Keto Low-Carb Chili with Ground Beef and Bell Peppers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A robust and spicy chili made with ground beef and colorful bell peppers, simmered to perfection for a filling keto-friendly stew. This mexican-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef (85% lean), green bell pepper, diced, red bell pepper, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 5, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 5 Mexican cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 medium diced green bell pepper, 1 medium diced red bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and onions become translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and release aromas.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes and 1 cup beef bone broth; season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the chili thickens and flavors meld, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Keto Low-Carb Chili with Ground Beef and Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Keto Low-Carb Chili with Ground Beef and Bell Peppers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef (85% lean) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Keto Low-Carb Chili with Ground Beef and Bell Peppers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Keto Low-Carb Chili with Ground Beef and Bell Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Keto Low-Carb Chili with Ground Beef and Bell Peppers low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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