Keto Chili

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This hearty keto chili recipe is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and completely satisfying without the carbs. Made without beans but still packed with traditional chili taste, it’s a cozy, one-pot meal perfect for chilly nights or easy weeknight dinners.

Loaded with ground beef, bold spices, and a savory tomato base, this low carb chili has all the flavor you love in a classic chili recipe—just without the extra carbs. It’s thick, meaty, and slow-simmered to bring out the deep, smoky flavors that make chili so irresistible.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving it up with your favorite keto cornbread, this beanless keto chiliwill quickly become a staple in your low-carb recipe collection. It’s warm, filling, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters—keto or not!

When the weather cools down, there’s nothing better than warming up with a cozy and flavorful bowl of keto chili. This low-carb chili is the ultimate fall comfort food—right up there with favorites like my keto pumpkin soup, creamy taco soup, and broccoli cheddar soup.

Inspired by traditional Mexican flavors, this hearty keto chili recipe is made with classic ingredients like ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices, but without the high-carb beans. It’s rich, meaty, and perfectly spiced, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Serve it with a slice of keto cornbread, some crispy cheese chips, or even over cauliflower rice for a satisfying low-carb meal.

In our house, this recipe is a staple during the colder months. It’s easy to make, incredibly filling, and bursting with bold, savory flavor. If you love low-carb comfort food and enjoy a bit of heat, you’re going to love this spicy keto chili. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep—and once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular on your menu. 

Keto Chili Video Recipe

Why You’re Going to Love This Low Carb Keto Chili Recipe

• Quick and Easy to Make – This hearty keto chili comes together with just 15 minutes of prep and minimal effort, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
• Bean-Free and Low in Carbs – Traditional chili is packed with high-carb beans, but this version skips them entirely while still delivering all the bold, classic chili flavor you love.
• Made with Clean, Keto-Friendly Ingredients – Packed with wholesome, naturally low-carb ingredients like ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, and onions.
• Rich, Meaty, and Satisfying – Loaded with protein and healthy fats, this chili keeps you full and fueled for hours—no cravings, no guilt.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and store it for the week. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
• Freezer-Friendly – This recipe freezes beautifully, so you can always have a comforting, low-carb meal ready to go.
• Totally Customizable – Serve it your way: over cauliflower rice, with keto tortillas, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños. You can even turn it into keto chili cheese dogs or a chili casserole!
• Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing – Even those not following a keto lifestyle will enjoy this dish. It’s a warm, spicy, and comforting meal that brings everyone to the table.
• One-Pot Wonder – Everything comes together in a single pot, which means less mess and quick cleanup.

Is Chili Keto-Friendly?

Traditional chili recipes often include beans, which are high in carbs and not suitable for a keto or low-carb lifestyle. Just one cup of beans can easily add over 20g of net carbs to your meal—enough to kick you out of ketosis.

But the good news? You can absolutely enjoy chili on a keto diet by simply skipping the beans and using low-carb, whole-food ingredients instead. This keto-friendly chili recipe is rich, hearty, and full of bold flavor—just like the classic version, but without the unnecessary carbs.

By using ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and warming spices, you’ll get all the comfort of traditional chili in a low-carb, high-fat meal that fits perfectly into your ketogenic goals.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Keto Chili

This easy low-carb chili recipe is made with wholesome, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make a hearty, flavorful pot of keto chili:

• Ground Beef – Opt for 85% lean ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and fat. It browns beautifully and adds richness to the chili without being greasy.
• Onion – Yellow or red onions both work well in this recipe. They add natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Olive Oil – Used for sautéing the onion and garlic. You can substitute with avocado oil, coconut oil, or even butter if preferred.
• Garlic Cloves – Use freshly minced garlic for the most robust and aromatic flavor.
• Bell Pepper – Red or green bell peppers add color, natural sweetness, and a subtle crunch. Feel free to use both for extra variety.
• Crushed Tomatoes & Tomato Paste – These form the rich, savory base of the chili sauce, providing a slightly sweet and tangy flavor.
• Chili Powder – Adds a classic chili flavor with mild heat. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
• Ground Cumin – Gives the chili its signature smoky, earthy undertone. Optional, but highly recommended for a true chili profile.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.

How To Make This Keto Chili Recipe

This delicious recipe is extremely simple to make. All you have to do is to combine the ingredients and let them cook to enhance all the flavors. Here is everything you have to do:

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat.

2. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Sautee for about 5 minutes or until translucent. Add the ground beef and break it apart using a spatula. 

3. Add the rest of the ingredients over the meat and mix until well combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it simmer on medium heat for about 25 minutes.

4. Adjust your chili according to your taste and let it rest for a few minutes before serving it.

How To Serve

Another great thing about this low carb chili recipe is that it can be served in many different ways according to your taste. Here are some ideas:

• You can top it with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and a few slices of avocado.
• Top with some jalapeno slices.
• Make a keto cornbread and dip it in the juicy sauce of this chili recipe.
• Another great idea is to garnish this chili soup with some slices of red onion or chopped green onion.
• It’s also great served with some tortilla chips.

Tips & Easy Variations for the Best Keto Chili

Make your low-carb chili even more flavorful and suited to your preferences with these helpful tips and tasty variations:

• Use Higher Fat Ground Beef for Richness – For a deeper, more satisfying flavor, go with 80/20 ground beef. The extra fat gives the chili a richer texture and boosts the taste naturally.
• Turn Up the Heat – Love spicy food? Add a pinch (or more!) of red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
• Swap the Protein – Want a leaner or more budget-friendly option? Replace ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken. Both work great and still deliver amazing flavor.
• Add Smokiness – For a smoky twist, stir in a touch of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke.
• Include More Veggies – Enhance the texture and nutrition by adding low-carb vegetables like diced zucchini, mushrooms, or riced cauliflower.
• Thicken Naturally – Let the chili simmer uncovered to thicken naturally, or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste or a sprinkle of xanthan gum if you prefer a thicker consistency.
• Make It Ahead – Keto chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in the fridge overnight for a make-ahead meal that’s even more delicious.

Storing Ideas

• Fridge – You can store the leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Freezer – This keto chili can also be stored in the freezer. Put the cooled leftover chili in freezer bags and store them in the freezer for up to one month.

When you want to eat the chili, defrost the leftovers in a saucepan with a lid on.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Keto Soups Recipes

• Creamy Keto Pumpkin Soup – This creamy keto pumpkin soup is thick, aromatic, and ultra comforting.
• Creamy Keto Taco Soup – This Keto Taco Soup is loaded with your favorite Mexican flavors, packed with protein, and super filling.
• Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup – This keto broccoli cheddar soup is packed with tons of mouthwatering flavors without all the hidden carbs.