36 of The Best Paleo Chili Recipes (2024)

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Louise| August 26

36 of The Best Paleo Chili Recipes (1)

Post by Lucha: World traveler turned culinary student, Lucha will try most food but prefers Indian, Thai and Mexican food above all else. She is currently either cooking, eating, grocery shopping, or browsing recipes on Pinterest.

I was always mystified by chili – that warm and spicy Tex-Mex stew that seemed to have plenty of unrecognizable bits and bobs floating about in a spicy tomato soup sauce.

I couldn’t believe it the first time my friend’s mom showed us (the morning of a Big Game Day of course) just how easy it was! Using tomatoes, spices and your choice of filling, customizing a dish to your liking–or based on what you’ve got in the cupboard–just doesn’t get more straight-forward than this.

And I know what you’re thinking. Chili without the beans? What’s a Paleo eater to do? Behold the best bean-less chili recipes this side of the border!


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Top 3 Paleo Chili Recipes

36 of The Best Paleo Chili Recipes (3)

1. Super Bowl Crock Pot Chili

The foodies over at the Meatified blog have offered up this super clear and easy-to-follow chili recipe full of meat, a variety of peppers and a secret ingredient: dark chocolate! Whether it’s the Super Bowl or a cold winter afternoon, this crock pot recipe keeps it simple with some tips and tricks, like layering the ingredients instead of mixing them together. While I still don’t own a crock pot, I’m tempted to get one before my next big party; I’m sure this crock pot chili would be a huge hit with a crowd! (And thanks to Rach who let us re-use her image.)

2. Paleo Crockpot Chili

While still a bit on the spicy-hot side, this recipe has more of a toasted and roasted zing to it because of the use of cacao powder and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. This one also calls for a crock pot and 6-8 hours of cook time; perhaps it’s best to get started the night before if it’s for a lunch or a mid-day party. The good thing though is that it takes 10 minutes to mix it all together and then the crock pot does the rest of the work for you. I have a feeling that it’ll be worth the wait to soak through this hearty Paleo chili’s amazing flavor combination.

3. Pumpkin Chicken Chili

Diverging a ways off from your typical beefy tomato-base chili, this recipe mixes chicken in pumpkin sauce (with optional white wine- mmm!). The Civilized Caveman’s chili recipe is definitely a winner (Strands of My Life blogger agrees). If the kids are hot food-phobic you can always leave out the jalapeños; they’re pretty much the only spicy ingredient listed. These proportions are enough for 8-10 people but you can also make it on Sunday and freeze or refrigerate for easy to-go lunches all week!

Ancestral Chef Paleo Chili Recipes

Here are two yummy and unique Paleo chili recipes from our own website.

1. Bison Pineapple Chili

2. Raspberry Liver Chili

Other Great Paleo Chili Recipes

1. Bison Sweet Potato Chili

Food blogger Holly recommends you exit your comfort zone momentarily and try something new – bison!

2. One Pot Paleo Chili

Grass Fed Girl is the Internet’s resident expert on the health benefits of grass-fed beef. She uses it in this chili recipe and mixes in healthy veggies like zucchini and carrot that you might not have thought of including.

3. Paleo Bean-Less Chili

This bean-less chili recipe comes with a great recommendation from blogger Jessica: serve as a topping over a baked sweet potato! Why didn’t I think of that?

4. Paleo Chili Recipe

This is the most succinct Paleo chili recipe on the list so far, with a short list of ingredients and brief instructions.

5. Hearty Stovetop Chili

Using bacon and chicken sausages in addition to beef, these bloggers give a step-by-step photo guide so there’s no way to mess this one up! 36 of The Best Paleo Chili Recipes (6)

6. Tropical Turkey Chili

Blogger Melissa (who kindly allowed us to reproduce her image) starts with the basics but then lets you choose your garnish, giving some great ideas for a more tropical twist like pineapple and fried plantains.

7. Masala Chili with Kale and Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi may not be the easiest ingredient to find, but the Indian flavors of this “chili-like dish” has me intrigued. I might just try it out and replace the kohlrabi with turnip or radish if locating it proves difficult.

8. Butternut Squash Chili

Everyday Maven uses a steak cut and guides us through this recipe with step-by-step photos.

9. Quick and Easy Crock Pot Chili

This crockpot chili recipe is pretty straight forward; I especially love Hayley’s recommendations to vary the dish for whatever your mild-medium-hot preference may be.

10. Mexican Stewp Recipe

Food blogger Linda calls this chili a “stewp” (a cross between a stew and a soup). Her variation includes carrots, zucchini, cabbage, and (an optional) Polenta!

