Ultimate Low Carb Chili Recipe: Hearty, Bean-Free & Keto-Friendly Comfort Food
Prepare to discover quite possibly your new favorite chili recipe. This low carb chili is an absolute game-changer, offering a ridiculously delicious, deeply satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Packed with aromatic spices and simple, wholesome pantry staples, yet completely bean-free, it delivers an explosion of rich flavor with a mere fraction of the carbohydrates found in traditional chili. Whether you’re following a low-carb, keto, Whole30, or Paleo lifestyle, or simply seeking a healthier, hearty meal, this recipe is designed to impress and nourish.
The beauty of a bean-free chili lies in its ability to cater to various dietary needs without sacrificing the robust, comforting essence that makes chili such a beloved dish. While beans are a staple in many chili recipes, removing them significantly lowers the carbohydrate count, making this an ideal choice for those focused on ketogenic or low-carb eating plans. But don’t mistake bean-free for flavor-free; this recipe ensures every spoonful is rich, savory, and utterly delightful.
Why This Bean-Free Low Carb Chili is a Must-Try
This recipe isn’t just another chili; it’s a testament to how flavorful and fulfilling low-carb eating can be. Here’s why this particular chili stands out as a true culinary gem:
- It’s every bit as delicious and hearty as traditional chili but masterfully crafted without any beans, making it absolutely perfect for anyone embracing a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle. Many traditional chilis rely heavily on beans, which can quickly add up in carbohydrate count. By focusing on robust beef and a rich tomato base, we achieve that satisfying texture and depth of flavor without the extra carbs. Looking for a truly keto chili? Simply omit the onions or substitute them with a small amount of onion powder to reduce the net carb count further, and you’ve got a fantastic, compliant dish!
- The flavor profile is exceptionally rich and well-balanced. A harmonious blend of warming cumin, classic chili powder, and smoky paprika melds beautifully with fresh onion, pungent garlic, and savory beef broth. This combination creates a chili that is incredibly flavorful and aromatic, without being overly spicy. So, if you’re typically wary of heat, don’t let the chili powder deter you; it’s used for depth and warmth, not just spice, delivering an authentic chili experience everyone can enjoy.
- While some chili recipes require hours of simmering to develop deep flavors, this low carb chili recipe is designed for efficiency, putting a wholesome and incredibly satisfying dinner on the table in roughly 1 hour. We adore a low-and-slow chili for special occasions, but having a quicker, equally delicious option in your culinary arsenal is invaluable for busy weeknights, spontaneous gatherings, or when a sudden chili craving strikes!
- For those who appreciate the convenience of planning ahead, this chili is a dream come true for meal prepping. It freezes beautifully, allowing you to easily stock your freezer with ready-to-eat meals. To ensure optimal quality, make sure the chili is completely cooled before transferring it to a food-safe sealable freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. If using a bag, lay it flat in the freezer until solid; this clever trick saves a tremendous amount of space and makes storage incredibly efficient!
Expert Chef’s Tips for the Best Low Carb Chili
Elevate your chili experience with these professional insights and versatile adaptations:
- Have a little extra time on your hands and craving that slow-cooked depth? You can effortlessly transform this into a Crockpot chili! You’ll still want to utilize the stovetop initially to sauté the onions and garlic and then brown the ground beef; this crucial step builds a rich flavor foundation and ensures the best texture. After these initial steps, transfer everything (minus the toppings) to your slow cooker. Stir to combine all the ingredients, then cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. For even cooking and maximum flavor development, I recommend stirring the chili mixture every 30-60 minutes or so.
- For an incredible boost of nutrients and an even more robust, umami-rich flavor, consider swapping traditional beef broth for high-quality beef bone broth! Bone broth is a nutritional powerhouse, brimming with essential nutrients, beneficial proteins, and collagen, which supports joint health and gut wellness. Incorporating it into your low carb chili – or any other savory recipe – is a simple yet effective way to enrich your diet. You can easily find bone broth at most grocery stores, or for the ultimate in freshness and control, you can make it right in your own kitchen. Our trusted sister site, 40 Aprons, offers fantastic, detailed recipes for Instant Pot Bone Broth, Crockpot Bone Broth, and Stovetop Bone Broth. There’s a method for every cooking preference!
- Adjusting the Heat: This recipe offers a moderate spice level, but you can easily customize it. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a diced jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat), or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce during the simmering stage. For a milder chili, slightly reduce the amount of chili powder.
