A thick, savory chili packed with tender vegetables, bold spices, and rich tomato depth. Enhanced with grated zucchini, chopped bell pepper, and cauliflower rice, this recipe delivers comfort without compromise. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-aligned — ideal for dinner or next-day meal prep.
Course Chili, Entree
Cuisine American Southwest / High Power
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 45 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour
Servings 6
Calories 250kcal
Ingredients
Protein & Base
1lb450 g ground beef or turkey (85–90% lean)
1tbspavocado oil or olive oil
Vegetables
1medium zucchinigrated (120 g)
1bell pepperchopped (red, orange, or green)
1cupriced cauliflowerfresh or frozen
½onionchopped (75 g)
2clovesgarlicminced
1cupchopped tomatoes or diced canned tomatoes200 g
1tbsptomato paste
1cuplow-sodium beef or vegetable broth
Spices & Seasoning
2tbspchili powder
1tspsmoked paprika
1tspcumin
½tspdried oregano
½tsponion powder
¼tspcayenneoptional
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
1tspcocoa powderfor richness
½tspground cinnamonfor depth
A splash of apple cider vinegar or lime juicefor brightness
Instructions
Sauté Base
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Sauté 3–4 minutes until softened. Add ground meat, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned.
Add Veggies
Stir in bell pepper, zucchini, and cauliflower rice. Cook 5–7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Layer in Flavor
Add chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, onion powder, and tomato paste. Stir for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.
Add Tomatoes & Simmer
Pour in chopped tomatoes and broth. Stir well. Simmer uncovered on low-medium heat for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce longer for a thicker chili.
Balance & Finish
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add salt, pepper, cocoa powder, or vinegar/lime juice to round out flavor.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, 1 of 6) Estimate based on lean beef and listed veggies.250 kcal Total Fat 15 g Saturated Fat 5 g Cholesterol 60 mg Sodium 400 mg Total Carbs 9 g Dietary Fiber 3 g Sugar Alcohols 0 g Net Carbs 6 g Protein 20 g📦 Storage & Meal Prep
Refrigerated: Up to 5 days
Frozen: Freeze in portions up to 2 months
Reheat: Simmer gently on stovetop or microwave with splash of broth
Optional Serving Ideas
Top with avocado, shredded cheddar, or a dollop of Greek yogurt
Serve with sandwich rolls or baked cauliflower flatbread
Use leftovers in lettuce wraps or as a stuffed pepper filling