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Let’s make an easy, Low-Carb Keto Chili recipe made with savory ground beef, warm chili seasoning, and canned tomatoes– and it’s delicious, y’all! Not only is this chili guilt-free, but I’ll teach you how to make it in the Instant Pot, slow cooker, or even on the stovetop! That way, you can choose whichever method is most convenient for you.
Why We Love This Recipe!
- Guilt-free Comfort Food: Low-carb and keto, this flavorful chili will absolutely satisfy your chili craving. But, this time, you’ll be able to enjoy it even more, knowing the recipe is a comforting meal that is also healthier than any other chili!
- Easy Ingredients: This is the perfect meal for large families or a cozy, relaxed weeknight meal. All the ingredients are pretty basic, including canned diced tomatoes and green chilies, and budget-friendly ground beef.
- 3 Easy Cooking Methods: Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, make this chili recipe using three easy methods! That means whether you cook it in the Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stove, you’ll enjoy a simple and stress-free process.
We all know how cluttered the kitchen can be when cooking a big meal for family and friends! If you need to free some space on the stove for another delicious recipe, make your Keto Ground Beef Chili in the slow cooker or Instant Pot. On the other hand, if your slow cooker is occupied, no problem! Make this tasty and comforting chili recipe in the instant pot or on the stove. Isn’t life always a little easier when you have plenty of options?
A traditional chili recipe has kidney beans in the sauce. But not this low-carb chili recipe. This no-bean chili is rich and full of delicious flavors the whole family will love. Whether you have picky eaters, dieters, little ones, or go-with-the-flow hungry mouths to feed, this Keto Chili is sure to please!
We think chili is a great way to warm up on cold days. So, if this best chili recipe is a hit, try other delicious keto recipes like my Keto Pretzel Dog or Bagel Dogs—YUMMY! Or maybe you’re craving more great options for easy meal prep with a healthy twist. In that case, you’ll have to check out this Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken recipe.
And the icing on the cake (or should I say the cheese on the chili)? All the recipes I’ve mentioned are perfect for game day!
Ingredient Notes
Variations and Substitutions
How to Make the Best Low-Carb Chili Recipe
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Stovetop Instructions
Step 1 | Cook the Onions and Garlic
You can also make this entire recipe on the stovetop! Start by adding the chopped onions and some olive oil to a large saucepan. Once the onions become clear, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so.
Step 2 | Brown the Ground Beef
Then, add the ground beef to the pan and brown it until no pink remains. You’ll want to drain the fat by placing the meat onto a plate lined with paper towels before continuing with the recipe.
After draining the excess grease, add the ground beef back to the pan and move on to the next steps.
Step 3 | Add the Remaining Ingredients, Simmer, and Serve
Stir in the beef broth, seasonings, and canned tomatoes and mix until the ingredients are well combined. Finally, bring them to a simmer and cook for around 1 ½ to 2 hours or until the chili is nice and thick.
TIP: If you would like to cook the chili more quickly you can simmer it over medium heat for about 45 minutes.
Slow Cooker Instructions
Step 1 | Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Before taking out the slow cooker, place a skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Carefully pour the olive oil and chopped onions, cooking for about 5 minutes. When the onions are translucent, add the garlic and cook for a minute longer.
Step 2 | Cook the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for around 7 to 10 minutes as you use a spatula to break it apart. You’re ready to move on to the next step once the ground beef is thoroughly browned.
Step 3 | Add the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Now, set out your crock pot and transfer the ground beef, onions, and garlic to the pot. Pour in the remaining ingredients, like the beef broth, seasonings, and tomatoes, and stir until they are well combined.
Step 4 | Cook the Chili and Serve
Finally, close the lid to your slow cooker and allow the chili to cook for either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After a few hours, it’s time to serve your slow-cooker keto chili!
Instant Pot Instructions
Step 1 | Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Start your easy Keto Chili by setting the Instant Pot to sauté. While you wait for it to heat up, dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
Once the pot is nice and hot, add the olive oil and chopped onions and cook for only 4 to 5 minutes stirring with a wooden spoon. Then, when the onions are translucent, drop in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 2 | Cook the Ground Beef
Now add the ground beef to your Instant Pot and cook for about 7 to 10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once the ground beef is browned, check to see if there is a large amount of excess grease. If so, go ahead and drain it on paper towels.
Then, pour the beef broth and deglaze the pot by scraping up any bits on the bottom.
Step 3 | Add the Remaining Ingredients and Pressure Cook
Next, add all the remaining ingredients to the Instant Pot and stir to mix them with the onions, garlic, and ground beef. Press “Cancel” to stop the sauté function, place the lid on, and close to lock. Then, set the Instant Pot to “Manual High Pressure” for 30 minutes to pressure cook the chili.
Step 4 | Natural Release and Serve
Finally, allow a natural release and serve your delicious low-carb chili.
Tips
- For a Thinner Crockpot Chili – If you want a thinner chili, add a little more beef broth or water to the mixture before closing the lid to cook.
