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.

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).
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.Â
More Tex-Mex Inspired Recipes
- Mexican Chicken Schnitzel With Coriander Lime Sauce
- Chicken Wings With Smokey Rub & Sticky Glaze
- Paleo & Whole3 Naked Burrito Bowls
- Saucy Spicy Meatballs With Chipotle
- Paleo Nachos With Sweet Potato Chips
- Easy Chicken & Kale Tortilla Soup (sans tortillas)
- Mexican Tuna Steak with Sweet Red Peppers & Avocado Salsa
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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:Â
- 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.
This recipe looks really good. Do you have a recommended lean point for the beef used in the recipe? Is there a percentage that works best for you?
Any kind of lean point will work. I usually get 5-7% fat but 10% is also fine.
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
Thank you and enjoy those leftovers 🙂
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!
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*) 😉
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
Thanks Shirley! I am so happy you made it twice with great success. I love adding chorizo to stew for exactly that reason 🙂
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 :)!
This looks fantastic! I love and make my own chorizo – I will have to try this!
Oh, you have to give me your recipe for homemade chorizo!
Is the chorizo in this recipe dried or fresh?
I used fresh chorizo but you can use dried as well.
Fresh, but you could use either.