If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and perfectly suited for low-carb living, this Easy Keto Chili Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Combining rich ground beef and pork with a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables and warming spices, it brings robust taste without relying on traditional beans or fillers. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a comforting dish to gather around the table with friends, this chili delivers big flavor and satisfying texture every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Keto Chili Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that blend effortlessly to create layers of taste and texture. Each element is chosen not only for flavor but also for contributing to the hearty, satisfying quality that makes this chili so addictive.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and is perfect for sautéing your aromatics.
- Medium onion, diced: Builds a savory base with a hint of sweetness once softened.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a warm, pungent depth that awakens every bite.
- Ground beef: Provides the main protein, contributing to a rich, meaty heartiness.
- Ground pork (optional): Adds extra juiciness and a slight touch of fattiness for flavor nuance.
- Bell pepper, diced: Brings a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
- Zucchini, diced: Offers a tender bite and a nutrient boost without overpowering the dish.
- Can of diced tomatoes: Lends acidity and juicy texture to keep the chili vibrant.
- Tomato paste: Thickens the chili and concentrates the tomato flavor beautifully.
- Beef broth: Adds moisture and depth, rounding out the flavors perfectly.
- Chili powder: The star spice that brings warmth and classic chili flavor to the dish.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky undertone, elevating the overall taste.
- Ground cumin: Adds an earthy, slightly nutty complexity that pairs wonderfully with chili powder.
- Dried oregano: Offers a hint of herbal brightness to lighten the rich meatiness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making everything pop.
- Ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and a sharp note to balance the savory ingredients.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who crave a bit of extra kick.
- Apple cider vinegar: A splash at the end brightens and balances the chili’s richness.
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish): Freshness and crunch to finish the dish.
- Jalapeño slices (for garnish): Optional heat and zing for an extra flavor dimension.
How to Make Easy Keto Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it turns translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. Then stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about one minute—this step is crucial for building the foundational layers of flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Next, add the ground beef and pork (if you’re including it) to the pot. Cook until the meat is fully browned, breaking it up into crumbly pieces as it cooks. If there’s an excess of fat, feel free to drain it off. This browning process caramelizes the meat, locking in savory richness.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Toss in the diced bell pepper and zucchini, stirring well. Let these saute for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften slightly. These veggies add a wonderful texture and a subtle sweetness that balances the chili spices perfectly.
Step 4: Combine the Tomato Base
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Combining these wet ingredients creates a luscious sauce that will bring the chili together, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully as it simmers.
Step 5: Season the Chili
Add your chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the meat and veggies evenly with the spices—this is where the chili’s signature flavor really blooms.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Lower the heat and let the chili simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the sauce to thicken. This slow bubbling helps concentrate all the spices and melds the flavors into a rich, hearty stew.
Step 7: Brighten with Vinegar
Stir in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar right before serving. This simple addition cuts through the richness and lifts the entire dish with a subtle tang, balancing every spoonful in the best way.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Serve your Easy Keto Chili Recipe hot, topped with chopped green onions and jalapeño slices for an extra burst of fresh flavor and zing. These garnishes add a pleasing crunch and tiny bursts of heat that make each bite exciting.
How to Serve Easy Keto Chili Recipe
Garnishes
To truly elevate this chili, don’t skip the garnishes. Fresh green onions give a pop of color and a mild onion crunch, while jalapeño slices add a lively heat option for spice lovers. A dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese can also pair wonderfully to cool things down and add richness.
Side Dishes
Since this is a keto-friendly chili, complement it with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the chili’s hearty texture for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Take it up a notch by serving the chili in mini bell peppers, or stuff it into avocado halves for a fun twist. You could even make chili-stuffed keto-friendly baked zucchini boats, making dinner both delicious and visually stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Keto Chili Recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers. Store any uneaten chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the next-day meal even tastier.
Freezing
Need to keep it longer? Freeze cooled chili in portion-sized containers or freezer bags for up to three months. Just be sure to leave some space in the container for expansion and thaw slowly in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, just be sure to stir halfway for even heating. Add a splash of broth or water if the chili thickens too much when reheated.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Keto Chili Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground meats for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, or use plant-based crumbles to keep it keto-friendly and full of texture without losing that satisfying “meaty” feel.
Is it necessary to use both ground beef and pork?
Not at all—ground beef alone works wonderfully. Including pork adds extra richness and juiciness, but feel free to customize based on what you have.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, a splash of lemon juice or red wine vinegar can provide a similar brightness and balance at the end of cooking.
Can I make this chili spicier?
Yes! Increase the cayenne pepper, add extra jalapeño, or toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to ramp up the heat to your liking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. This Easy Keto Chili Recipe tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal choice for batch cooking and meal prepping. It holds up well to reheating and freezes beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s low in carbs but high in flavor, don’t wait to try this Easy Keto Chili Recipe. It’s bursting with fresh ingredients, warmed by comforting spices, and super simple to make any night of the week. Once you give this recipe a go, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, perfect for sharing and savoring on chilly evenings or anytime you want a satisfying bowl of pure deliciousness.
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 recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices. Perfect for a low-carb, keto-friendly meal, it simmers slowly on the stovetop to develop rich, complex flavors and is garnished with green onions and jalapeño slices for an extra kick.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 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
Canned & Broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
Spices & Seasonings
- 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 Oil and Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Meat: Add ground beef and ground pork if using. Cook until fully browned, breaking the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep it lean.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in diced bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and start to release their flavors.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients.
- Season the Chili: Add chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all the spices throughout the chili.
- Simmer the Chili: Lower the heat and let the chili simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld together and thicken the sauce.
- Add Vinegar and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in the apple cider vinegar, then taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt or spices to your preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the chili hot, garnished with chopped green onions and jalapeño slices for an extra burst of freshness and heat.
Notes
- Ground pork is optional but adds extra depth of flavor and richness.
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add more jalapeño slices as garnish.
- This chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To keep it strictly keto, ensure the canned tomatoes have no added sugars.
- Feel free to swap beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.
