The first week of January sometimes feels like a polar plunge from the warm, cozy hug of holiday cookies and champagne into dry, cold, “healthy” food. It doesn’t have to be this way! I passionately believe that eating well should not to taste like a sacrifice. Healthy recipes like this one shouldn’t require you to spend a fortune on ingredients or make trips to specialty stores. That’s my goal with my recipes here (especially the ones in my upcoming cookbook!). Whether or not you are following a Whole30 diet, this Whole30 chili is a worthy recipe to make and eat year-round. It’s thick and hearty the way a good chili should be. The spices are complex, it’s made to be smothered in yummy chili toppings, and it’s also packed with healthy ingredients to make it a wholesome, well-rounded meal. This recipe is my top-rated Instant Pot Paleo Chili. It uses the same sneak healthy ingredient (a can of pumpkin—trust me, it’s beyond delish!), but it cooks on the stovetop. Chili is also a meal prepper’s dream. You could chop the sweet potatoes, onion, and bell peppers in the morning or the night before, then finish up the recipe when you get home from work. Since chili tastes even better the next day, you could also cook it one weekend afternoon, then warm it up for fast, healthy lunches and Whole30 dinners all week long. Since this recipe is Whole30 compliant (and also Paleo compliant, grain free, and gluten free), I made the chili without beans. If you aren’t concerned with the recipe being diet specific, you can certainly add black beans or kidney beans if you like—this is what I often do when I make my Turkey Chili Instant Pot.
How to Make The Best Whole30 Chili Recipe
Feel free to adjust the spices and even vegetables in this recipe to your taste. You could swap the sweet potatoes for butternut squash or even carrots. Like your chili spicy? Toss in an extra pinch cumin or chipotle chili powder.
The Ingredients
Lean Ground Beef. Meat makes this chili hearty and filling. You can also make the chili with ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer. For something more adventurous, try ground bison. It has flavor similar to beef but is leaner (this is actually what I use most often for this recipe). Sweet Potatoes. Fiber rich, high in antioxidants, and they add a serving of vegetables, making this chili a healthy all-in-one dinner. You can also make the whole30 chili with butternut squash or with carrots instead. Red and Green Bell Peppers. More veggies (which means more nutrients) and more flavor too. Pumpkin Puree. I realize this sounds nuts, but it works so, so well here. The chili doesn’t taste like pumpkin; rather, the pumpkin makes the chili extra rich and thick and sneaks in yet another serving of vegetables. Spices. A combination of salt, pepper, oregano, chipotle chili powder, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and cinnamon produces the perfect amount of heat and rich flavor. Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes. A staple in my pantry, fire roasted diced tomatoes add immediate flavor to the chili. Toppings! One of the best parts of a bowl of chili is the way you top it off. See below for more suggestions.
The Directions
What to Eat with Whole30 Chili
Vegetables. A side of Sautéed Brussels Sprouts, or Roasted Zucchini would be healthy and delicious. (Omit any cheese if following Whole30.) Salad. For a fresh, light side dish, try this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad (If following a Whole30 diet, omit the honey and use a Whole30 compliant cheese in place of the goat cheese.) Applesauce. Serve a cooling bowl of Crockpot Applesauce with this chili. (To make Whole30, omit the honey.)
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
To Store. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To Reheat. Gently reheat chili in a large pot on the stove over medium heat until hot, adding splashes of broth or water as needed. You can also rewarm this chili in the microwave. To Freeze. Place leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To Make Ahead. Chop the sweet potatoes, peppers, and onions. Brown the meat and sauté the onions, coating both in the spices. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. When ready to cook, begin with Step 3 and finish cooking as directed.
More Favorite Chili Recipes
Green Chili Recipe Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili Instant Pot Chili Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Recommended Tools to Make Whole30 Chili
Dutch Oven. The ideal sturdy pot for making this chili. Ladle. Makes it easy to transfer soup to bowls and storage containers. Cutting Board. I love how much space this one has!
Here’s to eating foods you love without giving up the big, bold flavors that make meal time exciting!
