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Keto Chili With Sausage - Hearty, Comforting, and Low-Carb

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground Italian sausage (mild or hot)
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80–90% lean)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander (optional)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 (14.5 oz/410 g) can diced tomatoes (no sugar added)
  • 1 (6 oz/170 g) can tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lime juice
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder or 2 tsp brewed coffee (optional, for depth)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, avocado, or fresh jalapeños

Method
 

  1. Warm the pot: Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the onion, bell peppers, and jalapeño. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
  2. Add garlic and spices: Stir in garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and coriander. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant. This blooms the spices for better flavor.
  3. Brown the meats: Add the sausage and ground beef. Break them up with a spatula and cook 7–9 minutes until no pink remains. If there’s excess grease, spoon off a bit, but leave some for richness.
  4. Build the base: Stir in tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes to caramelize slightly. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, vinegar or lime juice, and cocoa or coffee if using. Season with salt and black pepper.
  5. Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and cook 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili will thicken and the flavors will meld.
  6. Taste and finish: Adjust salt, pepper, and heat. If you like it thicker, simmer uncovered a few more minutes. Stir in chopped cilantro if desired.
  7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream, cheddar, green onions, avocado, or extra jalapeño. Enjoy right away.