Cooking gluten-free doesn’t have to feel limiting. Being a food enthusiast and registered dietitian, I’ve explored many recipes, looking for ways to keep meals exciting and accessible to everyone.
The right flavors can create magic in the kitchen. One dish that shines in this regard is gluten-free beef chili.
From the sizzling sound of onion hitting the pan to the comforting scent wafting through your kitchen, it’s an experience worth sharing.
In this article, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about gluten-free beef chili. Trust me; you’re going to want to add this dish to your meal rotation. Along the way, you may even discover new favorite pairings.
What is Gluten-Free Beef Chili?
Gluten-free beef chili is a savory dish made with ground beef, spices, and beans, all blended in a sauce that has a deep, rich flavor. The beauty of chili lies in its versatility. Tailored to your taste, you can adjust the heat, add veggies, or even switch out the proteins.
The gluten-free aspect means it’s accessible for those with dietary restrictions, making it an ideal go-to meal for gatherings and weeknight dinners alike.
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a hearty bowl of chili where the flavors dance on your palate. The richness from the beef, the sweetness from the tomatoes, and the warmth of spices come together in perfect harmony.
Each spoonful brings a blend of savory, slightly sweet, and spicy flavors. Gluten-free beef chili is the perfect comfort food; it warms your belly and makes you feel right at home.
Why This Recipe Works
Here are four compelling reasons that make this gluten-free beef chili recipe stand out:
Flavor Depth – By using fire-roasted tomatoes and a variety of spices, you introduce layers of flavor. The combination creates an umami-rich base that elevates the dish.
Customized Heat – Spice levels can easily be adjusted. Whether you like a mild chili or crave something with a fiery kick, just adjust the chili powder or add fresh peppers. This recipe allows you to take control!
Filling and Satisfying – With a blend of beef, beans, and veggies, this meal doesn’t just look good; it fills you up. You won’t find yourself scouring the kitchen for snacks later on.
Simple Preparation – Even if you’re rushing home from work, this recipe is straightforward. Most of the flavor develops as it simmers, so you can kick back and relax during cooking time.
Ingredients for Gluten-Free Beef Chili
Gather these ingredients for a rich and delicious gluten-free beef chili:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 2 cups)
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork-based)
- 2 (28 oz) cans crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 (15 oz) cans red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté this mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables become tender and fragrant. Aromas should begin enveloping your kitchen; enjoy that moment!
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Next, add the ground beef and breakfast sausage to the pot. Break the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take around 8-10 minutes, or until the meat is well browned. No one likes undercooked meat in their chili!
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Paste
Once the meat is browned, stir in the crushed fire-roasted tomatoes and tomato paste. The fire-roasted tomatoes give a smoky flavor, enhancing the depth of your chili. Hope you’re ready for goodness!
Step 4: Toss in the Spices
Now comes the fun part—adding those spices. Toss in the bay leaves, dark brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure everything combines nicely. Your taste buds should be tingling with anticipation!
Step 5: Add the Liquid
After the spices are incorporated, add the apple cider vinegar along with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water or low-sodium chicken broth, depending on how thick or soupy you like your chili. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Simmer
Let the chili simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes. Feel free to leave it longer if time allows—this lets those flavors meld beautifully. Stir occasionally, so nothing gets stuck to the bottom of the pot.
Step 7: Add the Beans
About 10 minutes before serving, add in the drained kidney beans. Stir them just enough to heat them through. If you’re like me, you can’t resist tasting it at this point. Just a little testing will do!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the bay leaves and serve the chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or fresh cilantro. Dig in!
Notes: Tips for Success
Here are some additional tips to ensure your chili game is strong:
Choose Quality Meat – Look for grass-fed beef or high-quality sausage. It makes a difference in flavor and healthiness.
Spice Level – Always taste as you go. If it’s too mild, you can always add more chili powder or cayenne.
Simmer Longer – If you have the time, let it simmer for an hour or two. The flavors deepen with patience.
Use Leftovers – This chili holds up well in the fridge. The flavors continue to develop, and it can be even better the next day.
Freezer-Friendly – Portion it out and freeze for a quick meal on busy days. Ideal for meal prep aficionados!
How To Store The Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which I highly doubt!), store them in an airtight container. They can stay in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you prefer, freeze them for up to 2 months.
Just remember to allow it to cool completely before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Sides for Gluten-Free Beef Chili
Looking for sides? Here are four suggestions to accompany your dish:
Cornbread – A classic choice! Bake some gluten-free cornbread to soak up the leftover chili. The perfect foundation for a fulfilling meal.
