Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Intensity: Moderate
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Diet: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Keto Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Jalapeño slices
- Lime wedges
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering and measuring all ingredients. Dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and prepare the spice mixture. Having everything ready before cooking makes the process smooth and efficient.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Continue cooking until the meat is browned and no pink remains. Proper browning creates a deeper, richer flavor that enhances the final dish.
If excessive grease accumulates, carefully drain some while leaving enough for flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot with the beef.
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Avoid overcooking the garlic as it can become bitter.
Step 4: Add the Spices
Sprinkle the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the meat mixture.
Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes. Toasting the spices briefly releases their essential oils and intensifies the flavor.
The mixture should become highly aromatic at this stage.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Add the tomato paste and stir thoroughly to coat the meat.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Mix everything together until fully combined.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Simmer Slowly
Reduce the heat to low and partially cover the pot.
Allow the chili to simmer for approximately 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
As it cooks, the sauce will thicken and the flavors will meld beautifully.
If the chili becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth. If it’s too thin, continue simmering uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Taste the chili and adjust seasonings if needed.
You may wish to add more salt, chili powder, or cayenne depending on your preference for heat and flavor intensity.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the hot chili into serving bowls.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Chef’s Tips
Choose Higher-Fat Ground Beef
Ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio works best for keto diets because it provides additional healthy fats and richer flavor.
Let It Simmer Longer
While 30 minutes is sufficient, simmering for up to an hour develops deeper flavors and a thicker texture.
Make It Spicier
Increase the cayenne pepper or add fresh jalapeños if you enjoy extra heat.
Meal Prep Friendly
This recipe stores exceptionally well and often tastes even better the next day.
Freeze for Later
Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze individual portions for convenient keto-friendly meals throughout the week.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Keto Serving Ideas
This chili is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- Cauliflower rice
- Keto cornbread
- Roasted vegetables
- Zucchini noodles
- Fresh avocado salad
These low-carb sides create a complete and satisfying meal while keeping carbohydrate intake under control.
Why This Recipe Works
Traditional chili recipes often contain kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans, which significantly increase carbohydrate content.
This keto version removes the beans while maintaining all the hearty texture and flavor. The combination of beef, spices, tomatoes, and healthy fats creates a filling meal that supports ketosis while satisfying comfort-food cravings.
It is rich in protein, nutrient-dense, and perfect for anyone seeking a low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (Based on 6 Servings)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 27g
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 6g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Potassium: 690mg