Go Back

Keto Ground Beef Chili - Hearty, Flavorful, and Low-Carb

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced (optional, for extra veggies)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder (use a chili blend you like)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (no sugar added)
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (check for low sugar) or coconut aminos
  • Optional add-ins: a few dashes hot sauce, 1 teaspoon cocoa powder for depth
  • For serving: sour cream, shredded cheddar, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Warm the pot: Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. If there’s a lot of fat, drain off some, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons for flavor.
  3. Add the veggies: Stir in the bell peppers and zucchini. Cook 3–4 minutes to soften slightly.
  4. Toast the spices: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let the spices toast for 1 minute to wake up the flavors.
  5. Build the base: Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until it darkens a shade. This deepens the chili flavor.
  6. Simmer: Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Add vinegar and Worcestershire (or coconut aminos). If using, add hot sauce or cocoa powder. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
  7. Cook low and slow: Simmer uncovered for 25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your liking. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and heat.
  8. Finish and serve: Let it rest 5 minutes off the heat. Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream, cheese, avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.