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Keto Restaurant Style Chili - Hearty, Bold, and Low-Carb

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

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder (American-style blend)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1–1.5 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (no sugar added)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (no sugar added)
  • 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or fresh lime juice
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, pickled jalapeños

Method
 

  1. Brown the beef: Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned with crispy edges, about 7–9 minutes. Spoon off excess fat if needed, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pot.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and most moisture cooks off, 6–8 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, and cinnamon or cocoa. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Tomato base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1 minute to caramelize. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Season with salt and black pepper.
  5. Simmer low and slow: Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and cook 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and glossy. Add a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick.
  6. Finish and balance: Stir in the apple cider vinegar or lime juice. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and heat. For more depth, add a pinch more smoked paprika or a small square (about 1/2 ounce) of very dark chocolate (90%+), if desired.
  7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and finish with your favorite keto-friendly toppings. Serve with a side salad or over cauliflower rice.