This Low Carb Chili Recipe is a hearty and spiced recipe, which features ground beef and green bell peppers. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 45 minutes.
Low Carb Chili Recipe Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, seeds removed and diced
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (check labels for no added sugar)
- 1 cup beef broth
How To Make Low Carb Chili Recipe
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the peppers are soft.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the pot. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired, though keeping some adds flavor.
- Bloom the spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Cook and stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant. This step “blooms” the spices and removes the raw taste from the tomato paste.
- Simmer the chili: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 20 minutes (or up to an hour for deeper flavor), stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite low-carb garnishes like sour cream, cheddar cheese, or green onions.
Recipe Tips
- Where are the beans? To keep this recipe low carb and keto-friendly, beans (which are high in starch) are omitted. The bulk comes from the generous amount of beef and vegetables.
- How to thicken without flour: Since we aren’t using beans or cornstarch, the chili thickens naturally by reduction. If you want it thicker, simply simmer it uncovered for an extra 10-15 minutes to evaporate more liquid.
- Choosing the tomatoes: Tomatoes naturally contain sugar/carbs. Look for “fire-roasted” crushed tomatoes for extra flavor, and always check the ingredient label to ensure no sugar or corn syrup has been added.
- Adding hidden veggies: If you want to bulk up the volume without adding carbs, stir in 2 cups of riced cauliflower during the last 10 minutes of cooking. It absorbs the chili flavor completely and mimics the texture of beans or rice.
- Spice level: This recipe is mild to medium. For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño along with the bell peppers.
What To Serve With Low Carb Chili Recipe
Just because you are cutting carbs doesn’t mean you can’t have sides.
- Keto cornbread (made with almond flour)
- Cauliflower rice
- A simple green salad with ranch dressing
- Pork rinds (for dipping/scooping)
How To Store Low Carb Chili Recipe
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. The flavor improves the next day.
- Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 2-minute intervals.
- Freeze: Chili is one of the best freezer meals. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portion-sized bags or containers for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Low Carb Chili Recipe Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Net Carbs: 7g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving (makes approx 6 servings).
FAQs
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the meat and veggies in a skillet first (steps 1-3), then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours.
Is this recipe Keto?
Yes. With approximately 7g of net carbs per serving, this fits perfectly into a standard ketogenic diet.
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version. You may need to add a tablespoon more olive oil as poultry is leaner than beef.
Low Carb Chili Recipe
Description
A rich, bean-free “No-Bean” chili packed with protein, spices, and veggies that fits perfectly into Keto and low-carb lifestyles.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté onion and bell pepper in oil until soft.
- Add ground beef and garlic; cook until browned.
- Stir in spices and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes and broth.
- Simmer covered for 20-30 minutes.
- Serve hot with cheese and sour cream.
Notes
- Texture: Without beans, this chili has a texture similar to a thick Bolognese sauce or hot dog chili.
- Garnish: Avocado slices add great healthy fats and creaminess to the bowl.
Low Carb Chili Recipe
