Keto Chili

This No-Bean Keto Chili can be made 3 different ways and is prepped in just 10 minutes. A paleo chili that is perfect for any time of the year, and is great for healthy weeknight dinners for the entire family.

I used to only make chili in the fall and winter because that’s just what I normally would do. However, lately, I have been making keto chili a lot lately and we are in spring heading into summer. 

One of the main reasons I love making this ketogenic chili is that I can put it in the crockpot, head off to work, and when I get home dinner is ready. AHHH….do you know how awesome that is?! 

Another great reason I’m so excited to share this recipe with you is that it’s a whole30 and paleo chili. It’s loaded up with ground beef, tomatoes, veggies, and spices….that’s it! No hidden ingredients, and absolutely no dairy. I have several friends who are dairy-free and this easy keto chili recipe is one of my favorite go-to recipes to make for them. 

It not only serves your family on weeknights, but it’s great to serve a big crowd. Put all the toppings in separate bowls and make a fun chili toppings bar. Everyone will love it! We can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

How Many Carbs are in Keto Chili?

Ok let’s quickly talk about how many carbs are in our keto chili recipe in comparison with other chilies that have beans in them.

• Regular Chili with Beans can have anywhere from 20-40 NET CARBS. 
• Our Easy Keto Chili – ¾ cup serving has 5 NET CARBS.

That is such a big difference when honestly our no-bean chili is so hearty that you really don’t even miss the beans.

Can I Put Beans in Keto Chili?

Sorry but beans are a big no-no while on a keto diet, they are way too high in carbs. If you are a bean lover, I’m really sorry! 

However, I know there are those of you out there who don’t like beans, and perhaps that has kept you from making chili or even ordering it out at restaurants. So if that’s you, then you are going to LOVE this ketogenic chili! 

When you hear that our chili is also Paleo-friendly, you might be thinking that without the beans how is it going to be a filling meal? Trust me you don’t need all the starchy beans, this is a super hearty no-bean chili and it will fill you up big-time.

Low Carb Bean Substitutes

Since we already talked about how we can’t use beans in our keto chili because they are high in carbs and too starchy. That includes beans such as kidney beans, black beans, white beans, and pinto beans. 

However, there a couple of other types of beans you could add that won’t kill you with added carbs: 

1. Organic Soy Black Beans – ½ cup serving 
   • 8g carbs + 7g fiber = 1 NET CARB 
2. Fresh Green Beans – 1 cup serving 
   • 5.6g carbs + 2.6g fiber = 3 NET CARBS

Best Cooking Method for Chili

There are 3 ways to make our low carb chili. I’ll list them in order of my favorite first:

Slow Cooker – This is always my preferred method. I love to throw everything into my slow cooker in the morning and basically leave it for the day. I can start it before I leave for work and not have to worry. 

On the Stove – If you own a dutch oven, then that’s what you want to use. I love cooking as much as I can in mine. This will require you to stir it about every 15-30 minutes so it doesn’t stick or burn on the bottom. You can cook this no-bean chili as quickly as 1 hour, but I still always prefer cooking low and slow. 

Instant Pot – This is going to be the quickest way to get chili in your bowl and on the dinner table. In just about 30 minutes you will be enjoying the best keto chili.

Below we have step-by-step instructions for making each one.

What Ingredients are in Low Carb Chili?

• Ground Beef – 85% lean ground beef I found to be perfect. If you use 80% lean it’s going to add too much grease and fat to the chili. 
• Onion – 1 cup chopped onion.
• Garlic – 1 tbsp minced fresh garlic. 
• Bell Pepper – Choose any color bell pepper you want. I prefer using yellow, orange, or red. Green isn’t my favorite. 
• Tomatoes – 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes. Be sure to make sure there is no added sugar. 
• Tomato Paste – Using tomato paste will help thicken the low carb chili. 
• Spices –  Salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin.

Meat Options for Chili

What are the best meat options when making your ketogenic chili? 

