If you’re craving a hearty, delicious, and healthy dinner that basically makes itself while you go about your day, then you’re going to love this Crock-Pot Paleo Beef Chili Recipe. I absolutely love how this chili blends rich beef flavors with wholesome veggies and warming spices — plus, it’s all cooked low and slow in the Crock-Pot, so the flavors get beautifully melded together. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your home just like it did in mine.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Just set it in the Crock-Pot and let it work its magic while you’re busy with life.
Paleo-Friendly Ingredients: It’s packed with real, whole-food ingredients that keep you on track without sacrificing flavor.
Deep, Comforting Flavor: Slow-cooking the chuck roast gives you tender beef and rich broth that’s simply irresistible.
Versatile & Customizable: You can tweak the heat or add in your favorite veggies to make it your own.

This image shows a thick stew in a black cooking pot with a wooden spoon resting inside. The stew has multiple layers of rich, dark brown sauce mixed with chunks of tender beef, pieces of green zucchini, small red bell pepper slices, and bits of onion scattered throughout. The stew looks hearty with visible oil glistening on the surface and a textured mix of soft and chunky ingredients. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crock-Pot Paleo Beef Chili, healthy beef chili, slow cooker paleo chili, low carb beef chili, hearty paleo dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crock-Pot Paleo Beef Chili Recipe is how each ingredient plays its part to create an amazingly balanced dish — tender meat, fresh veggies, and bold spices. When shopping, look for fresh vegetables and a good quality chuck roast, as this cut yields the best texture after slow cooking.

Flat lay of fresh 1-inch pieces of chuck roast, raw ground beef mound, a large diced white onion, two diced bell peppers (one red, one yellow), two cups bright green diced zucchini, one cup roughly chopped brown mushrooms, five peeled garlic cloves, small white ceramic bowl of deep red tomato sauce, small white ceramic bowl of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, small white ceramic bowl of mild green chiles, small white ceramic bowl filled with rich beef stock, two whole fresh bay leaves, small white ceramic bowls with chili powder, ground cumin, and garlic powder each, small white ceramic bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a few whole jalapeños sliced, diced ripe avocado chunks, fresh cilantro sprigs without stems, and chopped green onions, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Crock-Pot Paleo Beef Chili, healthy beef chili, slow cooker paleo chili, low carb beef chili, hearty paleo dinner

Chuck roast: Goes wonderfully tender when cooked low and slow; don’t skip browning it first for flavor depth.
Ground beef: Adds a nice texture contrast and richness to the chili.
Onion: Builds a savory base flavor, diced small for even cooking.
Bell peppers: Bring a little sweetness and color to the mix.
Zucchini: Sneaks in extra veggies without overpowering the chili.
Mushrooms: Add umami and a meaty texture for extra heartiness.
Garlic cloves: A must for that aromatic kick.
Tomato sauce and fire-roasted tomatoes: The backbone of the chili’s saucy goodness.
Mild green chiles: Give subtle heat and complexity.
Beef stock: Intensifies the beef flavor and keeps everything juicy.
Bay leaves: Add a subtle herbal note — don’t forget to remove before serving!
Garlic powder, chili powder, cumin: The classic spice trio that fuels that authentic chili taste.
Extra-virgin olive oil: For browning and a touch of healthy fat.
Jalapeños, avocado, cilantro, green onions (for serving): Fresh garnishes that brighten up the bowl and bring a perfect finishing touch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Crock-Pot Paleo Beef Chili Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want it spicier, milder, or loaded with different veggies, tweaking it to your taste is a breeze.

Spicy Version: When I want a real kick, I add extra diced jalapeños and a bit more chili powder. My family goes crazy for the spicy version on cold nights!
Heartier Veggie Load: If you want more veggies, try adding chopped carrots or sweet potatoes. They add sweetness and bulk without messing with the paleo vibe.
Instant Pot Shortcut: I sometimes use the Instant Pot method on busy days to get chili ready faster without losing flavor.
Meat Variations: You can swap chuck roast with ground turkey or bison for different protein options, keeping the chili paleo-friendly and just as tasty.

