Homemade Paleo Chili

This Homemade Paleo Chili recipe is delectably flavored with oregano, cumin, basil, fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, and garlic! It tastes incredible straight off the stove or the next day as leftovers! {Paleo}

I do not even know where to begin. This Homemade Paleo Chili recipe is the bees knees, and that’s putting it mildly. I seriously delayed learning how to make paleo chili because I thought for sure the finished product would taste like sadness, regret, disappointment, and unicorn tears. I mean, without the usual ingredients, why even bother?

But I was wrong. So wrong.

Because when you pair basil, oregano, and cumin with fresh tomatoes and bell pepper, who even needs beans? I can’t believe I just wrote that phrase. But there you have it. Case in point: the girls absolutely LOVED the chili, proceeded to WILLINGLY ask for seconds, and then remained comfortably full, such that they did not ask for dinner part deux just before bed. Nope, their bellies went to bed on time. And that might be the most successful dinner we’ve ever had in our decades-plus experience as parents.

The girls weren’t the only ones to fall in love with Homemade Paleo Chili. Specifically, K-Hubs and I are head-over-heels in love with basil. Growing up, I don’t think I included basil in my chili. But I was inspired to try it when I discovered a traditional chili recipe, complete with basil, in my New Better Homes and Garden Cookbook (12th edition, by the way). I don’t think I can go back to life before basil in my chili. I’m also bonkers for any excuse to add cumin and oregano. So this recipe is just one big happy place in my household!

But enough chitchat. Get ready to savor the most amazing Homemade Paleo Chili recipe. It’s a tantalizing gluten-free dinner the whole family will love. And if four out of four of us are face-first in this deliciousness, then you know it has to be good!

Homemade Paleo Chili ingredients

Homemade Paleo Chili couldn’t be easier to prepare. The ingredient list is short and straightforward, and the final product is full of zing!

• Hamburger. I prepare about 1 1/2-2 pounds of ground beef.
• Onion. One yellow or white pepper, diced.
• Red bell pepper. Chopped.
• Fresh garlic. I press about 4-5 cloves of garlic.
• Fresh tomatoes. I dice about 6 small tomatoes.
• Tomato sauce. I look for tomato sauce with the fewest ingredients possible.
• Spices: Basil, oregano, cumin, sea salt, and coarse black pepper.
• Garnishes: Fresh cilantro and diced avocado.

How to make Homemade Paleo Chili

To make your own Homemade Paleo Chili, use just about any deep pan you’d like. I have made it before using a rondeau pan, a deep skillet with a lid, and a large sauté pan. If you can fit the ingredients in the pan, then you’re set to go!

1. In a large sauté or rondeau pan, brown the ground beef. Drain the grease, if desired. Then add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until the onions turn translucent. Stir in the tomatoes and add the tomato sauce. Sprinkle in basil, oregano, cumin, and sea salt.
2. Simmer covered for at least 20 minutes, or on a LOW heat for up to one hour. Garnish with coarse black pepper.
3. Refrigerate leftovers for about 2-3 days.  

Adjusting spices

You’ll notice in our recipe, we don’t add chili powder or cayenne pepper. That’s for our family’s dietary needs. You can certainly add those spices to your chili, if you’d like. Either reduce the amount of the other spices a little to make room for chili powder and cayenne pepper, OR simply add these seasonings on top of what is already included.

Whatever spices you do include, adjust the amounts up or down, according to your palate.

And if you are in the mood for additional spicy recipes, then you might also enjoy these delicious dishes!

• Paleo White Chicken Chili
• Paleo Country-Style Chicken Stew
• Slow Cooker Beef Tacos

Spiriteds, I hope this spicy, zingy chili recipe finds you well. I’m glad you’re here! 💚

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