If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting dish that fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle, this Easy Keto Chili Recipe is going to be your new go-to! It’s bursting with rich flavors from perfectly seasoned ground meats, fresh veggies, and a blend of smoky spices, all simmered to a satisfying, thick chili that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is straightforward, delicious, and downright addictive. Trust me, once you make this chili, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your keto rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Easy Keto Chili Recipe are simple yet essential, working together to bring out a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each addition plays a role, from the tender vegetables adding freshness to the robust spices creating that classic chili kick.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A healthy fat that starts your chili with a flavorful sauté base.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a bit of zing.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein star of the dish, building a rich base.
- 1/2 pound ground pork (optional): Adds extra flavor complexity and tenderness.
- 1 bell pepper, diced: Provides vibrant color and a mild sweetness.
- 1 zucchini, diced: Adds subtle earthiness and a little extra veggies without overpowering the chili.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Gives moisture and that classic tomato flavor.
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste: Thickens the chili and intensifies the tomato base.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds richness and helps everything simmer together beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder: The essential spice for chili heat and smokiness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings an inviting smoky undertone.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Earthy spice that adds complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Introduces a subtle herbal note.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like their chili with a little extra kick.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: A bright splash of acidity to bring all the flavors together.
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish): Fresh, crisp topping that adds a pop of color.
- Jalapeño slices (for garnish): Optional but perfect for heat lovers who want to spice things up.
How to Make Easy Keto Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat up the olive oil over medium in a large pot until shimmering. Toss in the diced onion and cook just until it turns translucent and tender. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until your kitchen smells amazing and the garlic is fragrant without burning.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef and, if you’re using it, ground pork to the pot. Break it up with your spoon or spatula as it cooks. Brown the meat thoroughly until no pink remains, and then carefully drain any excess fat to keep the chili from getting greasy but still rich.
Step 3: Cook the Veggies
Now it’s time to add the diced bell pepper and zucchini. Let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften just enough to enhance texture without losing their bite and freshness.
Step 4: Combine the Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir everything together so the tomato paste blends evenly and your chili base starts to come together with a beautiful, hearty consistency.
Step 5: Season to Perfection
Sprinkle in your chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you want that heat boost. Mix everything well so the spices are evenly distributed, filling your kitchen with that irresistible chili aroma.
Step 6: Simmer and Develop Flavor
Reduce the heat and let your chili simmer uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes. Stir every so often to prevent sticking and to help the ingredients marry together as the liquid reduces, thickening the chili into a rich, comforting stew.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch
Stir in the apple cider vinegar just before serving. This small splash of acidity really brightens the flavors and lifts the entire dish, giving it a wonderful balance and complexity. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 8: Serve with Flair
Ladle the chili into bowls and get ready to garnish and enjoy. This is the moment your Easy Keto Chili Recipe comes alive with color, spice, and warmth!
How to Serve Easy Keto Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Top your chili with chopped green onions for a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich, meaty base. Add jalapeño slices if you want to dial up the heat and give each bite a spicy surprise. These garnishes bring brightness and a textural pop that make every spoonful exciting.
Side Dishes
This keto-friendly chili pairs amazingly with some creamy mashed cauliflower or roasted vegetables to keep the meal low-carb yet satisfying. Alternatively, serve with a crisp side salad drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve this chili in a hollowed-out bell pepper boat or atop a bed of cauliflower rice for a festive, fun presentation. You can even spoon it into small ramekins and use it as a flavorful appetizer at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your chili cools, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors intensify after resting, making leftovers possibly even better than the first day.
Freezing
This Easy Keto Chili Recipe freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s perfect for meal prep or busy nights when you want a delicious, homemade meal without the work.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up without losing flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this chili without ground pork?
Absolutely! Ground pork is optional and adds some extra richness, but the chili tastes fantastic with just ground beef. Feel free to skip it or substitute with ground turkey if preferred.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?
The chili has a mild to medium heat level that you can easily adjust by controlling the amount of cayenne pepper and jalapeño garnish. Leave out the cayenne for a milder version or add extra for a spicy kick.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Fresh tomatoes can work, but canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste give this chili its thick, concentrated flavor. If using fresh, cook them down longer to achieve a similar texture and richness.
Is this chili suitable for other low-carb diets?
Yes! Beyond keto, this chili fits well in most low-carb and paleo diets since it’s free of sugars and grains. It’s a versatile dish you can enjoy with confidence if you’re watching your carbs.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then transfer all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until flavors meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Excited yet? This Easy Keto Chili Recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort food nostalgia and low-carb living. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly quick to make. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite dishes to warm you up and keep your keto goals on track!
Print
Easy Keto Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Easy Keto Chili is a hearty, low-carb dish perfect for those following a ketogenic diet. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and bold spices, it offers a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and ideal for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork (optional)
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
Spices & Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Garnish
- Green onions, chopped
- Jalapeño slices
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and sauté onions: In a large pot over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Brown the meat: Add 1 pound of ground beef and, if using, 1/2 pound of ground pork to the pot. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the chili lean.
- Cook vegetables: Stir in the diced bell pepper and zucchini. Continue cooking for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened slightly.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and 1 cup of beef broth. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the ingredients well.
- Season the chili: Add 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, and optional 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Stir the spices into the mixture evenly.
- Simmer the chili: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the chili uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to develop.
- Finish with vinegar and adjust seasoning: Stir in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or spices according to preference.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot chili into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions and jalapeño slices for extra flavor and heat.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add more jalapeño slices as garnish.
- Ground pork is optional but adds extra richness to the chili.
- To keep the recipe keto-friendly, avoid adding beans which are high in carbs.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer longer uncovered to reduce the liquid.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
