Spiced Low-Carb Chili with Ground Beef and Bell Peppers

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

A robust, keto chili with ground beef and colorful bell peppers, simmered with smoky spices for a warming low-carb meal. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 50 minutes pairs ground beef (85% lean), olive oil, medium 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 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 5 American cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 medium diced red bell pepper, 1 medium diced green bell pepper, and 1 small minced jalapeño pepper; sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp dried oregano; cook for 2 minutes until spices are fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups beef bone broth, season with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, and bring to a boil.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until chili thickens and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Spiced 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 Spiced 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 Spiced 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 Spiced 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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