Here are my recommendations: 

• Ground Beef – I prefer using 85% or 90% lean ground beef. If you use 80% lean, then you are going to need to drain some of the grease before adding all the other ingredients. 
• Ground Turkey – Using lean ground turkey is a great option for a healthier keto chili. Just be sure to use plenty of spices, because turkey can be kind of bland. 
• Meatloaf Mix – Blend of beef, pork, and veal 
• Beef Chuck – Diced beef chuck comes from the shoulder and can be tough, but when used in chili and is cooked for a few hours it will become tender. 
• Brisket – This cut is typically barbecued or braid, but if you cook it for a few hours the chunks can be easily shredded and can be delicious in ketogenic chili.

Choosing the Right Chiles & Spices

Everyone has different spices they love to use when making a homemade keto chili recipe. The spices that I use are CUMIN, CHILI POWDER, SALT, AND PEPPER. That being said, other spices that could be used are: 

• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Homemade Keto Taco Seasoning 
• Paprika 

Stay away from any premade chili seasoning or taco seasoning, because they have added fillers that you definitely don’t need.

Secret Ingredients for Chili

One of the things I love about chili is that there are so many variations and different ways of making it that it can seem like an entirely different dish each time.  Just adding one or two more ingredients completely changes the flavor.

Here is a list of secret ingredients that you can try adding to your chili. Each of them will modify the recipe slightly. Experiment with them all until you discover all your favorites:

Cumin – This spice is used in a lot of Mexican and Mexican-influenced dishes. Cumin is an essential spice when making chili, and it’s ok to go heavy on it. 

Chocolate – Chocolate and chiles go beautifully together. Using cocoa powder helps to make the chili extra rich and gives real depth. 

Tomato Paste – Helps to thicken keto chili, but you only need 1-2 tbsp. 

Tomatoes – The best tomatoes to use when making chili is canned, diced, or fire-roasted tomatoes. They will cook without disintegrating or turning into mush. When cooking with tomatoes you want to use cookware that is stainless steel, glass, enamel, or clay because they are non-reactive with acidic ingredients. 

Celery – You don’t need a lot, but a few stalks of chopped celery can add some extra flavor and a heartier chili. 

Baking Soda – Baking soda helps the meat to hold on to its moisture and increases the pH of the meat. Basically, it will help tenderize the meat. Baking soda also helps tone down any acidity that may be too much in your chili. 

Vinegar – Adding a spoonful of vinegar at the very end of cooking your chili will brighten it up, and give it a full rounded taste and is a compliment to the tomatoes. Only add 1 tablespoon of vinegar per batch of low carb chili. My favorite vinegar to use is apple cider vinegar. Using vinegar will also help tone down a spicy chili. 

Cumin Seeds – Whole cumin seeds release a strong, distinctive cumin flavor when you bite into them. If you only have cumin seeds, you can grind them down into cumin powder using a mini food processor or a spice grinder. 

Sweetener – Adding a little sweetener to your homemade low carb chili will help tone down chili that has too much heat. Only use a teaspoon at a time. If you are keto or low carb then use Granulated Monk Fruit.

Coffee – Coffee adds an earthy richness to chili and works well with chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. You can use instant espresso powder or ½ – 1 cup brewed coffee. 

Liquid Smoke – If you enjoy a paleo chili that has a nice smokey flavor, add 1-2 tsp of liquid smoke. 

Cinnamon – This might sound odd, but cinnamon is a sweeter spice that is great for toning down a spicy chili. 

Greek Yogurt – Will tone down spicy chili.

Sour Cream – Will tone down spicy chili. If you are dairy-free then use a dairy-free sour cream.

Bay Leaf – Tastes vaguely of nutmeg and pine but also adds a slightly lemony flavor. Add  at the very beginning of cooking 

Garlic – Powdered or fresh minced garlic is a great add-on. Always gives food more flavor and depth. 

Oregano – It’s a common spice in taco seasoning. Oregano is savory and pungent but can taste delicious in keto chili. 

Beer – Using dark beer adds a super earthy flavor. Keep in mind that it will make the keto chili no longer be gluten-free.

Chili Cooking Time

Cooking times will vary depending on which method of cooking you choose to do. Here are the recommended cooking times for each method:

• Slow Cooker / Crock Pot: Low 5-6 hours, High 3-4 hours. 
• Instant Pot: Select the Bean/Chili setting for 30 minutes. 
• Stovetop: Cook for a minimum of 60 minutes on medium-low heat.

