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Keto Chorizo Chili 🌶

Published: · Updated: by · 4 Comments

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Say hello to our Keto Chorizo Chili! This skillet dish combines chorizo, ground beef, and a blend of spices for a flavorful experience that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle. It's so spicy, so easy, and oh so good that this may just become a weekly go-to for you! If you're looking for a delicious and low-carb meal option, it's time to don your apron and dive right in!

Keto Chorizo Chili in a black bowl with cilantro to the side

This Keto Chorizo Chili recipe is sponsored by our friends at Kiolbassa Smoked Meats! Thank you for supporting the brands that make CIK and our mission possible!

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Preparation and cooking overview

Get ready for a simple and delicious chorizo chili! Just brown the chorizo and ground beef, sauté the vegetables, mix in the spices and other ingredients, and let it all simmer for 30 minutes. In less than an hour, you'll have a bowl of chili ready to be topped with your go-to garnishes.

Chef's note

Want to take your keto chorizo chili to the next level of deliciousness? Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika to deepen the smoky notes. For a touch of tanginess, squeeze some fresh lime juice right before serving. And if you love spice, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 8 Servings

🌶 Ingredients for this keto chorizo chili recipe

  • 1 (12-ounces) package Kiolbassa Chorizo
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • ½ tablespoon cumin
  • ½ tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
  • 14-ounce can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef bone broth
  • Salt to taste

Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Avocado
  • Cilantro
  • Diced onion
  • Pickled jalapenos

Ingredient substitutions

No need to stress if you don't have a particular ingredient or if something in this recipe isn't quite your flavor. We've got your back with some awesome keto-friendly ingredient swaps.

  • Unsalted butter: If you don't have unsalted butter, use avocado oil, coconut oil, or ghee.
  • Green bell peppers: Use poblano or mild green chilies instead of bell peppers.
  • Yellow onion: Swap the yellow onion with white or red onions or shallots.
  • Garlic: Use garlic powder if you don't have garlic.
  • Sour cream: Use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Additional ingredients

Craving an extra burst of flavor? Elevate your recipe with these additional ingredients that enhance the taste:

  • Lime juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chili for a tangy and citrusy element.
  • Smoked paprika: Enhance the smokiness of the chorizo by incorporating some smoked paprika. It will add a unique flavor to the chili.
  • Black pepper: Adding black pepper will complement other flavors in the chili and enhance the overall taste.
  • Cayenne pepper: Sprinkle a pinch or two of cayenne pepper into the chili to add a fiery kick to the recipe.

Cooking tools required

To make this beef and chorizo chili recipe, you will need the following tools:

  • 5-quart Dutch oven
  • Slotted spoon
  • Spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Can opener

Tools substitute options

  • 5-quart Dutch oven: Use a deep skillet or a non-stick pan with a lid. Just ensure that it has enough capacity to hold all the ingredients.
  • Slotted spoon: Use a regular spoon or a spatula to remove the cooked chorizo and ground beef from the pot.

How to make Keto Chorizo Chili: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Sautéing
  • Searing/Browning
  • Simmering

Preparation steps

  1. Dice up the bell peppers and onions.
  2. Mince the garlic.
  3. Chop cilantro, slice jalapenos, and cut avocados.

Cooking instructions

  1. Remove the casing from the chorizo. Brown chorizo in a 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer chorizo into a large bowl and set it aside.
  2. Add the ground beef to the pot and brown for 5-6 minutes, remove and place in the bowl with the chorizo.
  3. Add the butter to the pot along with the diced peppers and onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, add in the garlic and cook another minute.
  4. Add in the spices and cook, stirring, for an additional 30 seconds.
  5. Add the browned meat back to the pot along with the remaining ingredients. Reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes.
  6. To serve, top with your choice of toppings.

Chef's pro tip

When it comes to making this delicious keto chorizo and beef chili, don't rush the browning process. Take your time to brown both the chorizo and ground beef properly. Use medium-high heat and let them cook for about 5-6 minutes each. This step is about getting that beautiful caramelization, which boosts the flavor and gives the chili a rich and savory base. So, don't hurry through it; savor the process!

What to serve with low carb chorizo chili?

Elevate your chorizo chili by serving it alongside these food pairings:

  • Cauliflower Rice: Serve the chili over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb and satisfying meal.
  • Keto tortilla chips: Enjoy the chili with homemade or store-bought keto-friendly chips for a crunchy texture.
  • Mixed greens salad: Serve this chorizo chili with a refreshing side salad. You can pair this with our Keto Arugula Salad, Keto Kale Salad, and Green Bean Salad.
  • Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Use a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler to create thin noodle-like strips, sauté in olive oil, and enjoy chorizo chili.
  • Cheesy Broccoli: Steam or roast broccoli florets and sprinkle them with shredded cheese for a flavorful and nutritious side dish.
  • Guacamole: Mash avocados and mix with lime juice and seasonings, and enjoy with this chorizo chili dish.

How to make it healthier

Here are a couple of tweaks you can make to make the beef and chorizo chili recipe healthier:

  • Reduce sodium: Choose low-sodium or no-salt-added canned tomatoes and beef bone broth to help reduce the sodium content of the recipe.
  • Increase vegetable content: Add more vegetables like chopped zucchini, spinach, or mushroom to boost the nutritional profile.

