Low-Carb Chili with Ground Beef and Green Chilies
A robust keto chili packed with ground beef, green chilies, and smoky spices, perfect for a comforting low-carb meal. This mexican-inspired keto (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs ground beef, 85% lean, green chilies, diced, diced tomatoes, no sugar added for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, 85% lean
- 1 cup green chilies, diced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes, no sugar added
- 2 cups beef bone broth
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup diced green chilies, 1 cup no sugar added diced tomatoes, and 2 cups beef bone broth. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and chili to thicken.
- Step 6: Serve hot topped with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup sour cream, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Low-Carb Chili with Ground Beef and Green Chilies take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 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 Low-Carb Chili with Ground Beef and Green Chilies?
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 Low-Carb Chili with Ground Beef and Green Chilies?
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 Low-Carb Chili with Ground Beef and Green Chilies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Low-Carb Chili with Ground Beef and Green Chilies low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.