Is Chili Better the Longer It Cooks?

While I tend to say that low and slow is the way to go with lots of different recipes including keto chili, there is something called “overcooked chili”. 

If you cook your keto chili for too long you not only can burn it, but the tomatoes will break down and you will end up with tomato sauce. Stick with my chart above for my recommendations on cooking time.

Can I Leave Chili on Low Overnight?

Some people will cook their chili for up to 8 hours, and they like to cook their keto chili overnight in a slow cooker. 

Personally, I do not like to cook my low carb chili overnight. I do not like running any small appliances overnight, it’s me being paranoid of a fire starting in the middle of the night. Do this at your own risk.

How to Make Keto Chili in a Slow Cooker

STEP 1: In a large frying pan brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. After the ground beef has been cooked, drain the liquid and fat.

STEP 2: Transfer the ground beef to the crockpot.

STEP 3: Add the chopped onion, garlic, chopped pepper, and diced tomatoes. Stir together.

STEP 4: Next, add the tomato paste, salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Mix the spices into the meat well.

STEP 5: Place the lid on the crockpot and on Low for 5-6 hours, or High for 3-4 hours.

STEP 6: Serve with your favorite toppings including: cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and jalapenos.

Instant Pot Keto Chili

Here are step-by-step instructions for making Keto chili in the Instant Pot:

1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot.
2. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until it’s browned.
3. After the meat is browned press the “Keep Warm” button. 
4. Add all of the remaining ingredients, plus ⅓ -½ cup of water (helps to avoid any burning). Mix all the ingredients well. 
5. Place the lid on the Instant Pot, and set the valve to “sealing” position. 
6. Select the Bean/Chili setting for 30 minutes. 
7. Once the keto chili is done, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes, or use the quick release (be sure to stand back so you don’t burn yourself.)
8. Stir the easy keto chili before serving. 
9. Serve with your favorite toppings including: cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and jalapenos.

Keto Chili On the Stove

Here are step-by-step instructions for making low carb chili on the stove:

1. In a large dutch oven or stockpot, brown the ground beef. 
2. Add all of the remaining ingredients including the spices, and stir together. 
3. Bring to a boil, then turn down to low heat. 
4. Let simmer and cook until the onions and peppers are tender, stirring occasionally. 
5. Cook for at least 60 minutes. But if you aren’t pressed for time you can let it simmer on the stove for a few hours. 
6. Serve with your favorite toppings including: cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and jalapenos.

FAQs and Best Tips

Here are a few of our best tips to get your chili to come out just perfect every time:

Getting the Perfect Thickness

Chili is commonly known for its specific texture. It shouldn’t be soupy, you want to make sure it’s thick and hearty. The best way to ensure you get thick paleo chili is to make sure you don’t go overboard with any liquids. I only use the liquid from the can of tomatoes. 

Most chili recipes are made with beans, which will naturally help thicken a chili, but since we made a no-bean chili, we used a little bit of tomato paste and that helps thicken it a lot.

How to Fix Runny Chili

Ugh, I hate thin chili, it’s not my thing! If that has happened to you here are a few ways to fix a runny keto chili: 

• Simmer with the lid off. This will help some of the excess liquid cook off and will ultimately make your chili thicker. 
• Add more veggies. Bell peppers, onion, string beans can all help thicken the chili. 
• Xanthan Gum. Add ½ tsp to the chili, remember that a little goes a long way with xanthan gum.

How to Tone Down Spicy Chili

If you take a bite of the ketogenic chili and it’s too spicy for your liking, we can fix that. 

• Low carb sweetener
• Vinegar – 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Cinnamon 
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt 
• Tomatoes

Should You Drain the Fat from the Meat?

Whether or not to drain the fat after cooking the ground beef is more of a matter of preference. I have done it both ways and I will drain the fat when using 80% or 85% ground beef. Anything higher than that I don’t drain cause the fat in it will help flavor the keto chili. 