Time-saving tips

  • Use a food chopper: If you prefer a finer texture, use a food chopper to quickly chop the bell pepper, onion, and garlic instead of dicing them manually.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Pre-cut ingredients: Save time by chopping your ingredients in advance. Dice the green bell pepper and yellow onion, and mince the garlic beforehand. You can store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until you're ready to use them.
  • Prepare the bone broth: To make bone broth ahead of time, simply simmer beef bones and then strain and store the bone broth in airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for a few days, or freeze it for longer storage.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Refrigerator: Store the chorizo chili in an airtight container or resealable bag and refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety. Consume refrigerated chili within 3-4 days for the best quality and taste.
  • Freezer: Freezing a batch of this chorizo chili is possible, but it's better to freeze it without adding the toppings. Consume frozen chili within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: Place a portion of chorizo chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes until hot. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and transfer it to an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Stir occasionally for even reheating.
  • Stove: Heat a pot or saucepan over medium heat. Add this dish and stir occasionally as it reheats. Heat for 5-10 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Recipe wrap-up conclusion

Your taste buds are in for a real treat with this Keto Chorizo Chili. But remember, good things come to those who wait, so don't rush the browning and searing – let that magic happen. Each bite will have you doing a happy dance!

So, don't wait – grab your pots and pans and start cooking up some keto magic today! Your taste buds will thank you, and you'll have a new go-to recipe for cozy, low-carb comfort food. Happy cooking!

Looking for other recipes made with Kiolbassa Smoked Meats, delicious sausages, and chorizo? Check these out ↓

Keto "Potato" Salad with Smoked Sausage In a large serving bowl with kiolbassa packaging in the foreground.
"Potato" Salad with Smoked Sausage
Keto Cabbage Soup close-up in bowl with a spoon in sitting in the bowl
Keto Cabbage Soup with Smoked Sausage
Keto Cheesy Cabbage Sausage Skillet on tabletop
Cheesy Cabbage Sausage Skillet
Keto Bangers and Mash in a cast iron skillet
Keto Bangers + Mash
Cast Iron Skillet filled with cooked peppers, onions, rounds of sausage and keto pierogi's
Pierogi Sausage Skillet
Keto Garlic Parmesan Sausage Skillet with kiolbass packaging in the foreground being stirred with a wooden spoon
Garlic Parmesan Sausage Skillet
Keto Breakfast Sausage Hot Pockets on brown parchment, kiolbassa packaging in the background.
Hot Pockets
Keto Jambalaya in skillet
Keto Jambalaya
Overhead shot of finished Keto Creamy Tuscan Zucchini Noodles with Sausage
Keto Creamy Tuscan Zucchini Noodles with Sausage
Keto Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions in a cast iron skillet with fresh basil.
Keto Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

Frequently asked questions

Chorizo can totally work with a keto diet if you pick ones with fewer carbs. It's basically a meaty sausage with spices. Just make sure to check the label for any sneaky sugars or high-carb stuff in store-bought chorizo.

You can! We've used ground chicken, turkey, and bison, and they're all equally delicious, but we have to say we're partial to bison!

You can, but it's not going to be cohesive. To make the chorizo crumble all you need to do is remove the casing from the links.

Chorizo is a type of sausage commonly made from pork, although variations are made with other meats such as beef or chicken. It is seasoned with a blend of spices, including paprika, garlic, and chili powder, giving it its distinct flavor.

The sugar content in chorizo can vary depending on the brand and specific recipe. Some chorizo varieties may contain added sugars or sweeteners, so it's essential to check the nutrition label if you are monitoring your sugar intake. Opting for sugar-free or homemade chorizo can be a healthier choice.

Yes, chorizo is typically high in fat. It is a rich and flavorful sausage with significant fat, contributing to its taste and texture. If you are following a high-fat or keto diet, chorizo can be a suitable choice, but consuming it in moderation is still important as part of a well-rounded meal plan.

📖 Recipe

Keto Chorizo Chili in a black bowl with cilantro to the side

Keto Chorizo Chili

This Keto Chorizo Chili is made in a cast iron Dutch oven for ultimate flavor.
4.80 from 5 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Mexican, Southwestern
Keyword: Keto Chili
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 349kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 12-oz package Kiolbassa Chorizo
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • ½ tablespoon cumin
  • ½ tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 28- oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 14- oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef bone broth
  • Salt to taste

Toppings:

  • Sour cream
  • Avocado
  • Cilantro
  • Diced onion
  • Pickled jalapenos
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Remove the casing from the chorizo. Brown chorizo in a 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer chorizo into a large bowl and set it aside.
  • Add the ground beef to the pot and brown for 5-6 minutes, remove and place in the bowl with the chorizo.
  • Add the butter to the pot along with the diced peppers and onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, add in the garlic and cook another minute.
  • Add in the spices and cook, stirring, for an additional 30 seconds.
  • Add the browned meat back to the pot along with the remaining ingredients. Reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes.
  • To serve, top with your choice of toppings.

Video

Notes

**Nutritional info does not include optional toppings

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Chorizo Chili
Amount Per Serving
Calories 349 Calories from Fat 225
% Daily Value*
Fat 25g38%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Cholesterol 74mg25%
Sodium 686mg30%
Potassium 554mg16%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 23g46%
Vitamin A 1475IU30%
Vitamin C 31mg38%
Calcium 53mg5%
Iron 3mg17%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sheryl says

    5 stars
    I'm a chili-lover, and I was happy to find a recipe that would work for me on the keto diet. I've made this recipe four times, and each time it turned out perfectly and my whole family loved it. Even if I wasn't eating keto, this chili would be a staple dinner for us. It may be my favorite chili recipe ever, it's so good.

    Reply

  2. Deanna says

    Hello! I REALLY want to try this recipe but I don’t have a Dutch oven. Do you think it would be possible in a crock pot? Or just a regular pot on the stove? Thanks in advance!

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi Deanna, yes, you can use any type of pot.

      Reply

  3. Carissa Renard says

    4 stars
    Good but I think there’s way too much beef stock in this recipe; I used 3 cups and even after simmering 45 mins it was still pretty liquidy;
    I’d recommend only using 2 cups

    Reply

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