Carnivore Beef & Bacon Chili Recipe
This hearty Carnivore Beef & Bacon Chili is a rich, flavorful dish made with all-meat ingredients that are perfect for anyone on a carnivore diet. Packed with beef, bacon, and a few seasonings, this chili brings warmth and comfort with every bite, while staying true to the simplicity and richness of animal products.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
- 1 lb (450g) bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (optional, based on your diet preferences)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (make sure it’s sugar-free and carnivore-friendly)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, if you’re not fully carnivore, otherwise you can skip this)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, based on your spice tolerance)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon beef tallow or lard (for cooking)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by prepping all your ingredients. Chop the bacon into small pieces, finely chop the onion (if you’re using it), and mince the garlic. The ground beef should be ready to go as well.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the beef tallow or lard over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced bacon and cook until crispy and browned, about 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the bacon cooks evenly. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving some of the rendered fat in the pot for flavor.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
In the same pot with the bacon fat, add the ground beef. Break it up into smaller pieces using a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook the beef over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot as you stir.
4. Sauté the Onions and Garlic (if using):
If you’re using onions, add them to the pot with the beef and sauté until they soften and become translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
5. Add Seasonings and Broth:
Stir in the chili powder (optional), smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Add the beef broth and tomato paste (if using) to the pot, stirring everything together.
6. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the chili to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
7. Finish the Chili:
Once the chili has reached your desired thickness, stir the crispy bacon back into the pot. Let it cook for another 5 minutes to allow the bacon flavor to infuse into the chili.
8. Serve:
Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed. Ladle the chili into bowls, and if desired, top with shredded cheddar cheese (optional for a carnivore-friendly touch).
Tips and Variations:
- Add-ins: If you like more texture, you can add extra carnivore-friendly ingredients like ground pork, sausage, or even beef heart.
- Spice Level: Adjust the level of spice by adding more chili powder or smoked paprika. For a milder version, skip the chili powder entirely.
- Cooking Time: The longer the chili simmers, the more intense the flavors become, so feel free to let it simmer for an hour or more if you have the time.
This Carnivore Beef & Bacon Chili is perfect for meal prepping as it keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. It’s filling, savory, and satisfies the cravings for a hearty, meat-centric meal. Enjoy this dish with a side of carnivore-friendly snacks, or just dig in as is for a truly satisfying meal!