Keto chili mac and cheese is a delicious comfort food dish made healthy. Swap chopped cauliflower for the pasta for a hearty low carb meal.
Oh the weather outside is frightful, but this keto chili mac is so delightful.
Seriously, it’s absolutely ghastly here in Portland, with driving rain and gusty winds, and it’s been like that for weeks. We see peeks of sun here and there for maybe 20 minutes at a time, and then the rain takes over again.
And they are predicting snow next week, which if you know anything about Portland, you know that even an inch will bring the whole city to a grinding halt. Because we simply don’t have the snow removal equipment and it often turns icy and treacherous quickly.
So if there are multiple snow days next week, I am going to armed with ridiculous amounts of keto comfort food, like this Cauliflower Chili Mac and Cheese.
Behold the versatile cauliflower
Let me first be clear that I labor under no illusions that cauliflower is really macaroni. I am not that crazy – not yet, anyway.
And some reader or other is surely going to take me to task for suggesting that cauliflower can replace macaroni in any way, shape, or form. But I thumb my nose at those naysayers because I am enjoying a big bowl of keto chili mac with non-macaroni and my mouth is too full to say anything.
The reality is that when you start on a keto diet, you have to make some compromises and accommodations. If you are constantly searching for replacements for old favourites that taste, feel, and behave exactly the same, you will surely be disappointed. And you will likely jump ship from your healthy new lifestyle early on.
It’s time to change your expectations, and embrace cauliflower for what it is. It’s delicious in its own right and exceptionally versatile at playing the role of some of your old standbys. Such as cauliflower “potato” salad, cauliflower risotto, and cauliflower shepherd’s pie.
Cauliflower can play the role of rice and potatoes, so why not pasta too? I already have a lovely cauliflower mac and cheese recipe, but I was drawn to some delicious looking Chili Mac on Pinterest, and decided that cauliflower could be good in that too. And oh it really is delicious!
How to make keto chili mac
There’s nothing earth-shattering about this recipe or the method. Just like regular chili mac, you whip yourself up a nice pot of chili, first and foremost.
Of course, keto chili is bean-free so that helps cut down the carb count. I also always keep my onion to a bare minimum for flavour, since onions have surprising amount of carbs.
Once the chili is nicely cooked and simmered through, you add chopped raw cauliflower. I cut mine even smaller than the natural florets, into 1 inch pieces, so they resembled macaroni a little bit more.
Unlike macaroni, however, cauliflower doesn’t absorb any liquid. In fact, it tends to release liquid, so there’s no need to add broth or water to the chili. And cauliflower cooks quickly as well, so you will only need 10 to 15 minutes for it to be tender.
Finally, grab a brick of your favorite cheddar (I used Cabot Colby Jack), grate it, and stir it in.
What do you end up with? Rich, hearty keto comfort food that won’t spike your blood sugar or add inches to your hips. Who needs macaroni when keto food is this good?
Want more keto comfort food recipes?
Keto chili mac and cheese is a delicious comfort food dish made healthy. Swap chopped cauliflower for the pasta for a hearty low carb meal.
- 1 tbsp bacon grease Sub any oil or fat
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 14 ounce can tomato puree
- 1 small head cauliflower cut into 1 inch pieces
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese grated
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Heat the bacon grease or other oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the beef and cook until mostly cooked through with a little pink remaining, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon.
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Add the onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne, and cook until fragrant, one more minute. Stir in the tomatoes.
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Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the cauliflower and continue to cook until tender, another 15 minutes or so.
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Add the cheese and stir in until melted. Serve with your favorite chili toppings such as sour cream and avocado.
Mandy says
This looks great as always – going on the menu for next week! 🙂 I’ve traded MANY of yours – savory and sweet – and haven’t been disappointed with any of them. I would have made this one this weekend but I just made your Broccoli and Cheese soup from your cookbook which is awesome. Your sweet recipes are definitely attention-grabbing, but your savory ones are the ones I come back to time and again. Thank you for all of your help in making this lifestyle sustainable and delicious. You’re so right about managing your expectations. It’s funny to me that people call this WOE unhealthy – I’ve always been a veggie lover but I’ve eaten so many more on keto than before. Thank you so much again.
Carolyn says
Thanks, Mandy. Hope you love it! I love to bake the sweets and desserts but honestly, my savory recipes are super important to maintaining the diet.
Laura Thompson says
I subbed cauliflower rice – garlic flavored ( steamable bag). Steamed it first. I added 4 ounces of cream cheese. I subbed hot italian turkey sausage. I added enough water to thin it down just a bit so that it could simmer. It was so good that my husband asked if we had any left over the next night. Exceptional.
Denise says
Hi Carolyn,
What would you think of adding black soy beans to the chili? According to the can, there are 8 grams of carb in a serving, but 7 grams of fibre, leaving 1 net gram in a half cup. At least that’s the way I read it.
Black soy beans appear to be the magic exception to the high carb bean rule…but maybe I’m missing something…
Thanks.
Carolyn says
You are free to, but I try not to eat soy and I truly think chili does not need beans.
Christine says
Made this tonight but I think recipe might be missing some liquid? Broth? I added two extra cans of tomatoes because there was no liquid at all when it was time to add cauliflower.
Carolyn says
Nope, chili is not usually made with any broth. And if it was dry, you may have had your heat too high when simmering.
Cecile says
I have yet to buy a Dutch oven but do have an InstaPot…..would that work?
