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Keto Southwest Chili - Bold Flavor, Low-Carb Comfort

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

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
  • 6 ounces (170 g) fresh chorizo or spicy pork sausage, casing removed (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small zucchini, diced (optional for extra bulk)
  • 1 (14.5-ounce/410 g) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 (8-ounce/227 g) can tomato sauce (no sugar added)
  • 1–2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo, minced (adjust to heat preference)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder (salt-free if possible)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Toppings: diced avocado, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, sour cream, sliced jalapeño

Method
 

  1. Brown the meat: Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chorizo. Break it up with a spoon and cook until well browned with crispy bits, about 7–9 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
  2. Sauté the veggies: Add onion, bell peppers, and a pinch of salt. Cook until softened, 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and zucchini; cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Bloom the spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, and cocoa powder. Cook 30–60 seconds to wake up the spices.
  4. Build the base: Add fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, chipotle in adobo, and beef broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Simmer low and slow: Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your liking.
  6. Season and brighten: Taste and add salt and pepper. Finish with lime juice to lift the flavors.
  7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and jalapeño. Enjoy as is, or with keto-friendly toppings like pork rinds for crunch.