Chili - Paleo/Whole30 style

Twas the night before  . . .  ALL the holiday company was expected to arrive!  

I'm sharing this recipe because this is a common scenario during the holiday season.  We've already had the big turkey meal at Thanksgiving, and all of the effort has gone into planning the Christmas prime rib and assorted dishes.  But Christmas is a couple days away so now what to serve when company shows up and you need that big satisfying crowd pleaser that is ready to serve at different times on a moments notice!  

Here's the answer - Chili - paleo style!  You know it's been several years now and I have yet to miss those beans?  This is full of hearty meat and vegetables, filling enough for those larger appetites, and after cooking you can keep it warm in the crock pot to be served anytime.  You could just throw everything in the crock pot to cook but I'm recommending the dutch oven, stir frying the garlic and onion for a bit before adding the beef & sausage, the oven just gives all the flavors a little more "pop".

This is so easy to "throw together", make as much as you want, and a great item for a freezer container if you just happen to end up with leftovers, but I doubt it :-)

Ingredients -

2 pounds ground beef
1 pound ground mild Italian sausage
1 small sweet onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 jalapeno (or whole if you are bold), seeds removed and minced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 red, orange, or yellow bell pepper, chopped
4 cups mushrooms, diced
1/2 zucchini, chopped
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
2 Tbl chili powder
1 tsp cumin
2 cups vegetable stock
1 tsp salt & pepper
3 Tbl olive oil
1 cup cilantro

Heat olive oil in dutch oven, add chopped onion and garlic.  Stir fry for 5-7 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add ground beef and Italian sausage and brown, stirring frequently.  When meat is half cooked, add jalapeño, carrot, bell pepper, mushrooms, and zucchini.  Continue to stir ingredients as it simmers for about 10 minutes.  Add canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, seasonings, and vegetable stock, stirring to combine.  Place dutch oven in preheated 300 degree oven.  Cook for about 4 hours, then remove to serve or place in crock pot on warm.  Top with cilantro to serve.

Perfect for company on a winter night.  Enjoy your holidays!