There’s something comforting about a warm bowl of chili, especially when it’s rich, hearty, and full of flavor.
This keto beef & smoked gouda chili is one of those dishes that feels satisfying in every way, without making you feel like you’re missing out on anything.
It’s made with simple ingredients that you can easily find in any grocery store, and it’s completely keto friendly.
You don’t need to be an expert cook to make it – just follow the steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal that fits perfectly into your diet.
The result is a thick, hearty chili that’s packed with flavor and healthy fats. It’s great on its own, or you can pair it with some low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or keto bread.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make– This recipe is really simple and doesn’t require any complicated cooking steps. You just brown the beef, add the spices, pour in broth, and let it simmer. That’s it. Even if you don’t cook often, you can make this without stress.
Perfect for Keto Diet- Every ingredient in this chili fits the keto diet perfectly. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats, and it has almost no carbs. You won’t have to worry about sugar, flour, or starchy ingredients sneaking in.
Smoked Gouda Flavor- The smoked Gouda cheese is what makes this recipe stand out. It melts into the chili and gives it a smoky, creamy, and rich taste that regular cheese just can’t match.
High in Protein- With three pounds of ground beef, this chili is loaded with protein. That means it keeps you full for hours and helps you build or maintain muscle while eating low-carb.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 3 pounds Ground Beef (80/20%)
- 2 tablespoons Cumin
- 2 tablespoons Chili Powder
- Beef Broth or Water (I recommend adding this beef broth – Amazon)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (I recommend using this paprika– Amazon)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 Egg (optional)
- smoked Gouda cheese (grated, or cut slices into thin strips)
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe:
Step 1
Place a skillet over medium-high heat. Then add the ground beef adn cook intil browned.
Step 2
Add the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to the browned beef and mix well.
Step 3
Pour in beef broth or water (how much depends on the consistency you want). Stir the mixture and allow it simmer for a few minutes.
Step 4
Crack an egg into the chili (optional).
Step 5
Serve the chili hot, topped with generous amounts of grated smoked Gouda cheese.
💡Tips
1. Use the Right Kind of Ground Beef
For this recipe, it’s best to use 80/20 ground beef – that means 80% lean and 20% fat. The fat adds flavor, keeps the chili juicy, and gives it that rich, hearty taste you want in a keto meal.
If you use beef that’s too lean, like 90/10 or 95/5, the chili can come out dry and less flavorful.
2. Don’t Skip the Browning Step
Take your time when browning the beef. Don’t just cook it until it turns gray – let it brown properly so you get that deep, roasted flavor that gives the chili its rich base.
Stir it occasionally, but also let it sit for a minute or two at a time so it can develop that brown color on the bottom. Those browned bits that form in the pan (called fond) are full of flavor.
When you add your spices and broth later, they’ll mix into the sauce and make the chili taste much deeper and better.
3. Toast the Spices for Extra Flavor
Once the beef is cooked, add all your spices – cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and salt – directly into the hot pan. Stir them around with the beef for about 30 seconds before adding the broth.
This short step makes a big difference. It “wakes up” the spices and helps release their natural oils and aromas. You’ll notice the smell immediately.
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FAQ
How thick should the chili be?
That depends on how you like it. Some people prefer a thick, chunky chili, while others like it a bit more saucy. If you want it thicker, use less broth or simmer it longer without a lid.
Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can use ground chicken or ground turkey instead of beef. The flavor will be lighter, but the spices will still give it a lot of taste.
Just remember that lean meats like turkey can be a little dry, so you might want to add a spoon of olive oil or butter while cooking to keep it juicy and keto-friendly.
Keto Beef & Smoked Gouda Chili
Print RecipeIngredients
- 3 pounds Ground Beef 80/20%
- 2 tablespoons Cumin
- 2 tablespoons Chili Powder
- Beef Broth or Water (I recommend adding this beef broth – Amazon)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (I recommend using this paprika– Amazon)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 Egg optional
- smoked Gouda cheese grated, or cut slices into thin strips
Instructions
- Place a skillet over medium-high heat. Then add the ground beef adn cook intil browned.
- Add the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to the browned beef and mix well.
- Pour in beef broth or water (how much depends on the consistency you want). Stir the mixture and allow it simmer for a few minutes.
- Crack an egg into the chili (optional).
- Serve the chili hot, topped with generous amounts of grated smoked Gouda cheese.
Perfect for breakfast. Yummy