Keto-Friendly Chili: A Hearty Low-Carb Comfort Dish

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Imagine the aroma of a simmering pot of chili wafting through your kitchen, filling your home with the warmth and comfort of a hearty, flavorful meal. Now imagine that same dish perfectly aligned with your keto lifestyle. This Keto-Friendly Chili: A Hearty Low-Carb Comfort Dish is everything you’ve been looking for—a rich, satisfying, and incredibly delicious dish that fits your low-carb goals.

Packed with ground beef, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and bold spices, this chili is the ultimate comfort food. With every spoonful, you’ll enjoy a satisfying burst of flavor and texture, all without the high carb count found in traditional chili recipes. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting friends, or just craving something cozy, this keto chili is here to impress.

Why You’ll Love Keto-Friendly Chili

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chili on a cold day—or any day, really! Here’s why this keto-friendly version is about to become your new favorite:

  • Low-Carb, Big Flavor: Unlike traditional chili that relies on beans, this recipe uses hearty vegetables and spices to keep the flavor bold and the carbs low.
  • Packed with Protein: Thanks to ground beef and bacon, this chili is loaded with protein to keep you full and energized.
  • Keto-Approved Ingredients: Every ingredient is carefully selected to fit a ketogenic lifestyle, helping you stay on track without sacrificing taste.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend meal prep.
  • Customizable: You can tweak the spice level, adjust the veggies, or add your favorite toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients for Keto-Friendly Chili

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this hearty dish:

IngredientAmountPurpose
Ground beef2 poundsProvides protein and a hearty base
Bell pepper (chopped)1Adds sweetness and crunch
Onion (chopped)1Enhances flavor
Celery (chopped)½ cupAdds texture and crunch
Jalapeño (finely chopped)1Adds heat and spice
Garlic (minced)4 clovesInfuses the dish with rich, savory flavor
Bacon slices6Adds smoky flavor and crunch
Diced tomatoes14 ½ ouncesProvides a rich tomato base
Tomato paste3 ouncesThickens the chili and intensifies flavor
Chili powder2 tablespoonsDelivers bold, classic chili flavor
Cumin1 tablespoonAdds warm, earthy flavor
Oregano½ teaspoonContributes a subtle herbal note
Paprika2 teaspoonsAdds smokiness and depth
Bone broth1 cupCreates a rich, flavorful base
Salt and pepperTo tasteBalances and enhances all the flavors
Cheddar cheese (shredded)For toppingAdds a creamy, cheesy finish

How to Make Keto-Friendly Chili

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

  1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and let it cool before crumbling. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. In the same pot, keep the bacon grease and add the chopped bell pepper, onion, celery, jalapeño, and minced garlic.
  2. Sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

  1. Push the vegetables to one side of the pot and add the ground beef.
  2. Break the beef into small pieces with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Mix the vegetables and beef together.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning

  1. Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing until well combined.
  2. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and paprika.
  3. Stir thoroughly to coat the beef and vegetables in the spices.

Step 5: Add the Broth and Simmer

  1. Pour in the bone broth and stir to combine.
  2. Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken.

Step 6: Season and Finish

  1. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  2. Stir in the crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory finish.

Step 7: Serve

  1. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  2. Add optional toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, or sliced avocado for extra flavor.
  3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Why This Chili Is Perfect for a Keto Lifestyle

This keto chili isn’t just delicious—it’s tailored to help you meet your health and nutrition goals. Here’s why:

  • Low in Carbs: By skipping the beans and focusing on vegetables and meat, this chili keeps its carb count low without sacrificing flavor.
  • High in Healthy Fats: With ingredients like bacon, ground beef, and cheddar cheese, this dish is rich in the healthy fats your body needs on keto.
  • Packed with Protein: The beef and bacon provide a significant protein boost to keep you full and satisfied.
  • Keto-Approved Ingredients: Bone broth, low-carb vegetables, and high-fat toppings make this recipe a keto-friendly dream.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 390
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Net Carbs: 4g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g

This makes it an excellent choice for anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.

Tips for the Best Keto Chili

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients

  • Opt for grass-fed beef and nitrate-free bacon for the best flavor and health benefits.

2. Adjust the Spice Level

  • Add more jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper if you like your chili extra spicy.

3. Let It Simmer

  • Allowing the chili to simmer ensures the flavors meld together and intensify.

4. Add Toppings

  • Enhance your chili with keto-friendly toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh herbs.

5. Store Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This chili also freezes beautifully!

Serving Suggestions

This versatile chili can be enjoyed in many ways:

  • On Its Own: Serve it as a hearty, standalone meal.
  • Over Cauliflower Rice: Add extra bulk with a bed of low-carb cauliflower rice.
  • As a Topping: Use it to top keto-friendly nachos or stuffed bell peppers.
  • With Low-Carb Bread: Pair it with keto cornbread for a comforting meal.

FAQs About Keto-Friendly Chili

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option, but it may change the flavor slightly.

2. Is this chili spicy?

The jalapeño adds a mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño or chili powder.

3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the bacon, vegetables, and beef first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

4. Can I freeze this chili?

Yes, this chili freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

5. What other toppings can I add?

Try sour cream, diced avocado, jalapeño slices, or even a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

6. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Simply skip the cheddar cheese topping or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Final Thoughts: Try Keto-Friendly Chili Today

This Keto-Friendly Chili: A Hearty Low-Carb Comfort Dish is everything you need in a meal—flavorful, filling, and easy to make. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping your carb count in check. So grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and enjoy a bowl of this rich, comforting chili. Your taste buds—and your keto goals—will thank you!

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Keto-Friendly Chili: A Hearty Low-Carb Comfort Dish


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  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Keto Chili is a flavorful and heartylow-carb dish made with ground beef, bacon, vegetables, and a rich blend ofspices, perfect for those following a keto or low-carb diet.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • ½ cup celery (chopped)
  • 1 jalapeno (finely chopped)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 14 ½ ounces diced tomatoes
  • 3 ounces tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 cup bone broth
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Cheddar cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Once cooled, crumble the bacon.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Using the same pot, sauté the chopped bell pepper, onion, celery, jalapeno, and minced garlic in the bacon grease over medium heat until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot with the sautéed vegetables.
  4. Add the tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and paprika. Mix well to combine the flavors.
  5. Add the broth: Pour in the bone broth and stir. Let the chili simmer over low heat for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  6. Season and serve: Taste and season the chili with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the crumbled bacon and give it a final mix. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Optional Toppings: Sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime juice can enhance the flavor.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Chili freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño or paprika. For an extra kick, add cayenne pepper.
  • Bone Broth Substitute: You can use chicken or beef stock if bone broth is unavailable.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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