How to Make Crock-Pot Paleo Beef Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef for Maximum Flavor

Start by heating a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chuck roast pieces generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Once the oil shimmers, add the beef in batches and brown it on all sides. This step might seem small but trust me, it amps the flavor way up! After browning, transfer the chuck roast to a plate and use the same skillet to brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep things lean.

Step 2: Load Your Crock-Pot

Next, toss in all the browned meat, diced onion, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, minced garlic, tomato sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, and beef stock right into your slow cooker. Don’t forget the bay leaves and spices — garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin — to infuse that signature chili kick. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 3: Let It Cook Low and Slow

Set your Crock-Pot to HIGH for 4 hours, or LOW for 8 hours if you’re planning ahead. The low and slow method is what transforms this dish into melt-in-your-mouth comfort food. Before serving, stir well and taste for salt and pepper — adjust as needed! This is the moment I always look forward to; the smells alone make me hungry while I wait.

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Pro Tips for Making Crock-Pot Paleo Beef Chili Recipe

Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the chuck roast and ground beef adds layers of flavor that you just can’t get if you toss them in raw.
Use Fresh Spices: Fresh chili powder and cumin make all the difference — old spices can be dull and lifeless.
Veggie Chop Size: Keep veggies roughly the same size so they cook evenly and no one gets lost among the chili.
Bay Leaves Matter: Remember to fish out the bay leaves before serving — no one wants to bite into one!

How to Serve Crock-Pot Paleo Beef Chili Recipe

A white bowl filled with a rich dark brown stew that has chunky pieces of beef and bright colored vegetables like yellow squash, red bell peppers, and green zucchini. On the left side of the bowl, there are three thin slices of light green avocado sprinkled with black pepper. Small white onion pieces are scattered over the top along with fresh green cilantro leaves. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the left edge. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crock-Pot Paleo Beef Chili, healthy beef chili, slow cooker paleo chili, low carb beef chili, hearty paleo dinner

Garnishes

I always pile on diced avocado, fresh cilantro, slivered jalapeños, and bright green onions. The avocado adds a creamy contrast to the warm, spicy chili, and the jalapeños bring a fresh punch if you want more heat. Cilantro and green onions add color and that fresh herbal pop that rounds everything out just right.

Side Dishes

Since this chili is packed with veggies and protein, I like to keep sides simple — a crisp green salad or some roasted sweet potatoes work great. If you’re feeling more indulgent, a side of paleo-friendly cornbread or plantain chips makes the meal even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or entertaining, I sometimes serve this Crock-Pot Paleo Beef Chili Recipe in mini cast iron skillets with a dollop of paleo sour cream on top — it’s a showstopper! Or, try using hollowed-out bell peppers as edible bowls. It’s fun, festive, and gets everyone talking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in airtight glass containers in the fridge for up to four days. What I love is that the flavors deepen overnight, so the chili tastes even better the next day. Just be sure to cool it before sealing to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

Freezing this chili works beautifully — I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty ziplock bags. It freezes well for up to three months, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, I either warm individual portions gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the chili even and prevent drying out. Adding a splash of beef stock or water helps maintain that perfect chili texture.

FAQs

Can I make Crock-Pot Paleo Beef Chili Recipe in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! You can brown the beef using the sauté function, then add all the ingredients and pressure cook the chili for about 20 minutes. It’s a wonderful shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture, making it perfect for busy days.
Is this recipe truly paleo?

Yes! This chili uses paleo-friendly ingredients — no beans, no dairy, and no processed sugars. The veggies, meats, and spices are all aligned with paleo guidelines, so you can enjoy a comforting bowl without straying off plan.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?

For sure. In fact, the flavors deepen and taste even better the next day. You can prepare it a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and gently reheat when ready to serve.
What’s the best cut of beef to use?

I recommend chuck roast for its perfect fat content and tenderness after slow cooking. It breaks down beautifully and makes the chili super rich and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Crock-Pot Paleo Beef Chili Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites for weeknight dinners and family gatherings alike. The tender beef, vibrant veggies, and bold spices combine into a cozy dish that feels like a warm hug. I genuinely recommend giving it a try—it’s easy, satisfying, and just downright delicious. Cooking it in the Crock-Pot means you can have a nutritious meal waiting for you at dinner time without a ton of fuss. I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as I do!