Paleo Cauliflower Chili
Many of the versions for paleo chili seem to replace the beans with extra ground beef. I’m all for grassfed protein, but those recipes are just too heavy for me.
In this version, I’ve replaced the beans with cauliflower rice. It doesn’t add flavor, but does provide a base and a chili-like texture. It also allows you a lighter hand with the ground beef.
You could also use ground lamb or dark meat turkey, if desired. I would not recommend using ground turkey breast or chicken breast, because those are too dry and flavorless.
This chili freezes well, if you have leftovers.
Paleo Cauliflower Chili
Author: Lauren
Serves: 5-6 hearty servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbs. olive oil or ghee
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- ½ tsp. Herbamare seasoning salt, available here, or unrefined salt, plus more
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small head cauliflower, riced (see note)
- ½ lb. ground beef (use up to 1 lb)
- 1 Tbs. chili powder (use 2 Tbs. for more heat)
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 6oz jar tomato paste
- 26 - 28 oz container crushed or diced tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken stock, if necessary
- Chopped cilantro, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots and the salt. Cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook briefly.
- Add the ground beef and cauliflower. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients except the cilantro and another ½ tsp of Herbamare. If chili is extremely thick, add some chicken stock to create desired consistency. (I added ½ cup stock.)
- Cover and cook about 15 minutes, until the carrots are softened and cauliflower is tender.
Notes
The cauliflower should be finely “riced.” Use a food processor or pulse in a blender to create fine rice-like crumbles.
To rice cauliflower us it raw or steamed first?
Rice the Cauliflower when it’s raw. Then you can use in this or other recipes
This was an outstanding recipe! Loved the addition of the cauliflower which seems to make the chili heartier. This is my new staple chili recipe!!
I’m glad to hear that!
love every variety of chili, this one too, thank you, great flavors with a much more healthy set of ingredients than the default
I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!