Rice – Brown or white rice adds a lovely texture. Cooking it with a bit of broth can enhance the flavor.
Grilled Veggies – A platter of grilled vegetables can add colors and textures to your meal. Season them simply with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Pickled Jalapeños – For extra heat, add some pickled jalapeños as a side or topping. Just the right kick if you meet chili head friends!
What are some alternative choices to the ingredients?
Running low on ingredients? Don’t fret. Here are some substitutes you can consider:
Ground Turkey or Chicken – These proteins work well instead of beef. They make for a lighter chili while still being satisfying.
Canned Tomatoes – If you don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes, regular canned tomatoes will do. You can add a touch of smoked paprika to mimic that smoky flavor.
Different Beans – Instead of red kidney beans, try black beans or pinto beans. Each option brings its own taste and texture.
Vegetable Broth – If you want to keep it vegetarian, vegetable broth is a great substitute for chicken broth in this recipe.
Conclusion
Gluten-free beef chili is not just a meal; it’s an experience. From cooking to serving, it fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. With its rich flavors and customizable ingredients, it’s truly a comfort dish that everyone can enjoy.
Remember, the best part is that you can tailor it to suit any taste. So, gather your ingredients and prepare for a flavorful journey. Your new favorite chili awaits!
You’ll also like the following recipes!
- Crispy Chili Beef Copycat Recipe
- How to Make Hot Dog Chili With Ground Beef
- Best Beef Brisket Chili Recipe
Gluten Free Beef Chili Recipe – Hearty Food Ideas
Description
A bowl of gluten-free beef chili is an absolute comfort, and it’s even better when paired with sides that bring out its bold flavors. Start with a warm, golden gluten-free cornbread. Its slightly sweet crunch complements the chili's hearty spices, making each bite a satisfying contrast.
If you're looking for a way to soak up every last bit of chili, a side of rice—whether white or brown—is perfect. Add fresh herbs to the rice for an extra touch of freshness that lightens the dish.
For a burst of color and crunch, a mixed green salad with crisp veggies is a fantastic addition, and a zesty dressing can brighten up the whole meal. Lastly, no chili experience is complete without guacamole and tortilla chips.
The creaminess of the guacamole paired with the salty crunch of the chips is a match made in heaven—just be sure to use gluten-free chips to keep everything on track. These sides turn your chili into a complete, flavorful feast.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
-
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté this mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables become tender and fragrant. Aromas should begin enveloping your kitchen; enjoy that moment!
Step 2: Brown the Meat
-
Next, add the ground beef and breakfast sausage to the pot. Break the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take around 8-10 minutes, or until the meat is well browned. No one likes undercooked meat in their chili!
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Paste
-
Once the meat is browned, stir in the crushed fire-roasted tomatoes and tomato paste. The fire-roasted tomatoes give a smoky flavor, enhancing the depth of your chili. Hope you're ready for goodness!
Step 4: Toss in the Spices
-
Now comes the fun part—adding those spices. Toss in the bay leaves, dark brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure everything combines nicely. Your taste buds should be tingling with anticipation!
Step 5: Add the Liquid
-
After the spices are incorporated, add the apple cider vinegar along with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water or low-sodium chicken broth, depending on how thick or soupy you like your chili. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Simmer
-
Let the chili simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes. Feel free to leave it longer if time allows—this lets those flavors meld beautifully. Stir occasionally, so nothing gets stuck to the bottom of the pot.
Step 7: Add the Beans
-
About 10 minutes before serving, add in the drained kidney beans. Stir them just enough to heat them through. If you’re like me, you can’t resist tasting it at this point. Just a little testing will do!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
-
Remove the bay leaves and serve the chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or fresh cilantro. Dig in!
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 191kcal
- Calories from Fat 36kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 4.1g7%
- Saturated Fat 1.1g6%
- Cholesterol 4mg2%
- Sodium 262mg11%
- Total Carbohydrate 38g13%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 32g
- Protein 4g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Choose Quality Meat - Look for grass-fed beef or high-quality sausage. It makes a difference in flavor and healthiness.
- Spice Level - Always taste as you go. If it’s too mild, you can always add more chili powder or cayenne.
- Simmer Longer - If you have the time, let it simmer for an hour or two. The flavors deepen with patience.
- Use Leftovers - This chili holds up well in the fridge. The flavors continue to develop, and it can be even better the next day.
- Freezer-Friendly - Portion it out and freeze for a quick meal on busy days. Ideal for meal prep aficionados!