If you choose not to drain the fat it will give you a richer chili.

How Do You Get the Acid Taste Out of Chili?

There are a few ways to help tone down the acidity in your low-carb chili.

1. Baking Soda – Baking soda is an alkaline chemical that reacts with acidity. Stir in ½ tsp of baking soda to the keto chili, and mix it thoroughly. Taste and see how acidic it still is. Repeat if necessary. 
2. Low-Acidic Tomatoes – Believe it or not, there are tomatoes out there that are lower in acidity than others. If you choose to use canned tomatoes, use premium San Marzano tomatoes that are from Italy. If you are using fresh tomatoes from your garden then check out this list of low acidic tomatoes that you can plant. 
3. Salt and Other Spices – A small quantity of salt, pepper, or hot spices can help reduce acidity in keto chili. 
4. Low Carb Sweetener – A very small amount can be used to help reduce the acidity in this no-bean chili. Start off with only ½ tsp at a time, stir, and taste. Tweak again if needed.

How to Fix Bland Chili

As far as fixing a bland chili there are several things you can add to give it a real flavor boost. 

• Chocolate – I know it sounds really odd but adding in some cocoa powder will give you a richer chili. Chocolate and chili go very well together. 
• Add in something acidic – Apple cider vinegar, tomatoes, tomato paste.
• Liquid Smoke – Gives a smoky flavor. 
• Coffee – Adds an earthy richness and depth. Instant espresso powder or brewed coffee works great.

Why Does My Chili Taste Sour?

The sour taste you might get from the no-bean chili most likely is coming from the acidic ingredients, meaning the tomatoes. You can try adding a little sweetness in the no-bean chili to help balance the flavor. 

If you don’t want to add any low carb sweetener, then you could add just a pinch of baking soda which will make the keto chili more alkaline. Just a pinch though!

Should Chili be Cooked Covered or Uncovered?

If you are using a slow cooker then you want to keep the lid on the entire time. 

However, if you are cooking it on the stove you can cook it uncovered to help reduce the liquid which will thicken up the keto chili.

Why Does My Chili Taste like Spaghetti Sauce?

You need to up your spices if the low carb chili tastes too much like spaghetti sauce. Start with some added salt, then move on to more chili powder and cumin. It should help.

Why Does My Chili Taste Bitter?

If your chili has a bitter taste, it’s hard sometimes to pinpoint where the bitterness comes from. However, the possibilities could be the tomato paste, or it could be the cayenne pepper if you choose to add that.

Can I Use Taco Seasoning in Chili?

The easy answer is YES you can use taco seasoning in this low carb chili recipe. It’s basically the same seasoning you can use in chili. 

Check out our recipe for the best homemade keto taco seasoning.

How Often Should You Stir Chili?

Whether you are cooking your keto chili in a crockpot or a dutch oven, try to stir it every 30 minutes or so. Just give it a quick stir, that’s it.

Biggest Mistakes When Making Chili

There are some common mistakes people make when making keto chili. Do your best to avoid making them. 

1. Using Stale Spices – Spices do lose their potency after about 1 year. So just double-check your expiration dates and make sure they are fresh. 
2. Confusing Chili Powder and Chile Powder – It’s not a typo, there are 2 different kinds. 
   • Chili Powder has other spices including oregano, paprika, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Chili powder is what we use in our keto chili, it adds great flavor without burning your mouth off. 
   • Chile Powder is made from ground dried chiles, with very little or no additives. There are many types of chile powder, coming from different hot peppers including jalapenos, cayenne, and poblanos. Chile powder is very spicy and should only be used in small quantities. 
3. Not Browning the Meat – When you brown the ground beef or turkey first, you are bringing out the flavors and giving a better texture. 
4. Not Cooking the Keto Chili Long Enough – Low and slow is the best phrase when referring to keto chili or regular chili. 
5. Not Making Enough – Ouch I’ve made this mistake before, but not anymore. I always make a double batch so I can have leftovers to freeze.

