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To make a great Whole30 Paleo chili, you need a few key ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with no added sugar - 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce, no added sugar - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 2 teaspoons ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste - ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup vegetable broth, low sodium preferred These ingredients create a solid base for rich and hearty chili. The ground meat gives the chili protein, while the vegetables add texture and flavor. The spices bring warmth and depth, making each bite delicious. While the main ingredients create a tasty dish, optional items can enhance your chili: - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or black beans (optional for strict Whole30) - Sliced green onions - Avocado slices - Chopped cilantro Beans add fiber and protein. Green onions, avocado, and cilantro provide fresh flavors and healthy fats. They can make your chili more filling and vibrant. If you have dietary needs, you can swap some ingredients: - Use leaner ground turkey for a lighter option. - Substitute diced tomatoes with fresh tomatoes for a homemade taste. - Replace vegetable broth with homemade chicken broth if desired. These swaps keep the chili healthy while catering to your taste. Always check labels for added sugars if you're on Whole30. Enjoy experimenting with flavors while sticking to your dietary goals! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make Whole30 Paleo Chili, start with a large pot. Heat olive oil over medium heat. When the oil shines, add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. You want the onion to look soft and clear. Then, add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir it often until the garlic smells good and turns a light gold. Next, add ground beef or turkey. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring now and then. The meat should turn brown and be fully cooked. After that, sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix it all well so the meat gets covered in spices. Now, pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together. Turn up the heat until it simmers gently. If you want to add beans, do it now. If you are strict with Whole30, use extra chopped veggies instead. Lower the heat and let the chili simmer for 30-40 minutes. Stir sometimes as it cooks. This helps it thicken to your liking. Before serving, taste the chili. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or spices if needed. Serve hot, and top with green onions, avocado, or cilantro for a fresh touch. When cooking ground meat, choose a heavy pot. It helps heat evenly. Always break the meat apart with a spatula while it cooks. This ensures it cooks well. You can also let the meat brown a bit before stirring. This adds flavor. If using turkey, keep an eye on the heat. Turkey can dry out fast. To keep it moist, add a splash of broth or water during cooking. This makes the meat juicy and tasty. Cooking time affects the chili's texture. If you want a thicker chili, let it simmer longer. Stir it often to prevent sticking. If you like a thinner chili, add more broth. You can adjust cooking time based on your taste. For a softer texture, you can cook it longer. This helps the flavors blend well. Just remember to check the pot now and then. It is important to stir to keep it from burning. To make your Whole30 Paleo Chili truly shine, focus on layering flavors. Start by sautéing the onion and bell pepper until soft. This step builds a sweet base. Next, add garlic right before the meat. This gives a great aroma. Use quality spices like chili powder and cumin. Toast them in the pot for a minute or two. This brings out their true essence. Chili is a great meal for busy weeks. You can make it ahead of time. Prepare a big batch and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions. This way, you can grab a meal anytime. Just reheat and enjoy. You can even add fresh toppings after reheating. This recipe makes six servings. To keep portions in check, use a measuring cup. Fill it with chili to make sure you don’t overeat. Pair your chili with a side salad to fill your plate. This adds more veggies and keeps your meal balanced. Enjoy your chili hot and topped with your favorite fresh ingredients. Pro Tips Choose the Right Meat: Opt for grass-fed ground beef or organic turkey for better flavor and healthier fats. Spice It Up: Adjust the spice levels by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier chili. Incorporate Extra Veggies: For added nutrition, include chopped zucchini or carrots when sautéing the vegetables. Let It Rest: Allow the chili to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this helps the flavors meld together beautifully. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this chili. Simply swap the meat for extra veggies. Use mushrooms, zucchini, or cauliflower for a hearty texture. You can also add lentils or chickpeas for protein. Just be sure to rinse and drain the beans if you use them. This keeps the dish Whole30 compliant. Want more flavor? You can boost the taste with fresh herbs. Cilantro or parsley add freshness. If you love heat, try adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Adjust the spice level to your liking. Start with a little and taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect balance for your chili. Toppings can change your chili game. Try sliced green onions or avocado for creaminess. Fresh cilantro adds a nice pop of color and taste. You can also use dairy-free cheese or a squeeze of lime. These toppings not only look great but also enhance the flavor. Feel free to mix and match to find your perfect combo! After you make your Whole30 Paleo Chili, let it cool. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure it’s sealed tight to prevent any odors from the fridge from affecting the chili. When you're ready to enjoy your chili again, reheat it on the stove. Pour the chili into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it often to heat evenly. If the chili seems thick, add a little vegetable broth or water. This will bring back its original texture and flavor. You can also use the microwave. Place it in a bowl and cover it with a lid. Heat it in short bursts, stopping to stir. Freezing is a great way to save your chili for later. First, cool the chili completely. Then, use freezer-safe containers or bags. Divide it into portions for easy meals later. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or microwave as mentioned before. This chili can last up to three months in the freezer, making it a perfect meal prep option. Yes, Whole30 Paleo Chili is compliant with Whole30 diets. It uses whole ingredients without added sugar or grains. The recipe features ground beef or turkey, fresh vegetables, and spices. Ensure your canned goods, like tomatoes and broth, don't have added sugars. This chili supports your Whole30 goals while being tasty and filling. Absolutely! You can easily make chili in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. For a slow cooker, brown the meat and veggies first. Then, add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté setting to brown the meat and veggies. Then, add other ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes. Both methods save time and enhance flavor. To keep your chili sugar-free, read labels carefully. Use diced tomatoes and tomato sauce with no added sugar. Choose vegetable broth that is low sodium and sugar-free. If using beans, rinse them well to remove any added sugars. By selecting the right ingredients, your chili will stay true to Whole30 rules. This blog post covered everything you need for Whole30 Paleo Chili. We explored key ingredients and optional choices that boost flavor and health. I shared step-by-step cooking tips to get the best texture and taste. You learned about variations for vegetarians and flavor tweaks. I also offered storage tips to keep your chili fresh. In summary, you can enjoy making delicious chili while sticking to your diet. Happy cooking!

Firecracker Whole30 Paleo Chili

A spicy and hearty chili that adheres to Whole30 and Paleo guidelines, perfect for a cozy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (red or green)
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, without added sugar
  • 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce (ensure no added sugar)
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or black beans (optional for strict Whole30; rinse and drain before adding)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup vegetable broth (homemade or low sodium preferred)
  • optional sliced green onions, avocado slices, chopped cilantro

Instructions
 

  • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.
  • Introduce the ground beef or turkey into the pot. Use a spatula to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook for approximately 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked through.
  • Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the meat is fully coated with the spices.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth, mixing everything together. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • If using beans, stir them in at this point (for strict Whole30 participants, consider adding extra chopped veggies instead).
  • Lower the heat and allow the chili to simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally and cook until it reaches your desired thickness.
  • Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or spices if desired.
  • Serve the chili hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as sliced green onions, avocado slices, or fresh cilantro for added freshness.

Notes

Serve in rustic bowls or mason jars for a cozy presentation. Top with vibrant garnishes for added freshness.
Keyword chili, healthy, Paleo, spicy, Whole30