Keto Chili (Low-Carb & Hearty Comfort Food) is a thick, flavorful keto dinner packed with seasoned ground beef, savory spices, and rich tomato depth without the beans or carbs. This Keto Chili (Low-Carb & Hearty Comfort Food) recipe delivers big comfort, high protein, and clean ingredients perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, weight loss, and anyone craving a warm, satisfying low-carb chili that keeps you full and firmly in ketosis.
About This Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chili when the weather turns cold. The aroma of slow-simmered beef, garlic, and chili spices fills the kitchen and instantly makes you feel at home. But traditional chili recipes often come with hidden carbs — beans, tomato paste, and sugar-laden sauces. That’s why this Keto Chili delivers all the comfort and flavor of the classic dish, minus the carbs.
It starts with ground beef browned to perfection, layered with onions, garlic, and a mix of low-carb spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Instead of beans, we rely on diced bell peppers and chopped zucchini to add texture without the carb load. The result is a deeply savory, thick, and hearty chili that tastes like it’s been simmering all day — even if it only takes about 30 minutes.
The secret to depth of flavor here is twofold: a touch of tomato paste (in moderation) and a splash of beef broth to stretch the sauce and bring everything together. For richness, you can finish it with butter, olive oil, or even a bit of heavy cream.
This chili is perfect for meal prep — it tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully. Serve it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado on top for a filling, high-fat, low-carb meal that fits perfectly into your keto goals.
You can make it mild and kid-friendly or crank up the spice for that classic Tex-Mex kick. It’s flexible, foolproof, and full of comfort — the kind of recipe that becomes a weekly staple.
Also Read: Thirty Birthday Cakes You Need to Try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot, easy cleanup
- Hearty, filling, and satisfying
- Perfect cold-weather comfort food
- Freezer-friendly for meal prep
- Naturally gluten-free and sugar-free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (no sugar added)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, jalapeño, cilantro
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add onion, garlic, and diced bell peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and spices; cook 1 minute to release flavor.
- Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, and zucchini. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes until thickened.
- Adjust seasoning and serve with your favorite keto toppings.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 410
- Fat: 31 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Net Carbs: 6 g
- Fiber: 3 g
FAQ
- Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes — brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. - Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! It’s lighter but still full of flavor. - What can I use instead of zucchini?
Try diced cauliflower or mushrooms for extra bulk. - Does it freeze well?
Yes, perfectly. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add bacon for a smoky flavor boost.
- Stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for richer depth.
- Swap beef for pork or venison for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or sliced avocado. Pairs perfectly with keto cornbread or cloud bread.
Keto Chili (Low-Carb & Hearty Comfort Food)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 small zucchini (diced)
- 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes (no sugar added)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional toppings
- shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, jalapeño, cilantro
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add onion, garlic, and diced bell peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and spices; cook 1 minute to release flavor.
- Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, and zucchini. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes until thickened.
- Adjust seasoning and serve with your favorite keto toppings.
Did you make this recipe?
Let me know how it turned out! Snap a pic and tag @dailyketo.recipes on instagram – I’d love to see your version.
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