, here are some clever ways to personalize this chili:
Adjust the Heat: Playing chili referee? Add cayenne graduallyit’s better to start mild and spice it up later.
Skip the Sausage: Not a fan? Swap it with an extra pound of ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter variation.
Load Up the Veggies: Dice zucchini or mushrooms and toss them in to sneak in more vegetables.
For Thicker Chili: If it’s too liquidy, simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to reduce the liquid.
Pro Tip: Paleo chili makes a great meal-prep option. Make it on Sunday, and you’re set with lunches for the week!
How to Serve & Store
This chili is delicious on its own but shines with simple toppings and smart storage tips:
Favorite Toppings: Classic choices like diced onions and crumbled bacon work perfectly, or keep it dairy-free with sliced avocado or a swirl of coconut cream.
Leftovers: Store chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnightsuch a win!
Freezing: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Storage Method
How Long It Lasts
Reheating Tip
Refrigerated
Up to 4 days
Reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Frozen
Up to 3 months
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stove or microwave.
Pro Tip: Double the batch now and freeze half for a stress-free, cozy dinner later!
Expert Says
Paleo chili offers a nutrient-dense, grain-free alternative to traditional recipes by emphasizing whole foods like lean meats and vegetables. This approach supports stable blood sugar and digestive health. Slow cooking lets flavors meld while preserving key nutrients, enhancing both taste and nutrition.
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The Long Road to a Cozy Paleo Chili
This Paleo chili was a slow dance of trial and errortoo spicy one time, too watery the nextbut each attempt brought me closer to the right balance. After many pots simmered and lessons learned, this recipe now feels like the perfect cozy, family-friendly meal we turn to on chilly nights.
FAQs ( Paleo Chili )
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapenos early in cooking to deepen the heat. Adjust slowly, tasting as you go, to get the right kick without overpowering the other flavors in this meal.
Can I use other proteins in this dish?
This dish works well with ground turkey, chicken, or even diced beef stew meat. Just brown the meat first and adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure thorough cooking and tender texture.
What are suitable substitutes for tomatoes?
For a tomato-free version, use pumpkin puree or roasted red peppers blended with beef broth. These keep the chili rich and add natural sweetness while keeping it Whole30 friendly.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain the dish’s moisture and flavor.
Can this chili be frozen for later?
Yes, this meal freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a low carb diet?
This low carb chili recipe fits perfectly in a keto or paleo lifestyle. Using no beans and focusing on meat and vegetables keeps carbs minimal while delivering satisfying flavor and texture.
Conclusion
After about an hour simmering, this Whole30 chili comes together like a warm, cozy hug in a bowlrich, hearty, and packed with flavor without feeling heavy. You’ll love how the meat melts into the silky tomato base, with just the right kick of spices. Trust me, it’s the kind of dinner that fills your kitchen with comfort and leaves a happy glow long after the last bite.
One of my favorite tricks? Letting it rest overnight so the bold flavors can meld. Want to switch it up? Try swapping sausage for turkey or tossing in extra veggies like zucchini for a little green boost. And hey, storing leftovers in the fridge for quick lunches is a total lifesaverreheat gently, and you’re golden. A tip I picked up from my mom’s kitchen hustle that still works like a charm.
I’d love to see your easy paleo chili recipe versions or hear what memories it stirs updid your family make something similar on chilly nights? Snap a pic, share your story, or save this recipe for your next cozy night in. Here’s to simple, soulful meals that taste like home. Happy cooking!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