Justine says
I don’t make chili regularly either (shocking, I know), but I do enjoy it and this sounds delish. I’ve never seen a 14oz can of tomato puree, and the instructions say to “add the tomatoes” (plural), so I’m wondering if it’s supposed to be a 14oz can of diced tomatoes? Or is it really a large can of puree with no actual tomatoes? Your pictures look really soupy/runny, which would surprise me a little bit if it’s only from puree (though you did say the cauliflower releases liquid). Not meaning to criticize or pester, but I know mistakes do happen so I just wanted to check before I try it out in the next week or two. Thanks for your site and all the great recipes – I’ve used several and enjoyed them!
Carolyn says
It’s not an error, it’s tomato puree (or pureed tomatoes). I happened to use my own homemade from a pint jar, which comes out to almost the exact same amount as a 14 ounce can. I can change the instructions to say 1 3/4 cups, if that makes more sense to you. But trust me, this recipe works as is.
Erica B says
Hi Justine, perhaps you’re confusing tomato purée and tomato paste? Tomato purée is quite runny because it’s essentially just blended tomatoes, while tomato paste is a thick product made by cooking down large amounts of tomatoes to remove the liquid and intensify the flavor.
Carolyn says
Ah, Erica, good point!
Justine says
Yes, thanks for reading my brain, Erica! And sorry, Carolyn! My tomato “puree” is sold as “tomato sauce” (at least, I think they are the same – it’s just tomatoes, no seasonings), so I saw the “p” and immediately my (tired) brain read “paste”. That does explain it for sure. It’s cold here today, so I’m making this tonight. Thanks again.
Carolyn says
Glad we solved it. Kudos to Erica!
Erica B says
Glad to help. 😊 Enjoy your chili mac, Justine!
Karen says
Can’t WAIT to make this. Any one of your cornbread/skillet breads and this Chili Mac and Cheese = Keto Comfort Food Heaven!
Jackie Ruiz says
I only have MASSIVE cauliflower here. Do you know about how much cauliflower (weight) you use? Im hoping half 2 lb 12 oz head will do…
Carolyn says
About 12 ounces should be right.
Monica W. says
I just made this! It was so good. I even liked it better than regular chili! I substituted frozen cauliflower, because I had it on hand, and just cooked it a little longer. Thanks for a new recipe in my dinner rotation!
Laura Harper Thompson says
Try using the garlic flavored steamable riced cauliflower. it was delicious. Steam first.
gjeanieg says
Just finished my first bowl. Superb, as always! Thank you again, Carolyn, for another trustworthy recipe! We’ve been keto for 2.5 years. You have never failed us yet.
vicki w says
the weather here in NY is frigid so we decided to have this chili tonight. omg the flavor is awesome! i didn’t have tomato puree but i did have crushed tomatoes, in the end i did add 3/4 cup water but it was still thick and hearty. this will be on our rotation for sure! if anyone doubted the addition of cauliflower put your mind to rest and try this recipe! i also made the cheesy skillet bread to go with it and that too was awesome. i didn’t have flax meal but i did have chia seeds and added those as my replacement, this bread had a crisp bottom but was moist and oh so good. both were very easy to make and we enjoyed every delicious bite! thanks once again for these awesome recipes.
ps. i want to get some corn bread extract to try your jalapeno cornbread.
Carolyn says
Yay, so glad you liked it! Stay warm.
Cecile says
I went ahead and used the instant pot and it worked ok; couldn’t get the simmer temp low enough so ended up using a large saucepan for the simmer…..however, today my husband is getting me a 5.5 qt. Le Creuset Dutch oven for my birthday!! Problem solved. Chili was delicious.
Dawnj says
My husband and I loved this chili! Hearty meal in itself and has a nice kick to the sauce. We liken it to comfort food. Will make this again and again. Thank you.
Kelly Durbin says
Would this be just as thick and flavorful without the ground beef?
Carolyn says
What would you replace it with?
Jane says
Delicious! I have a question though. Right from the start this was VERY thick. In the bowl it just sits in the middle of the bowl – no soupiness at all. Is the recipe missing some liquid?
Carolyn says
So your tomatoes must have been thicker than mine. Next time, add 1/3 to 1/2 cup water.
Kim Rychlick says
I have made this twice and it is awesome! Your site is ALWAYS my first stop looking for new ideas.
Thank you!
Tracy Pletcher says
holy crap this is delicious and filling…
Thank you for being so creative!
Sandra says
ANOTHER recipe checked off from your The Best Ground Beef Recipes post! I’m so pleased I chose the Chili Mac over a traditional chili….it was enjoyed by both keto and non-keto family members. (I also ‘over-simmered” and had to add a bit of water before adding the cauliflower–no problem, came out great.)
Beth C says
This is our go too for chili. It is very yummy!
Melissa Brewer says
Ive been a fan of your keto recipes for a long time now. I never have to switch things up or go searching for insane items lol! I absolutely lobe this chili cauli mac recipe it was very delicious! Thank you
Carolyn says
So glad to hear that!
Sylvanna says
Just made this and I love it! Even my toddler liked it and it’s a bit Spicy for her but it was that yummy! With avocado, scallions and sour cream…omg so delicious. Im stuffed lol great recipe…thank you!
Carinne says
This was delish! Only had diced tomatoes so added some chicken bone broth. Turned out great!
Sylvanna says
So good! I love this dish!
Kris says
Made the Chili Mac tonight. Glad I made a double batch because it’s delicious!