This Classic Paleo, Whole30, and Keto Chili Con Carne recipe is easy, filling, and comforting. It's made with ground beef and a simple blend of homemade spices, tomatoes, and chilies - you will never even miss the beans!
This is my mom's classic chili recipe that I've eaten since I was a little girl. Now that I'm grown with a family of my own, it's the recipe I make for them too.
I've just made a few simple tweaks to make it whole30, paleo & low-carb.
It's a traditional, classic chili recipe that's easy, filling, and comforting.
It's made with ground beef and a simple blend of homemade spices, tomatoes, and chilies.
And since beans aren't low-carb or paleo, we'll be leaving them out. However, this dish is so flavorful you'll never even miss them!
Also, if you’d like your chili to have some heat to it, just add ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper, I never do this because we don’t really like spicy food, but it's totally up to you!
I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your family like it is in ours.
Watch the YouTube video!
See how easy this recipe is to make on my YouTube channel! Find the full video here: YouTube Chili Recipe!
Easy steps
Start by browning 2 pounds of hamburger meat (I prefer organic and grass-fed) along with 1 small onion.
Drain off the fat, if desired, then add 2 cloves garlic, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, basil, oregano, sea salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Cover and simmer 30 to 40 minutes to allow all the flavors to blend together and serve.
What to top chili with
I like to top mine with yellow mustard and shredded cheese. I've always thought this is how everyone ate chili, but as it turns out, I think it's just my family, lol 🤣
Some more common toppings include:
- avocado
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
- red onion
- diced tomatoes
- red hot
- tortilla chips
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can! Simply add one 16 oz can of drained kidney or pinto beans on step 4 if desired.
Yes, this is a perfect dish to make in large portions and freeze! To freeze, store in individual portions for up to 3 months. When ready to heat, allow the chili to thaw then reheat on the stove.
Chili can be thawed overnight in the fridge, in a bowl of cold water (while still in the container!), or in the microwave if it's in a microwavable-safe container.
What to serve with it
Or if you're looking for more chili recipes, this Salsa Verde Quinoa Chili looks delicious too!
If you’ve tried this Keto Chili Con Carne or any other recipe on the blog please let me know in the comments below!
Craving more? FOLLOW ME on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or E-Mail to find more delicious food!
📖 Recipe
Keto Chili Con Carne {Paleo & Whole30 Options}
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. Avocado Oil - or oil of choice
- 2 Pounds Ground Beef - preferably organic and grass fed
- ½ Large or 1 Small Onion - finely chopped
- 2 Cloves Garlic - Minced
- 1 10 oz. Can Diced Tomatoes With Green Chili's (I use Ro-Tel)
- 16 oz Tomato Sauce
- 2 Tbsp. Chili Powder
- 1 Tbsp. Ground Cumin
- 1 tsp. Dried Basil
- 1 tsp. Oregano
- ¼ tsp. Cayenne Pepper - optional, more to taste
- ¾ tsp. Sea Salt
Optional Toppings:
- Sour Cream
- Yellow Mustard
- Shredded Cheese
- Keto Tortilla Chips
Instructions
- Heat the oil in large pan or dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the beef and onion and cook until beef is browned and onion is translucent, breaking the beef apart with a wooden spoon as cooking.
- Drain off fat if desired.
- Add remaining ingredients and bring to boil.
- Reduce heat, cover and simmer 30-40 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as desired and serve hot. Easy and delicious!
Video
Notes
- Find the link to the full video here: Chili YouTube Video!
- This goes perfectly with my Keto Cornbread or Paleo Cornbread!
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for 3 days or frozen. To freeze, store in individual portions for up to 3 months. When ready to heat, allow the chili to thaw then reheat on the stove.
- To thaw chili: Place it in the fridge overnight, in a bowl of cold water (while still in the container!), or in the microwave if it's in a microwavable-safe container.
- If you're not keto or paleo, feel free to add one 16 oz can of drained kidney or pinto beans on step 4 if desired.
- As written, this isn't very spicy. Add more cayenne pepper as desired.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is approximate and may vary.
Looking for more information on the keto diet? Check out these resources:
This looks like my husband's kind of chili - he really doesn't like beans. I'd be tempted to sneak in some veggies on him and the idea mentioned above of eggplant sounds really tasty!
Yeah, I have yet to try the eggplant but it sounds tasty!!
-Cassidy
Another goodie! We also add diced eggplant. Put it in when you add the meat. It soaks up the good fats from the meat cooking and turns soft. Basically, its the beans in the chili. 🙂 (Oh, and smoked paprika is awesome in chili.)