Spicy Low-Carb Chili with Ground Beef and Avocado
A robust and spicy chili made with ground beef and keto-friendly ingredients, topped with creamy avocado for a satisfying low-carb dinner. This beef-inspired keto (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs ground beef, 85% lean, (14 oz) diced tomatoes, no sugar added, beef bone broth 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 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, no sugar added
- 1.5 cups beef bone broth
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1.25 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium ripe avocado, diced
- 2 tbsp, for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 1 diced medium green bell pepper; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook for 7 minutes until browned.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes over the beef mixture; stir to coat and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 can (14 oz) no-sugar-added diced tomatoes and 1.5 cups beef bone broth. Season with 1.25 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 25 minutes until chili thickens.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and ladle chili into bowls. Top each serving with diced avocado from 1 medium fruit and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Low-Carb Chili with Ground Beef and Avocado 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 Spicy Low-Carb Chili with Ground Beef and Avocado?
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 Spicy Low-Carb Chili with Ground Beef and Avocado?
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 Spicy Low-Carb Chili with Ground Beef and Avocado 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 Spicy Low-Carb Chili with Ground Beef and Avocado 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.