11. Sweet Cocoa Chili

Like a few others in this list, this recipe calls for bison, but you can leave it out if it’s too hard to find (or if you otherwise can’t be bothered). What makes this one special is the spice combination: cloves and allspice contribute to the warm and sweet, subtle flavors.

12. Pumpkin Chorizo Chili

Another chili on the sweeter side, the base for this one is a pork chorizo sausage; i.e. no beef!

13. Sweet Summer Chili

This chili is strong on the veggies and telling from the photo, it appears to be more of a soup.

14. Cherry Pork Chili

This cherry pork chili has a heavy Mexican flavor thanks to the gluten-free enchilada sauce (Mindy provides a link to the sauce recipe as well).

And Even More Paleo Chili Recipes

15. Habanero Chili

16. Slow Cooked, Grass Fed Beef Chili

17. Beef and Pork Chili (slow cooker)

18. Meaty Paleo Chili

19. Crockpot Pork and Pumpkin Chili

20. Slow Cooker Chili Verde

21. Pumpkin Chicken Chili (With White Cooking Wine)

22. Magic “Chili”

23. Paleo Pumpkin Chili

24. 10 – Minute Chili

25. Primal Chili

26. Chocolate Chili

27. Spicy Pineapple Chili

28. Nom Nom Paleo’s Cowboy Chili

29. Chocolate Chili from Well Fed (one of the most popular Paleo chili recipes ever)

30. Elk Chipotle Chocolate Chili

31. Primal Palate’s Chili

Images: Copyright (c) Michael Longo cc
Véritable Chili Con Carne cc
Nathan Yergler cc
IMG_0353 cc

36 of The Best Paleo Chili Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to amazing chili? ›

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

What is the best meat for chili? ›

What is the best meat for chili? The best meat for chili depends on the type you're making, but professionals generally use a combination of ground chuck, brisket, short ribs, or diced tri-tip sirloin mixed with bacon and sausage to layer multiple textures and flavors.

How do you make chili that doesn't cause gas? ›

Instead of using beans, add veggies like carrots, celery, or green peppers. You could also try soaking and sprouting dried beans rather than using canned (which are harder to digest). The sprouting method makes them easier for your stomach to digest.

What to add to chili to make it healthy? ›

"By adding extra veggies you'll increase nutrients, fiber, and satisfaction," the twins say. "Bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, crushed tomatoes, onions, and carrots are all great choices."

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What gives chili the best flavor? ›

Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight. Warming spice blends, like Garam Masala, Ras el Hanout or Baharat are another simple and delicious way to add layered flavors to this simple one-pot meal.

Which onion is best for chili? ›

Yellow Onions: These are the most versatile and widely available type of onion, and are a good choice for chili con carne. They have a slightly sweet, sharp, and tangy flavor that adds depth and complexity to the dish.

What are the best beans for chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

Why add vinegar to chilli? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

What spice reduces gas in beans? ›

Add ajwain or epazote – both of these spices will decrease gas production – I swear by the epazote! Just add about a tablespoon to a large pot of beans during the cooking process. You can also add ginger or cumin as these spices help with digestion.

Is chili good for your gut? ›

Chilies also contain capsaicin, which is what gives them their heat. And the capsaicin is the source of a lot of other health benefits. Capsaicin may help to improve digestion by increasing the amount of digestive fluids in your stomach. It may also help fight bacterial infections.

Does sugar make chili taste better? ›

Now for the piece de resistance: 1-2 heaping Tablespoons brown sugar. The chili tastes completely different without the brown sugar so if you like a subtle sweetness in your chili then you've just got to go for it! Trust me, it will not make your chili taste like candy.

Is sour cream good in chili? ›

For an extra tangy, rich bite, incorporate a dollop (or five) into your batch. This is already common practice in many white chili recipes (which, ironically, are often made with green chiles), but a dollop of stirred-in sour cream can benefit red chili, as well.

What can you add to chili for extra flavor? ›

Spices: While cumin, chile powder, and cayenne pepper tend to be common additions to many chili recipes, there's a broad world of flavor out there to experiment with. Try a little fenugreek, turmeric, garam masala, or sumac to layer in more complex flavors. Smoky paprika is my own personal favorite.

What ingredient will change your chili forever? ›

According to The Kitchn, that ingredient is cocoa powder. You may associate chocolate with dessert, but rest assured, adding cocoa powder won't make your chili sickeningly sweet. Instead, it'll contribute a layer of richness and balance out the spiciness.

Why would you put vinegar in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

Why do you put brown sugar in chili? ›

The brown sugar gave it a sweet/tangy flavor that reminded me of BBQ-sauce! Th chili was so good - it was hard to stop eating it! I did had some extra veggies (1 cl. garlic, 1 celery stalk, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper, 1 hot pepper) and used a can of diced tomatoes rather than tomato juice.

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