Try This One-Pot Keto Chili Recipe for a Warm, Satisfying Meal
What Do You Need for a Keto Chili Recipe?
🧑🍳 Key ingredients in a keto chili recipe include ground beef, low-carb vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes, keto-friendly spices such as chili powder and cumin, and kidney beans substituted with lower-carb alternatives.
If you’ve ever wanted a hearty bowl of chili but are worried about the carbs, this bean-free low-carb chili recipe is just what you need. It’s full of flavor and easy to adjust to your liking. With simple ingredients, you can make it in under an hour, perfect for busy evenings. Plus, it’s great for meal prep!
If you’re on a keto diet and want a satisfying bowl of chili without carbs, this no-bean keto chili recipe is perfect for you. It’s tasty and easy to make, making it a great choice for a comforting, keto-friendly meal. Enjoy a delicious dish that warms you up while keeping you in ketosis.
Enhance your keto chili by adding low-carb toppings like avocado slices, shredded cheese, or sour cream. This keto chili is delicious and simple to make, ensuring you don’t compromise on taste while maintaining your commitment to a balanced diet.
So when you’re ready, whip up a hearty bowl of chili that perfectly aligns with your keto lifestyle.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Keto Chili
- Easy Keto Chili Recipe
- Customization Tips for Your Keto Chili
- Serving Suggestions
- Preserving Your Chili
- Keto Chili Recipe FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Why You’ll Love This Keto Chili
If you’re on a low-carb diet, you might think traditional chili recipes are off-limits because they usually include beans, which are high in carbs and not allowed on a keto diet.
But don’t worry, chili lovers! This creative recipe shows you can enjoy a tasty and filling bowl of chili while keeping your carb intake low.
Low-carb chili boasts minimal net carbs and is brimming with robust flavors. It strikes the perfect balance between savory, spicy, and comforting tastes, making it a delightful meal option for those on a low-carb regimen.
Additionally, you have the flexibility to customize the toppings according to your preferences, ensuring that each serving is tailored to your liking. Enjoy this low-carb chili as a heartwarming dish any time of the day.
By substituting high-carb ingredients with low-carb alternatives without compromising on taste or texture, this keto chili offers a guilt-free way to indulge in a classic comfort food favorite while staying true to your dietary goals.
Whether you’re following a strict ketogenic diet or simply seeking a flavorful, low-carb meal option, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings without derailing your nutritional objectives.
Easy Keto Chili Recipe
Making the best keto chili starts with knowing why each ingredient matters. Each one adds to the dish’s taste. You need to choose the right ground beef and the right spices. Every part is important.
Now, let’s look at the key steps to making a tasty and keto-friendly chili tonight. This will make you want to go back for more, maybe even twice!
Ingredients
The key part of any good chili is the meat. Choose high-quality ground beef, ideally with an 80/20 fat ratio. This will give the chili a rich taste and keep it moist while cooking.
Using diced tomatoes (fresh or canned), beef or chicken broth, and tomato paste gives a nice texture and great flavor. Make sure to pick brands that have no added sugar. This way, your chili stays keto-friendly.
When adjusting the chili powder to your taste, start with a small amount and add more as needed, because you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it out.
Seasonings:
Chili powder is important for making chili hot. But other spices make it warm and rich.
Cumin adds an earthy flavor. Oregano gives a hint of sweetness. Garlic powder adds a strong taste.
If you want really hot chili, use cayenne pepper. Start with a little since it’s very strong. You can add more later if you like it spicier.
Feel free to try out other keto-friendly spices too. Smoked paprika, chipotle powder, and even a bit of cinnamon can make your chili taste even better.
Now that you have all the ingredients you need, let’s start cooking in a crockpot!
This easy one-pot keto chili recipe requires minimal effort but delivers a lot of flavors.
Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll soon have a pot of hot, delicious chili ready to warm you up!
Here are all the ingredients you will need:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 2 lbs ground beef 80/20
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste
- 28 oz tomatoes chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 1/2 cup beef stock (or chicken stock)
- 2 Tbsp keto taco seasoning
- 1/2 tsp chili powder optional
- 1/2 tsp salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
Dice a medium onion and a red bell pepper into small pieces and chop fresh tomatoes.
If you like it spicy, add a diced jalapeno, but remove the seeds and white parts to reduce the heat.
Next, cook one pound of ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Use a spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. After the beef is fully cooked, drain any extra grease.
You’re ready to mix all the parts of your chili for a great taste. Remember to have your spices measured and ready to add easily.
Once your beef is browned and drained, add the diced onions and green pepper bell peppers to the pot.
Sauté them for a few minutes until the onions look clear and smell good. After that, add the spices. Stir everything well so the beef and vegetables are coated evenly.
Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Stir and let flavors meld.
If you are using the stovetop, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. If you want a deeper flavor, you can cook it longer.
First, brown the beef in a pan to get this keto chili started in your slow cooker. Then, add the ground beef and everything else into the crock pot.
Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, and your house will smell amazing!
Instant Pot Method
Add avocado oil to the Instant Pot and set it to SAUTE mode. Cook the vegetables for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks for 5 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients.
Close the lid on the instant pot and ensure the vent is set to SEALING. Set the pot to cook using HIGH PRESSURE for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, do a QUICK RELEASE by moving the valve to VENTING to release the steam. Once the float valve drops, you can open the Instant Pot.
Serve your keto chili warm with your favorite sides and toppings!
Customization Tips for Your Low-Carb Chili Recipe
This recipe is delicious as it is, but feel free to tweak it to your liking! One of the great things about chili is its versatility. You can easily adjust this keto chili recipe to match your tastes and preferences.
