New Year Low Carb Chili (Printable)
A hearty chili packed with beef, vegetables, and spices for a flavorful low carb meal.
# List of ingredients:
→ Meats
01 - 2 lbs ground beef (85% lean)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 large green bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 large red bell pepper, diced
06 - 2 medium zucchini, diced
07 - 1 cup diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
→ Liquids
08 - 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste (no added sugar)
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 2 tbsp chili powder
11 - 2 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1 tsp dried oregano
14 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
15 - 1 tsp salt, or to taste
16 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Garnishes (optional)
17 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
18 - 1/4 cup sour cream
19 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
# Steps:
01 - Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
03 - Stir in diced bell peppers and zucchini. Cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
04 - Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine thoroughly.
05 - Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute spices evenly.
06 - Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to balance flavors.
08 - Serve hot, topped with optional cheddar cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The zucchini soaks up all those spices like a flavor sponge while keeping carbs ridiculously low
- This makes enough for dinner tonight plus lunch all week without any sacrifice in taste
02 -
- The chili will thicken significantly as it cools, so do not panic if it looks a bit thin right off the stove
- Leftaways actually taste better on day two when all those spices have had time to really marry
03 -
- Freeze individual portions in freezer bags for those nights when cooking feels impossible
- A splash of vinegar right at the end can brighten everything if it tastes too flat