5 Ingredient Keto Chilli Con Carne
This 5 ingredient keto chilli con carne is rich, hearty, and ready in just 30 minutes. It focuses on good technique rather than a long ingredient list, letting properly browned beef, onions, and spices do the work.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef: Use 80% or 90% ground beef. You want some fat in the meat so it renders as it cooks, adding flavor and richness to the chilli.
- Onion: Thinly sliced onion cooks down slowly and adds natural sweetness as it softens and browns. This step builds the base flavor of the chilli.
- Tomato Purée: Adds body and acidity without adding too many carbs. It thickens naturally as it cooks and can be loosened with a little water depending on how thick you like your chilli.
- Ground Cumin: Adds depth and warmth to the chilli.
- Cilantro: Stirred in at the end to add freshness and lift. It balances the richness of the beef and tomato without overpowering the dish.
- Avocado Oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point that works well for cooking. It can be substituted with olive oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or canola oil.
Expert Tips
Take Your Time with the Onions
Cook the onions slowly over medium-low heat until they soften and take on color. This builds sweetness and gives the chilli a deeper flavor from the start.
Let the Beef Brown Properly
Once the beef goes in, allow the moisture to cook off before stirring too much. When the pan is drier, the beef can brown, which adds much more flavor.
Adjust the Consistency at the End
Remove the lid once the chilli has simmered so you can decide the final texture. Reduce it further for a thicker chilli or add a little water if it becomes too dense.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerator
Store leftover chilli con carne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavour often improves after resting overnight.
Freezer
This chilli freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating on the Stovetop
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a small splash of water if the chilli has thickened too much during storage.
Reheating in the Microwave
Transfer the chilli to a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot throughout.
5 Ingredient Keto Chilli Con Carne
Ingredients
- 1.1 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- 5.3 oz tomato purée ⅔ cup
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 0.1 oz cilantro 1 tbsp
- 0.5 fl oz avocado oil 1 tbsp
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium low heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and deeply browned.
- Increase the heat to medium and add the ground beef. Season with salt, black pepper, and cumin. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook until the juices evaporate and the beef begins to brown.
- Stir in the tomato purée and add a few splashes of water. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes to let the flavours come together.
- Remove the lid and adjust the consistency. Reduce further for a thicker chilli or add a little water for a more saucy texture.
- Stir in the cilantro, taste, and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot.