- Protein Variations: While ground beef is classic, this recipe is adaptable to other proteins. Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version, or for a chunkier chili, consider adding diced beef stew meat and increasing the cooking time for tenderness.
- Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrient content and add more texture by incorporating other low-carb vegetables. Diced bell peppers (any color), zucchini, or even riced cauliflower (added towards the end of simmering) can be excellent additions.
How to Serve Your Delicious Bean-Free Chili
This hearty low carb chili is fantastic on its own as a fulfilling meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings and sides to enhance your dining experience. The classic toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh chopped onion add creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements that perfectly complement the chili’s rich flavors. For an extra touch of freshness, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro is always a good idea.
Beyond the standard, consider these carb-friendly serving suggestions: serve your chili over a bed of cauliflower rice for an even more substantial meal, or alongside slices of keto cornbread for that authentic chili-and-cornbread comfort. For those who enjoy a little crunch, crumbled pork rinds make an excellent, unexpected topping. Don’t forget a side of freshly sliced avocado for a healthy fat boost and creamy texture, or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten all the flavors.
Explore More Amazing Carb-Friendly Recipes!
If you’re loving the low-carb lifestyle and are always on the hunt for delicious, healthy recipes, you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of other fantastic options that fit perfectly into your dietary goals. Be sure to check out these other amazing carb-friendly recipes from our collection:
- Keto Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
- Chicken Savoy
- Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla-Less Soup (with Slow Cooker Option)
- Sausage & Egg Keto Breakfast Casserole
- Egg Roll in a Bowl with Creamy Chili Sauce
- Keto Smothered Pork Chops
- Deviled Egg Salad
- Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans
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For more delicious recipes, visit our sister sites, 40 Aprons and Easy Cheap Recipes.
Low Carb Chili (No Beans!)
Cheryl Malik
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Ingredients
For the Low Carb Chili
- 1-2 tablespoons neutral oil avocado oil, olive oil, etc.
- 1 cup finely chopped onion white or red onion, approximately ½ of 1 medium onion
- 1 ½ tablespoons finely minced fresh garlic more or less to taste
- 2 pounds ground beef 85/15 recommended
- 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes do not drain
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ¼ cup chili powder more or less to taste
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin more or less to taste
- 1 tablespoon salt more or less to taste
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper more or less to taste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika more or less to taste
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
Serving Suggestions (All Optional)
- shredded cheddar cheese
- chopped onion
- sour cream
- low carb cornbread or keto cornbread
Equipment
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large, heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven
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large wooden spoon
Instructions
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Place large, heavy-bottomed pot on stovetop over medium heat. When pot is warm, add 1-2 tablespoons neutral oil and heat oil until shimmering. While heating oil, occasionally tilt or swirl pot to distribute oil across entire surface.
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When oil is hot, add 1 cup finely chopped onion and 1 ½ tablespoons finely minced fresh garlic to pot. Sauté garlic and onions 3 to 5 minutes or until onions have softened, stirring often.
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Once onions have softened, add 2 pounds ground beef to pot. Cook ground beef, using wooden spoon to break ground beef up into small pieces, until meat is just browned.
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Carefully drain all liquid from pot, reserving ground beef, onions, and garlic.
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Return pot to heat and add 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes with liquid, ¼ cup tomato paste, ¼ cup chili powder, 2 tablespoons ground cumin, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 cup low-sodium beef broth. Stir well to fully incorporate all ingredients.
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When ingredients are fully incorporated, reduce heat under pot to medium-low. Simmer mixture, uncovered, at least 20 minutes or until chili has thickened as desired.
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After simmering chili for desired length of time, taste chili and add chili powder, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and/or smoked paprika as desired. Stir well to incorporate any added ingredients.
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When satisfied with flavor of chili, portion chili into serving bowls. Top chili with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped parsley, or other toppings of choice. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Leftovers: Let any leftover chili cool completely, then transfer chili to airtight container. Refrigerate or freeze chili as needed. Refrigerated chili can be kept up to 1 week. Frozen chili can be kept up to 3 months. Defrost frozen chili in refrigerator overnight before reheating on stovetop or in microwave.
- Make it Keto: Omit chopped onion. To maintain flavor, replace chopped onion with ½-1 tablespoon onion powder, added in step 5 with other spices. Make sure diced tomatoes and tomato paste do not contain any added sweeteners.
Nutrition Information
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.