If you’re looking for a deeply satisfying, flavor-packed stew that celebrates the best in bold, meaty flavors, Carnivore Chili is the answer to your cravings. This recipe is designed for those who want a hearty meal that skips the beans and veggies and goes straight for the savory, robust taste of slow-simmered meats and warming spices. Whether you’re following a carnivore lifestyle or just want to savor something rich and meaty, Carnivore Chili will quickly earn a spot in your culinary repertoire, impressing friends and comforting the whole family on chilly nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Carnivore Chili so irresistible is its no-fuss ingredient lineup where each item pulls its weight, adding incredible depth and robust character to every bite. Gather these key players and get ready for a richly layered, showstopping dish!
- Ground beef: The foundation of our chili, packed with flavor and a juicy texture that holds up beautifully to a long simmer.
- Beef chuck (cubed): Adds heartiness and a variety of textures that make every spoonful interesting and satisfying.
- Pork sausage: Infuses the chili with a subtle sweetness and jolt of extra savory notes — opt for mild or spicy as you prefer!
- Bacon: Delivers a smoky, salty punch and that unmistakable richness you crave in every bite of Carnivore Chili.
- Beef bone broth: Intensifies the umami and makes the broth luxuriously silky while providing depth of flavor.
- Tomato paste: Creates a concentrated layer of tangy complexity and helps thicken the chili just right.
- Chili powder: A crucial spice that brings warmth and color, letting the meat take center stage while providing a gentle heat.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a fragrant smokiness and vivid red hue for a beautiful bowl of chili.
- Salt and pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning and drawing out every delicious nuance in this meaty stew.
- Optional – cayenne pepper: For those who love an extra spicy kick, a little goes a long way!
How to Make Carnivore Chili
Step 1: Brown the Meats
Start by heating a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and let it render out its fat, stirring occasionally until it becomes crispy. Next, in the glorious bacon drippings, brown the pork sausage and ground beef, breaking it all up with a spoon as it cooks. When everything is nicely browned and you’ve built a gorgeous flavor base, remove most of the excess fat to avoid a greasy final chili, but leave just enough for flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Beef Chuck Cubes
Add the beef chuck cubes to the pot, searing them until they’re lightly browned on the outside but not fully cooked through. This step locks in juices and starts building the deep, layered meaty taste that sets Carnivore Chili apart. Don’t rush — take the time to develop a flavorful crust on the meat.
Step 3: Stir in Tomato Paste and Spices
With all those beautiful browned bits on the bottom of your pan, it’s time to sweep them up! Add the tomato paste, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using) directly into the meats. Stir well for a minute or two, letting the tomato paste caramelize slightly and the spices bloom, intensifying their aroma and color.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the beef bone broth, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the pot’s bottom. Bring everything to a low boil, then reduce the heat and let your Carnivore Chili simmer uncovered for at least 1 hour, ideally 2 hours for maximum richness. The simmering melds flavors and breaks down tougher cuts, resulting in a chili that’s both bold and incredibly tender.
Step 5: Final Taste and Serve
When you’re nearing the finish line, give your Carnivore Chili a quick taste and adjust the seasoning. If you like it punchier, add another sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne. If the texture becomes too thick, just splash in a bit more broth. Serve piping hot and get ready to be wowed!
How to Serve Carnivore Chili
Garnishes
While Carnivore Chili boasts plenty of meaty bravado on its own, garnishes allow you to play with texture and flavor. Try topping your bowl with crispy pieces of bacon, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or even sliced jalapeños if you’re feeling bold. A quick sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions (for those not strictly carnivore) can add a hint of color and zing to each spoonful.
Side Dishes
This chili is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs divinely with a few sidekicks. Serve alongside pork rinds for a crunchy, carb-free contrast, or consider a simple fried egg for extra protein. For those with a little leeway, a slice of buttery, toasted low-carb bread or a bowl of creamy coleslaw beautifully rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to go beyond the bowl, use Carnivore Chili as a hearty filling for lettuce wraps, spoon it over an egg omelette for an irresistible breakfast, or serve it atop a grilled steak for the ultimate surf-and-turf experience. For gatherings or parties, ladle the chili into mini mugs or shot glasses as a fun, savory appetizer that doubles as a conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Carnivore Chili keeps beautifully in the fridge, making your meal prep a dream. Simply transfer cooled chili to an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for up to four days. The flavors often deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! Portion the cooled chili into single-serving containers or freezer bags (lay them flat for easy stacking), and store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and you’ll always be a quick reheat away from a flavor-packed bowl.
Reheating
To reheat, place the desired amount of Carnivore Chili in a saucepan over low-medium heat, stirring gently until heated through. You can also microwave it in bursts, stirring between intervals for even warming. If the chili is too thick, loosen it up with a splash of beef broth as needed.
FAQs
Can I use different meats in Carnivore Chili?
Absolutely! Carnivore Chili is versatile, so feel free to use ground lamb, diced brisket, or even venison. Combining your favorite cuts yields wonderful texture and flavor, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Is Carnivore Chili spicy?
This version offers a mild kick, but you control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper. Like it hot? Go for extra spice. Prefer it tamer? Omit the cayenne and go easy on the chili powder.
Can I make Carnivore Chili in a slow cooker?
Definitely! After browning your meats and blooming the spices in a pan, transfer everything to your slow cooker with the broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is fall-apart tender. It’s a convenient hands-off option that delivers all the meaty magic.
How do I thicken Carnivore Chili without starches?
If your chili is a little too soupy, keep simmering with the lid off to let some liquid evaporate, or stir in extra tomato paste for a richer consistency. Skipping starch keeps things strictly carnivorous and deliciously robust.
Can I prepare Carnivore Chili ahead of time for guests?
Yes, making Carnivore Chili ahead is actually encouraged since the flavors improve after a night in the fridge. Warm it gently before serving and enjoy more time with your guests instead of fussing in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that packs pure, meaty comfort and bold flavor, Carnivore Chili is sure to hit the spot. It’s deeply satisfying whether you’re following a carnivore diet or just love a good, hearty chili. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite — everyone at the table will be asking for the recipe!
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Carnivore Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Carnivore Chili is a meat lover’s dream, packed with savory beef, spicy sausage, and smoky bacon. Slow-cooked to perfection, this chili is bursting with flavor and is the ultimate comfort food on a chilly day.
Ingredients
Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
Sausage:
- 1 lb spicy sausage, casing removed
Bacon:
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
Onions and Peppers:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Tomatoes:
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
Beans:
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Seasonings:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot, brown the ground beef, spicy sausage, and bacon until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Vegetables: Add the diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Let the chili simmer on low heat for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
Notes
- This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili powder and spicy sausage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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