- Use Quality Meat- I suggest picking out quality lean ground beef for this recipe. There are no beans in this chili recipe, so the meat has the spotlight! Therefore, you want it to be good quality for the tastiest results.
- Spice it Up- For a keto chili with some heat, include extra spices like cayenne pepper or jalapeños in your recipe!
Recipe FAQ’s
Keep the meal keto and low-carb while still enjoying some delicious chili toppings! Try different cheeses, like sharp cheddar or pepper jack. I think cheese, sour cream, and even bacon pieces are the best way to top chili.
Or, top your chili bowl with colorful veggies, like green onions, black olives, bright red tomatoes, or crisp shredded lettuce. Or put this chili over the top with mashed avocado, tangy sour cream, and bacon bits!
If you’re craving more veggies in your keto chili, try adding red, green, or yellow bell peppers. More excellent options include zucchini, eggplant, or even cauliflower.
For one, this keto-friendly chili does not include carb-loaded beans. Some chili recipes also use granulated or brown sugar to enhance the savory flavors and butter rather than olive oil. Without these classic yet fattening ingredients, you can enjoy your chili without worrying about the excess carbs.
Trust me; you’re not missing out. Even the biggest carb-lovers will devour this mouthwatering keto chili!
This chili is naturally a thick chili. However, if you want your chili even thicker, you only need to cook it for longer on a low heat setting. As the ingredients simmer, the moisture evaporates, which gives it a thicker consistency. For stovetop and slow cooker versions, you could also omit the beef broth. It is necessary to use the broth in Instant Pot so that you do not get a burn notice.
What to Serve with Low-Carb Ground Beef Chili
This hearty low-carb chili is great on top of a hot dog for a chili dog variation. Just omit the bun to stay keto. Serve the buns on the side for anyone that may want to indulge.
For those not sticking to a strict ketogenic diet, serve this flavorful chili with equally-tasty bread to sop up the tomatoey goodness! Try my easy recipe for Cheesy Green Chile Bread or this easy Air Fryer Texas Toast Garlic Bread.
Keto Chili also pairs beautifully with a light and refreshing salad. Serve a crowd with this phenomenal Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad, or go classic with my Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons– just leave the croutons off for those cutting carbs.
Storage
Store the Leftovers in the Fridge: Let me first say I am SHOCKED if you have leftover chili. At my house, the family practically fights over who gets the last few servings.
Nevertheless, this recipe does store pretty well. Like with many soups, stews, and chilies, this recipe is EVEN BETTER the longer it sits. Cover the chili with foil or plastic wrap, or place it in an airtight container. Then, store it in the refrigerator for three days.
To reheat, warm the chili in the crockpot or on the stovetop until it’s heated through. Of course, you may also microwave the recipe to quickly and effortlessly reheat it. Just be careful not to make your microwave messy, and use a small silicone mat or paper towel to prevent splashing as it heats.
Freeze: Save your chili leftovers for a rainy day by placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Other Hearty Recipes
For even more cold winter days ahead, try these delicious meals.
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Keto Chili Recipe (Low Carb Chili)
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ pounds ground beef, very lean
- 1 cup beef broth
- 4 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 14.5 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes, diced
- 1 14.5 ounce can tomatoes, diced
- 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 1- 4 ounce can diced green chiles
Instructions
STOVETOP INSTRUCTIONS
- Sauté Onions & Garlic: Heat oil in a dutch oven, non-stick pan, or skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and cook the chopped onion for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, breaking apart with a spatula until browned. Drain on paper towels if there is excess grease.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients and Cook: Then add the remaining ingredients, stir to combine, and reduce to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 1 ½- 2 hours, until desired thickness.
SLOW COOKER INSTRUCTIONS
- Sauté Onions & Garlic: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and cook the chopped onion for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for a minute.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, breaking apart with a spatula until browned. Drain on paper towels if there is excess grease.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker, Add Remaining Ingredients: Transfer the ground beef mixture into a slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients, and stir until combined.
- Slow Cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Serve.
INSTANT POT INSTRUCTIONS
- Sauté Onions & Garlic: Select the sauté setting on the Instant Pot. Once the inner pot is hot add olive oil, and the chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Cook Ground Beef: Then add in the ground beef. Cook for 7 -10 minutes breaking apart with a spatula until browned. (drain on paper towels if too much grease is produced). Pour in beef broth deglaze by scraping up any bits on the bottom of the insert.
- Add Remaining Ingredients & Pressure Cook: Add the remaining ingredients, to the Instant Pot and stir to combine. Press Cancel to stop the saute function. Place lid on and close to lock. Then set to Manual High Pressure for 30 minutes to start pressure cooking.
- Release Pressure and Serve: Let the pressure cooker naturally release (about 15-20 minutes) and serve. If you are in a hurry, you can manually release, but I love the flavor after a natural release.
Video
Notes
-
- For a Thinner Crockpot Chili – If you want a thinner chili, add a little more beef broth or water to the mixture before closing the lid to cook. You can even add broth at the end to adjust if needed.
