Description
This Easy Keto Chili recipe combines ground beef and pork with fresh vegetables and bold spices to create a hearty, low-carb meal perfect for any occasion. Simmered to develop rich flavors and garnished with green onions and jalapeño slices, this chili is both comforting and keto-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and 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
Tomato and Broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
Spices and 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 (for garnish)
- Jalapeño slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrance.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef and optional ground pork to the pot. Cook until browned all over, breaking the meat apart with a spoon for even cooking. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the chili lean.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in the diced bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly, enhancing their natural flavors.
- Add Tomato and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir everything together well to combine all ingredients uniformly.
- Season the Chili: Add chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly throughout the chili.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld deeply.
- Finish with Vinegar: Stir in the apple cider vinegar to add a subtle tanginess. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed for flavor balance.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili hot into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions and jalapeño slices for a fresh and spicy finish.
Notes
- You can omit ground pork to keep the chili just with beef or substitute with turkey for a leaner option.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Simmering the chili longer will deepen the flavors if time permits.
- Serve with keto-friendly sides or toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream for added richness.
- Use fresh herbs if available for an even brighter flavor profile.