Try using a different kind of meat, like ground turkey or chicken. Just add an extra tablespoon of oil to brown these leaner meats for a delicious keto white chicken chili.
Here are some ideas to help you make your own special keto chili!
Adjusting Spiciness to Taste
When you think about spice, chili is a good choice. This recipe uses a fair amount of chili powder.
Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeno for more spice.
If you prefer less heat, you can lower the chili powder amount or skip the cayenne pepper. A little black pepper can also give some warmth without too much spice.
The most important thing is to find the right spice level for you. Start with a small amount and slowly add more heat until it’s just how you like it.
Adding Texture with Keto Veggies
This keto chili tastes great on its own. You can make it even better by adding some veggies. Adding vegetables boosts the flavor and makes it healthier.
Make sure to pick low-carb veggies for your favorite chili recipe.
Cauliflower: Small pieces of cauliflower add a slight sweetness and a hearty texture that feels similar to beans.
Zucchini: Grated zucchini is full of nutrients, and it mixes well into the chili, adding moisture and flavor.
Avocado: While it’s not cooked in the chili, diced avocado is a great topping. It brings a creamy richness that goes well with the chili’s spices.
Serving Suggestions
Enhancing your keto chili with the right toppings and sides can turn it from a simple meal into a delightful feast.
Opting for keto-friendly choices will not only boost the flavor but also make your dish more visually appealing.
Add toppings like shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, diced green chilis, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor and texture.
These toppings enhance the chili’s rich taste while adding freshness and creaminess.
On the side, you can serve keto-friendly options like cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing, or a side of roasted vegetables.
These sides will add variety to your meal and ensure that it remains low in carbs while providing essential nutrients.
Keto-Friendly Toppings
First, let’s talk about the classics. A scoop of sour cream adds a cool taste to spicy chili.
A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese gives it creamy goodness. For some freshness, slice green onions and put them on top.
Want to treat yourself? Crisp up some bacon bits and add them for a smoky crunch. Chopped fresh cilantro brings another taste and makes the dish brighter.
Keep in mind, the best part about toppings is you can mix and match them. Be creative and make your own perfect combination!
Pairing with Keto Sides
A warm bowl of chili needs good side dishes, too. Luckily, many keto recipes go well with low-carb chili.
A simple side salad with keto-friendly dressing can help lighten the meal. Also, slices of avocado add healthy fats and a creamy feel.
Cauliflower rice is a great choice. It absorbs the tasty flavors of the chili. If you want something heartier, try making keto cornbread or almond flour biscuits and cream cheese pancakes. These low-carb options add a bit of sweetness and are great for dipping.
If you want more Mexican flavors, serve your chili with this keto taco salad, keto taco soup, or keto tostadas.
No matter what you like, these keto-friendly sides match perfectly with this no-bean chili recipe. They make your meal complete and satisfying.
Preserving Your Chili
Made too much chili? Don’t worry! This low-carb chili recipe is great for making a big batch.
You can eat the leftovers during the week or freeze some for later. To keep your chili fresh and tasty, store it the right way.
Here are a few simple steps to help keep your chili and make it last longer.
Refrigerate
Once your chili has cooled, put it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. This helps slow down bacteria so your chili stays safe to eat for a longer time.
Make sure to let the chili cool completely first before putting it in the fridge. If you put hot chili in the fridge, it can warm up the rest of the food and may cause spoilage.
You can keep leftover chili in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage, like a change in color, texture, or smell, before you reheat and eat it.
To reheat refrigerated chili, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until it’s hot all the way through.
Don’t forget, chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors mix and get richer!
Freeze
For long-term storage, the best way to keep your leftover chili is by freezing it. Freezing helps keep the flavors and nutrients intact. This way, you can enjoy your chili for weeks or even months later.
You can freeze chili for 2–3 months and it’ll still taste great. Just pop it into freezer-safe containers or bags, but remember to leave a little room at the top so it has space to expand.
To reheat the chili after freezing, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat it using your preferred method. Freezing is a great way to ensure you always have a delicious meal readily available.
Keto Chili Recipe FAQs
What are the Best Thickeners for Keto Chili?
The best thickeners for keto chili might already be in your kitchen! Most keto recipes use tomato paste and tomato sauce to make a thick and tasty chili.
If you want it even thicker, you can add a little xanthan gum, around 1/4 teaspoon. Just mix it in near the end of cooking, and it will make your chili nice and smooth.
Can I Use Any Beans in Keto Chili?
Beans are a staple in traditional Texas chili recipes, but they are high in net carbs and not suitable for a keto diet. This keto chili recipe skips the beans to keep the carb count low while still offering great flavor and a satisfying texture.
By skipping beans and using low-carb ingredients like ground meat, tomatoes, and spices, this recipe is perfect for those on a keto diet. Without beans, it keeps you in ketosis and highlights the flavors of the other ingredients, creating a delicious and hearty dish that fits keto guidelines.
Final Thoughts
Discover the delightful flavors of this no-bean chili, a perfect dish for those following a low-carb diet. This easy and tasty keto chili recipe contains a carefully selected blend of ingredients that can be customized to suit your dietary requirements.
You have the flexibility to incorporate keto-friendly seasonings and adjust the spiciness levels according to your taste preferences. For convenience, you can store this hearty chili in the refrigerator for a quick meal option or freeze it for later use.
Whether you’re pressed for time or simply craving a comforting bowl of chili, this recipe is an excellent choice for busy days. Treat yourself to a satisfying and nourishing meal by trying out this No Bean Keto Chili today!
Find more delicious recipes that fit any diet on our blog!