-
- Use Quality Meat- I suggest picking out quality lean ground beef (I use 93% lean 7 % fat) for this recipe. There are no beans in this chili recipe, so the meat has the spotlight! Therefore, you want it to be good quality for the tastiest results.
-
- Spice it Up- For a keto chili with some heat, include extra spices like cayenne pepper or jalapeños in your recipe!
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
Updated on January 17, 2023, to add step-by-step images and stovetop instructions.
I have one minute left on the Instant Pot. The kitchen smells amazing. Can’t wait to dig in.
I hope you enjoy it!
Amazing!! We will be making this again!!
Wow, 4 TBL of chili powder? I LOVE hot and spicey, but this is way too much chili powder!! I kept it down to 2 and it was still hot. Also, I used lean ground turkey and pork and had to also reduce the liquids for about 1/2 hour. Other than those 2 issues, loved the recipe and using my pressure cooker!!
That is what is wonderful about recipes we can adjust to suit our tastes. I am so glad you enjoyed it.
I made this and although it tasted delicious it was SO GREASY. Like to the point where I couldn’t eat it because I’m afraid it will upset my stomach. Maybe I used too much oil at the beginning or maybe it’s because I didn’t strain the meat after sautéing it. I was so disappointed.
I use very lean ground beef. If it seems to greasy when you cook it drain it first. I am sorry that happened. You could cool down and scrape the extra grease off to save it.
No worries it was my own fault! It was very tasty though and I am actually going to try again tonight, this time very lean meat and drained ?
Hi this looks great. Can you tell me how much time i should pressure cook it in the instant pot if i double the recipe? Thinking of freezing some.
Barbara you will use the same cook time.
I’m curious, why brown the meat on the stove first if it’s going to cook for several hours in a crockpot?
I like the texture better when you brown it first. I have always cooked ground beef first before cooking for recipes like this.
It lists 2 cans of diced tomatoes (fire roasted and plain. Is one supposed to be sauce?
No they both go in and cook with the chili. I like the flavor the fire roasted tomatoes give to the dish. You can use all diced if that is what you have on hand as well.
Hi Nikki,
what size IP or slow cooker is this recipe for? I have a 6qrt Fagor and was thinking about doubling the recipe?
thanks M
I use a 6 quart Instant Pot brand and I have doubled this and it turned out perfect!
Hi ..can I make this on the stove top? I don’t have an insta-pot and I didn’t get it in the crock pot This morning.
Thanks!
Absolutely, it can be made on the stove top.
This was amazing. I used plain diced tomatoes & omitted the chili’s. My husband added his own spice. This has already been requested for next week by my family. Thanks!
I am so thrilled you all loved it! My hubby loves this one too! And adding your own level of spice is a perfect change up!
Was wondering if ground turkey would work in this recipe?
I have tried it with ground turkey but it should work just fine!
Hi! If I add green peppers to the crop pot will they disintegrate or be mush? Just trying to think what else I can add to “beef” this up that’s not beans 🙂 Thank you!
I have not ever added them in this recipe. But if you want some bit to them, cut them larger and don’t saute them first. Thank you help in keeping some bite to them.
I made this recipe for our camping weekend last weekend and it was delicious after a cool day of hiking. Everyone loved it!
Thank you so much Julie! I hope you enjoyed your camping trip!
Oooh, I am not a huge bean fan in my chili either and this looks so rich, flavorful and perfect for a chilly fall day (or winter, or late spring snow, or…) Thanks for sharing Nikki!
You are welcome! It’s the perfect time of year for this! I see you are already getting snow in your area! Brr.
I’m making this in my crock pot right now and my whole house smells incredible!! I added sweet peppers and zucchini to sneak the kiddos some more veggies! Can’t wait for dinner tonight!
I love sneaking in those veggies for the kiddos! I hope you enjoyed it!
Love this recipe!! I make it all the time. I’ve even brought it to a BBQ in my Instant Pot. Kept it on warm so the hostess didn’t have to reheat it. Everyone loved it!!! ? People that don’t normally like chili loved it. Not everyone likes beans.
Thank you for the recipe Nikki.
Thank you so much Paula! It’s got tons of flavor. My kids are not crazy about the beans so it’s perfect fit for our family too!
What kind bqq?
I made this tonight. It was delicious. Going to try other recipes. I do love chili. Thank you for the recipe. It’s a keeper:)
Thank you so much Nancy! I look forward to sharing more recipes with you!
I am confused on when to add the olive oil?
At the beginning before you add in the onion.
WOW! Excellent chili. Thank you so much for sharing. We are making it again this evening.
Thank you Annie! That makes my day! Enjoy!
That low carb beef chili – instant pot or crock pot recipe looks so zesty and tasty! Absolutely love your creative idea! Thanks, Nikki for sharing!
That low carb beef chili – instant pot or crock pot recipe looks so zesty and tasty! Absolutely love your creative idea! Thanks, Nikki for sharing!
I am glad you enjoyed it! Thank you Bella!
Are you suppose to drain the meat?
You can if you have too many drippings.
This chili looks AMAZING my friend!
Thank you sweet friend!