Whole30 Chili

This Whole30 Chili with beef, pork, and sweet potato is a protein-rich, thick, hearty, and bean-free stew loaded with savory ground meats, tender root vegetables, and bold chili spices. Trust me, you won’t miss the beans! If you are like us and enjoy a hearty bowlful bursting with flavor, try our Smoky Chipotle Chili!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Beef and Pork: These two meats make the base full of protein, rich, meaty, and filling for this Whole30 Chili.

Sweet Potatoes: Cubed sweet potatoes replace traditional beans, adding a soft texture and a mild, natural sweetness.

Tomatoes and Broth: Crushed or fire-roasted tomatoes and beef broth create a rich, savory liquid base instead of a watery broth.

It’s Paleo and Whole30: Having no gluten, grains, or dairy, it is the perfect dish if you need to keep it Paleo or Whole30 friendly.

Ingredients You Will Need

Ground Beef: from various cuts such as chuck, round, or sirloin. I like Grass Roots Coop for my meat purchases.

Ground Pork: from various cuts such as the shoulder of the pork, pork butt or loin trimmings that has been finely minced or ground.

Avocado Oil: is extracted from the pulp of the avocado. It is delicious and nutritious and easy to use.

Onion: an all-purpose onion most commonly used in cooking and has a strong flavor that mellows into a deep sweetness when cooked, caramelized, or roasted.

Sweet Potato: have a naturally sweet flavor and starchy texture. They are perfect for both sweet and savory dishes and a great option for replacing the beans in this Whole30 Chili.

Bell Pepper: are a member of the nightshade family and are related to tomatoes. They can be green, red, yellow or orange eaten cooked or raw.

Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: are charred over an open flame and add a smoky flavor to the dish.

Beef Bone Broth: is a nutrient-dense, savory liquid made by simmering roasted beef bones and vegetables for 12-24 hours. This cooking process breaks down collagen into gelatin which results in a thicker, richer broth. I like Kettle & Fire.

Jalapeño: are a type of chili pepper. They are the most popular hot pepper in the United States and are a key ingredient in Mexican cooking. They can range from mild to very hot.

Tomato Paste: has a stronger flavor than tomato sauce and also acts as a thickener for the sauce.

Green Chili Peppers: are known as Hatch or Anaheim chilis.

Cumin: has a warm and earthy flavor that is derived from the dried seeds of the Cuminum Cyminum plant.

Chili Powder: is a spice blend of dried chili peppers and other spices like cumin, garlic powder and oregano.

Garlic Powder: is best for when you want a milder flavor that will also coat meats easier for sautéing or quickly frying.

Dried Oregano: is an intensely flavored herb, ground oregano brings a peppery bite and a slightly sweet, earthy aroma to the dish.

Salt and Black Pepper: salt enhances and balances flavors. Meanwhile, ground black pepper adds a gentle heat.

Instructions

Heat oil: in a large soup pot.

Add diced onions: and sauté till translucent.

Place the beef and the pork: into the pot, breaking apart and cooking till no longer pink.

Add the diced sweet potatoes: diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, chili peppers, bell pepper, jalapeño and spices.

Simmer on low: for one hour.

Garnish with avocado slices: jalapeño slices, and limes if desired.

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make it ahead: Go ahead and make this Whole30 Chili ahead of time. It gets better and better the next few days as the flavors meld together.

Dice the sweet potatoes: small and as uniformly as possible.

Jalapeño pepper: leave the seeds in if you prefer a spicier Whole30 chili.

Recipe Variations

Ground Chicken: works well in place of the ground pork.

Beef Broth: makes a good alternative for the beef bone broth.

Olive Oil: is a good substitute for the avocado oil.

Storage Tips

To store the Whole30 Chili, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate 5 days. Freeze it for up to 6 months when placed in an airtight glass container.

FAQ’s About Whole30 Chili

What is the most important spice in chili?

If you guessed chili powder you are correct! Chili seasoning usually contains ground chilies, garlic powder, ground cumin and Mexican oregano.

What gives chili a smoky flavor?

The smoky flavor comes from adding cumin, smoked paprika, and ancho chili. However, if you want more heat you can add cayenne or crushed red pepper.

Why use sweet potatoes instead of beans?

Sweet potatoes diced small resemble the texture of beans.