Chorizo Chili Con Carne With Chipotle (Paleo, Whole30, Gluten-Free)

Learn how to make a hearty chorizo chili con carne flavoured with chipotle peppers. This paleo and gluten-free friendly beef chilli comes with a slow cooker and stovetop methods and step-by-step photos.


Chorizo Chili Con Carne (Paleo, Gluten-Free)

When I think of comfort food, I always imagine a hearty bowl of beef chilli or chili con carne.

Most chili recipes are made with ground meat and beans but I wanted to create a legume-free, paleo-friendly recipe. My partner doesn’t tolerate beans (neither do I, to be honest) but if they’re fine for you, feel free to add some canned legumes for a more authentic version.

In any case, I hope my version tickles your tastebuds’ fancy and you give it a go as it does come with a tasty twist.

How To Make Chorizo Chilli Con Carne

The special ingredients in this recipe are chorizo and dried chipotle chilli.

Chorizo is a pork sausage heavily spiced with paprika and garlic and it adds incredible flavour and colour to this beef chilli. I suggest getting good quality chorizo from your local butcher or deli and checking the ingredients. Alternatively, add some bacon and extra paprika spice.

Chipotle chilli adds both the spice and the smokiness to the dish – a wonderful combination. You can get dried or canned chipotle peppers, either can be used in the recipe. Look for them in the Mexican section of your supermarket or order them online. They are fantastic to have on hand and you can make chipotle chicken, add them to pulled pork or make smoky tomato salsa. Alternatively, use some smoked paprika powder or just regular paprika.

The recipe card below shows you how to make this paleo chilli con carne in a slow cooker but of course, you can also make this recipe on a stovetop or in the oven (see my instructions below). 

How to make chorizo chili con carne

Beef Chilli Serving Suggestions

Every chilli should come with delicious toppings and sides. I love a dollop of sour cream, Greek yoghurt or dairy-free alternative and some diced avocado. Fresh coriander (or cilantro) adds some freshness.

For those following a low-carb/keto, paleo or Whole30 diet, serve this chorizo chilli over cauliflower rice, and zucchini noodles, broccoli rice or with some sweet potatoes. You can also try baking this jalapeno coconut bread or this gluten-free cornbread.

Alternatively, make a side of regular rice or quinoa while the chilli is cooking. Sourdough bread, corn chips or warm tortillas can also be used to enjoy the stew. 

Paleo Chili Con Carne With Chorizo & Chipotle

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Chorizo Chili Con Carne (Paleo, Gluten-Free)

Chili Con Carne With Chorizo & Chipotle (Slow Cooker)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Author: Irena Macri
Servings: 4
Course: Main
Cuisine: Tex Mex
Print Pin Save
5 from 5 votes
Calories: 442kcal
Hearty and filling chorizo chili con carne made with ground beef and chipotle peppers. This gluten-free, paleo chilli is made in a slow cooker, but you can easily make it on a stovetop or in the oven.

Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion finely diced
  • 2 medium chorizo sausages skin off and diced roughly
  • 650 g ground beef mince, 1.5 lbs.
  • 2-3 cloves garlic diced
  • 2 chipotle chilli peppers dried or tinned, diced
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seed powder
  • 1.5 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika powder
  • 1.5 cup diced tomatoes tinned
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Garnish: greek or coconut yoghurt fresh coriander, spring onion

Instructions

Slow cooker method: 

  • Cook the onions in olive over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes. This can be done in a frying pan or directly in a slow cooker dish if it's heat-proof. Then add the diced chorizo, stir and cook for a further 2 minutes, until slightly browned.
  • Now add the beef and break it apart while stirring with the onion and chorizo. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Follow with the garlic and spices, and stir together for a minute to release the aromas.
  • Finally, add the tomatoes and vinegar, bring to a simmer and transfer to a slow cooker (unless already in the slow cooker dish, then simply place the vessel back onto the heating element).
  • Cook covered for 2-3 hours on HIGH, 4-5 hours on MEDIUM, 6-7 hours on LOW.

Stovetop method:

  • Repeat the same steps as above but cook everything in a large pot or a deep frying pan with a lid. Once all ingredients are added and brought to a simmer, cover with a lid and cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring a few times.

Oven method:

  • Repeat the same steps as above and once all ingredients are added and brought to a simmer, transfer the mix to an oven-proof casserole dish or a Dutch oven, cover with foil and cook in a 200 C / 395 F oven for 30-45 minutes. Stir halfway.

Notes

If you can't find chorizo, use bacon and add paprika powder.
If you can't find chipotle chili, use regular chili powder and smoked paprika.
If you can tolerate dairy, serve this chilli with a little plain yoghurt or sour cream on the side. Otherwise, serve as is with a little fresh coriander on top. It goes well in tacos, over sweet potatoes, cauliflower rice; also, quinoa or white rice if you eat those.

Nutrition

Calories: 442kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 705mg | Potassium: 773mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 599IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 6mg
Keywords: Paleo, Chorizo, Chili, Ground Beef Recipes, Dinner Meals, Meal Prep
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Chorizo & Chipotle Chili Con Carne (Paleo, Gluten-Free)
Irena Macri
By Irena Macri

About the author: Hi, I’m Irena Macri. I share delicious recipes that I have cooked and loved. I am a published cookbook author, have been food blogging for over 10 years and have a Diploma in Nutrition. You will find many healthy recipes as well as my favourite comfort food. More about me here | Subscribe to my newsletter and freebies

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Comments

12 Comments
  1. 5 stars
    Wow! Chorizo is probably my favourite food. I make a similar sort of casserole but this looks way nicer! Can’t wait to try it, will definitely share :)!

  2. 5 stars
    The Chilli & Chipotle Chilli I have done twice now it is the most delicious chilli we have ever tasted the Chorizo gives it the most delicious twist I’m doing another in my slow cooker to take to our caravan to spend May Day weekend

    Shirley from Tamworth Staffs

    1. Thanks Shirley! I am so happy you made it twice with great success. I love adding chorizo to stew for exactly that reason 🙂

  3. 5 stars
    I added some chickpeas; I soaked 50g dried chickpeas overnight, then cooked them for 20 minutes in a pressure cooker, before draining, and adding to the slow-cooker with the other prepared ingredients, and leaving it to cook on ‘low’ for 6 hours. Very nutritious. Yup, some carbs, but also extra protein from the pulses….
    Incidentally, I never use tinned chickpeas. Sometimes they add sugars and other ingredients, and it’s far more economical and cost-effective to buy dried and cook ’em in a pressure cooker.

    Lovely recipe. Best one I’ve seen in a long time. The addition of the Chorizo is a stroke of genius!

    1. Thank you! That’s the best way to cook chickpeas – from raw and pre-soaking ahead of time. I really like them but sadly they make me all bloated so I save them for special occasions (read *hummus*) 😉

  4. 5 stars
    This was a super easy recipe to follow and so worth it. I can’t wait for the flavours to develop and have the next day

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