Carnivore Beef & Bacon Chili Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the chili:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or higher for flavor)
- 1 lb bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced (optional, depending on how strict you are on the carnivore diet)
- 1-2 tbsp beef tallow, butter, or bacon grease (for cooking)
- 1 cup beef broth (make sure it’s free from any plant-based ingredients or additives)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for added richness)
- 2-3 oz cream cheese (optional, for a creamy texture)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tbsp onion powder (optional)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika (optional, adds a nice smoky flavor)
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
Instructions:
-
Cook the bacon:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of beef tallow, butter, or bacon grease over medium heat.
- Add the chopped bacon to the pot and cook until it becomes crispy and releases its fat, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the cooked bacon from the pot and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
-
Cook the beef:
- In the same pot, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks, ensuring it gets nicely browned on all sides.
- Drain any excess fat if necessary, but leave some for flavor.
-
Add the seasonings (optional):
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- If you like a bit of extra flavor, you can add the diced onion at this point (if you are following a more relaxed version of carnivore).
-
Combine the bacon and beef:
- Return the crispy bacon to the pot with the browned ground beef. Stir to combine and coat the meats with the seasonings.
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Add the liquids:
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir well and let it cook on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
-
Optional creamy touch:
- For a creamy chili, add the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, giving the chili a rich, velvety texture.
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Final simmer:
- Let the chili simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
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Serve:
- Once the chili is thickened and flavorful, it’s ready to serve! You can enjoy it as-is or top with extra crumbled bacon or a dollop of sour cream (optional).
Tips:
- Meat Options: If you prefer, you can swap out the ground beef for ground pork, sausage, or even chuck roast for a more varied texture.
- Add extra fat: For even more carnivore goodness, feel free to add extra beef tallow or butter to the chili as it simmers for additional richness and flavor.
- No carbs: This chili is designed to be carb-free, so enjoy it without worrying about any plant-based ingredients.
This Carnivore Beef & Bacon Chili is hearty, savory, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for meal prepping or a satisfying dinner. Enjoy! 😋