Gluten Free Beef Chili Recipe - Hearty Food Ideas
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.
Servings 8
Calories 191kcal
Cost $
Ingredients
- 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 cans crushed fire-roasted tomatoes 28 oz
- 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 cans red kidney beans, rinsed and drained 15 oz
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
- 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!