This Paleo Chili Dog Soup is a warm, hearty bowl that brings all the flavors of chili and hot dogs together! It features tasty beef, beans, and spices, all simmered to perfection.
What’s more fun than slurping up a delicious soup? I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top! It’s like a cozy hug for your tummy on a chilly day. 😋
This soup is super easy to make, and I can whip it up in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight meal when I’m craving something satisfying and filling!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using grass-fed beef adds more flavor and nutrients. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works nicely as a substitute, but expect a milder taste.
Sausage Links or Hot Dogs: Make sure they are paleo-friendly with no additives or fillers. Chicken or turkey sausage can be a lighter choice, and if you’re vegetarian, try using a meatless sausage instead!
Broth: Beef broth brings richness to the soup. If you prefer, vegetable broth can work well too for a different flavor profile.
Diced Tomatoes: Opt for no-sugar-added canned tomatoes to stick to paleo guidelines. Fresh tomatoes can also be used if you prefer a lighter texture.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Sautéed Onions and Garlic?
Sautéing onions and garlic correctly sets the flavor base for your soup. Here’s how:
- Heat your oil in a large pot at medium heat. This helps the onions soften without burning.
- Add diced onions first. Cook until they’re translucent. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- When adding garlic, watch closely! It only needs about 30 seconds to become fragrant. Burning it can make it bitter.
Following these steps ensures a rich flavor to kick off your soup. Enjoy the warmth it brings!
Paleo Chili Dog Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably grass-fed)
- 2-3 paleo-friendly sausage links or hot dogs, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
- 2 cups beef broth (homemade or low sodium)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Green onions, sliced for garnish
- Optional: shredded dairy-free cheese or regular shredded cheese (if allowed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of cooking. In total, you’ll have your nutritious and delicious Paleo Chili Dog Soup ready to serve in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Base:
In a large pot, heat the olive or avocado oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup!
2. Adding Aromatics:
Once your onion is ready, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another 30 seconds, just until you begin to smell its lovely aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
3. Browning the Meat:
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until it’s nicely browned. Make sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks, which helps it brown evenly.
4. Including the Sausage:
Next, stir in the sliced sausage or hot dog pieces. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until they start to brown slightly and enhance the flavors even more.
5. Spicing It Up:
Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together very well, so the spices coat the meat and sausages evenly.
6. Mixing in the Sauces:
Now, mix in the tomato paste and let it cook for another 2 minutes. This will deepen the flavors and create a delicious mixture to build your soup.
7. Adding Liquids:
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the beef broth, stirring to combine everything. This is where the soup begins to form!
8. Simmering:
Bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. This will help all the flavors meld together beautifully while slightly thickening the soup.
9. Final Taste Check:
After simmering, taste your soup and adjust the salt and seasoning as needed. It should be rich and flavorful!
10. Serving Your Soup:
Carefully ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. If you love cheese, feel free to sprinkle a bit on top!
11. Enjoy Your Creation!
Serve hot and enjoy the savory goodness of your hearty, paleo-friendly chili dog soup! It’s perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Soup?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be milder.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
For a vegetarian or vegan version, you can use plant-based sausage or hot dogs and substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled tempeh. Be sure to check that your broth is vegetable-based!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, just add a splash of broth or water to thin it out when reheating.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