Other Diets This Recipe is Good For

Besides a low carb and Keto, this chili recipe is good for a number of other diets such as:

• Paleo and Whole30 – This is a no-bean chili, it’s basically just meat and vegetables making it a perfect paleo chili.
• Dairy-Free – We don’t use any butter or dairy in our keto chili. 
• Nut-Free 
• Gluten-Free

What to Serve with Low Carb Chili?

There are several things you can serve with this low-carb chili recipe, but it kind of depends on the setting for me. 

For instance, if I’m making our homemade no-bean chili for Super Bowl Sunday…I’m going to start off with making Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip and a batch of Garlic Parmesan Wings. 

If I’m just having our keto chili without making appetizers then I will make some keto cornbread (recipe soon to come) and a big green salad or our Spinach Salad. 

You can pretty much serve whatever you want with a low-carb chili.

Topping Ideas

My favorite keto chili topping combo is cheddar cheese, sour cream, and some chopped scallions. However, here are a bunch of options for you to top your no-bean chili: 

• Cheddar Cheese 
• Monterey Jack Cheese 
• Sour Cream 
• Tzatziki Sauce 
• Scallions
• Cilantro 
• Avocado 
• Crumbled Bacon 
• Jalapenos 
• Chopped Red Onion 
• Low Carb Tortilla Chips

Can I Make Chili Ahead of Time?

This low-carb chili recipe is perfect for meal prepping. With everyone’s busy schedules, making a big batch of no-bean chili ahead of time is perfect. Follow my instructions below for how to freeze your keto chili.

How to Store Chili

The most important step of storing your leftover low-carb chili is to make sure you let it cool down to room temperature first. 

After it has cooled down place the leftover keto chili in an airtight container (glass will prevent staining), or in Ziploc bags to help save space in the fridge. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How to Reheat

To reheat your keto crockpot chili…it’s super easy and here are the 2 best and fastest ways to do so:

1. Microwave – Place your low-carb chili leftovers in a microwave-safe bowl and reheat for 60-90 seconds. 
2. Stove Top – Place your low-carb chili leftovers in a saucepan and turn it onto low heat. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes or until bubbling.

Can You Freeze Keto Chili?

Oh yeah for sure you can freeze keto chili. In fact, I sometimes even make a double batch so that I can have more leftovers to freeze. Then I just pull out a container whenever I need a good healthy comfort meal.

How to Freeze Keto Chili: 

1. Place your leftover no-bean chili in Ziploc bags. Gallon size for a family meal, or quart size for 1-2 meals. This method is great because it takes up very little space in the freeze and you can stack them. Freeze for up to 3 months. 
2. Place your leftover no-bean chili in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. 

To Thaw Keto Chili: 

1. Defrost in the Fridge – Place the container or Ziploc bag of frozen keto chili and refrigerate overnight. The next day it should be completely thawed and ready to reheat. 
2. Defrost in the Microwave – Best way if you are in a rush. Run the container or Ziploc bag of frozen keto chili under hot water so it detaches from the container or bag. Transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 3-5 minutes. Stir halfway through making sure it’s completely heated through. 
3. Defrost on the Stove – Run the container or Ziploc bag of frozen keto chili under hot water so it detaches from the container or bag. Transfer it to a saucepan and heat on low until it’s thawed and bubbling. 
4. Defrost in Water – Place the container or Ziploc bag of frozen keto chili in a sink full of room temperature water. Continue to check and flip it until it’s completely defrosted.

Is Chili Healthy to Eat?

Ok, so it’s not quite a simple yes or no answer. Depending on how you make your keto crockpot chili will determine how healthy it is. 

Ways to Make a Low Carb Chili Healthier: 

• Use lean ground beef, such as 85% or 90% lean
• Lean ground turkey 
• Load the keto chili up on more veggies 
• Don’t add too much cheese or sour cream

Tools to Use

What tools you need to make keto chili will depend on which way you choose to make it. 

• Slow Cooker / Crockpot 
• Instant Pot
• Dutch Oven or Stockpot 
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Other Low Carb Dinner Recipes:

If you are looking for more delicious keto-friendly recipes, try one of these:

• Perfect Keto Pot Roast 
• Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup 
• Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole 
• Keto Beef Stew

All of them are Keto-friendly and low carb, and will have your friends raving!

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