Crock pot bison and sweet potato chili with a whisky infusion. This bean-free chili is vegetable-infused and is perfect for those on a restricted diet. Just don’t forget to top with sour cream or cheese…because: yolo.
Greetings from the snowy Sierra Nevada!
We had a small break in weather on Monday, but the precipitation came back in full force on Tuesday.
Thankfully, this storm is colder than the last, so our mountains are blanketed in snow fluff while Reno is getting a rain/snow combo.
I’m anxious for the weekend, when I can pop on my split board and hit the back country. Powder? Fresh and thick. Photo ops? Aplenty. Gravity? On fleek. Avi danger? High AF.
When it comes to snowy weather food, my numero uno is chili. Nothing, I repeat, nada beats a hearty bowl of chili.
Particularly when some sort of mixology of magical special ingredients has been included in on the fun. Speaking of magical special ingredients…
You know what I’ve been adding to my all my chilis lately? Booze. I used to add red wine, which is pretty savage in and of itself, but whisky? MEGA.
I also add a touch of pure maple syrup to round out the whisky bite and the spice.
The idea behind this chili is it’s legume (bean)-free for those who are doing a paleo or whole30 stint this month. If need be, omit the whisky to keep this compliant with any alcohol-free shindig you’ve gotten yourself into.
Basically, this chili is a meat and vegetables affair for clean eating, with ultra comforting overtones and lots of spice undertones. If you’re not into bison, no biggy – you can use ground beef, elk, turkey, pork, sausage, and/or a combination thereof.
Sweet potatoes. If you’re averse to them, you can omit them altogether or replace them with some other vegetation situation.
For instance, red potato or russet potato (if you aren’t on a starch diet), corn, quinoa, eggplant, etc. The sweet potatoes do taste sweet, just bear this in mind when you set out to meal prep.
Other tips to knock this chili out of the park? Here are a few:
- No need to brown the meat prior to adding it to the crock pot.
- If you have the extra time, saute the onion until brownes prior to adding it to the crock pot for a deep caramelized flavor.
- Rather than breaking up the ground meat, place the whole hunk in the crock – taking this approach will ensure the meat stays moist and tender and prevents that grainy texture that comes with overly manhandled ground meat.
- Add/substitute any of the veggies to your heart’s desire.
- Add kidney, chili, black, or garbanzo beans to your heart’s desire.
- Omit the whisky to keep the recipe paleo or Whole30 compliant
More Chili Recipes:
- Turkey Pumpkin Chili
- Whole30 Turkey Chili
- Nightshade-Free AIP Chili Recipe
- Beef and Lentil Chili
- Pumpkin Chicken Chili
Just chill, bro.
My cookbook, Paleo Power Bowls, is now available! CLICK HERE to check it out. Thank you for your support!
If you make this recipe, please feel free to share a photo and tag @TheRoastedRoot on Instagram!
Crock Pot Boozy Bison and Sweet Potato Chili
Ingredients
- 1 14- ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 pound ground bison or ground meat of choice
- 1 large sweet potato chopped into 1-inch chunks
- 1 yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 large carrot peeled and chopped
- 1 pasilla or bell pepper chopped
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 6 baby bella mushrooms quartered
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon Garam Masala seasoning optional
- 1 teaspoon sea salt to taste
- 3 tablespoons whisky
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup optional
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to the crock pot in the order they appear. Leave the ground bison (or ground meat of choice) as is, without breaking up the meat. Gently stir the contents of the crock pot.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on the lowest setting for 8 hours, or until the sweet potato is cooked through. After 5 or 6 hours, break up the meat using a wooden spoon or spatula and stir well.
- Taste chili for flavor. If desired, add more seasoning and/or salt. For a thinner consistency, add more broth.
- Serve chili with desired toppings, and enjoy!
I’m so envious of your winter wonderland! The pics on your IG make me swoon so hard. It snowed here and it was just enough to cover my car. Such a tease!
This chili looks like the perfect cozy winter meal. Reminds me that I need to bust out my slow cooker soon!
I wish you were here to see it! I’m loving it right now, but I’ll probably be jonesing for a snow-free zone by the end of the winter… at which point GA will be sounding mighty fine!
We were in the snow over new years and it was beautiful! Now we’re just being flooded with rain — it’s crazy! I have the biggest craving for chili and this just sent it into overdrive. I’ve used beer and hard apple cider in chili, but never whisky — that has to taste incredible! I definitely need to add this to my list of must-makes!
The uuuge amount of precip has been crazy! Funny how Mother Nature decided to give it to us all at once. Definitely hoping the flooding doesn’t do too much damage, but I’m happy we’re finally getting some much-needed water.
Gosh, I love chili in every shape and form. Yours? totally awesome! never thought to add whiskey tho, sounds amazing!
Heck yeah, give the whisky a go! It’s sooo tasty in meaty chilis! 😀
Perfect for the cold weather. Will definitely try this. Thanks for sharing.
You got it, James! Let me know how you like it! 😀
When you have snowy weather, this food is the best option for you to have and enjoy the weather as well. This is perfect dish for those who are on special diet.
This is SO good and spicy. Great for a Fall meal!
So happy you like it! Thanks, Roxanne!
What would your instapot instructions be for this. It’s already 3 pm, so no time for crockpot :-). Thanks!
This looks and sounds amazing! I’m making it for my hubby tomorrow!
I hope you love it!
This is really good. I would like to the nutritional information. Is there any information on this, please and thank you.
I’m happy you like it, Arvin! I added the nutritional information to the recipe card. Let me know if you have any other questions! xo