This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Keto Low Carb Beef Chili is the ultimate comfort food that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. I’ve included all three cooking methods—Instant Pot, Crock-Pot, and Stovetop—so you can choose whichever works best for your day. Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s perfect for busy nights when you need a hearty, healthy meal with minimal effort!
My family has been enjoying this Keto Low Carb Beef Chili for about 7 years now, and it’s one they want in our meal rotation regularly. I love it because it’s incredibly versatile—you can throw it in the slow cooker and let it cook all day, pop it in the Instant Pot for a quick meal in under 45 minutes, or let it simmer on the stovetop for a couple of hours to develop that rich, slow-cooked flavor.
It’s not just a family favorite; it’s a hit with you, my friends, too! This recipe has been super popular over on Instagram, and I love hearing your feedback!
One reader, Kendra, shared, “The past two years, I have made your chili for the chili cook-off at work. I have won two years in a row. So obviously, I think your recipe is amazing!”
Why We Love This Keto Chili 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.
No Bean Chili Recipe Ingredients
Make This No Bean Chili 3 Ways
✱ 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.
Keto Chili Recipe Variations
No Bean Chili Recipe Tips
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!
What to Serve With the Best Keto Chili Recipe Ever
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.
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
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.
Storing No Bean Chili
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.
Low Carb Chili Recipe FAQs
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.
Other Hearty Recipes
For even more cold winter days ahead, try these delicious meals.
Hungry for more easy, home-cooked, delicious recipes?
Sign up for my free recipe club to get family-friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing daily meal-time inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Low Carb Chili Recipe
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.
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
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.
Such a delicious low carb but hearty chili. Love it!
Added some red pepper flakes for heat and it was a hit!
I’ve been looking for a good chili recipe since I got my new instant pot and this did not disappoint! Love this chili recipe!!!
This looks so good! This is perfect for keto eaters or for people who just don’t like beans. I can’t wait to make it!
Drooling over this beef chili recipe. Thanks for sharing.
This has become our favorite red chili recipe. I sometimes use half beef, half turkey , and use a bit less chili powder. I don’t miss the beans.
I am so glad you are enjoying this Chili! We make this one more than any of my other red chili recipes too. Thank you for stopping in to let me know!
Great family loves it it
Wondering if ground turkey would taste the same?
I haven’t tried it with ground turkey but it should work. I think the flavor would be a little different than ground beef, but would love to hear how it turns out for you.
This chili recipe looks great. Just started KETO and have been checking out a lot of posts. Yours really fit the bill. I saw from several comments some people not liking beans, but my husband and I both love beans. I found black soybeans and am in the process of ordering them. They have 5 net carbs per half cup compared to kidney beans at 16 carbs so will be giving them a try. Thank you so much for posting! 🙂
You are so welcome! Thank you! I am sure the black soybeans will be a delicious addition. After you add it take a look you may want to add a little more liquid.
Just finished putting all the ingredients together…cooking on the stove. I had a little more than 1 1/2 lbs of lean ground beef so I used 1/4 c of chili powder and one can of fire roasted tomatoes…seems like enough. I’m cooking it on low so the flavors hopefully meld together well. I’m in no hurry, lol, it’s 0 degrees outside so this will be great for dinner. I’m making some homemade green chili cheese cornbread to go with it…can’t wait to try it…already smelling delicious!
I bet is smells heavenly! Oh and that cornbread sounds divine! I hope you enjoy! Have a beautiful weekend!
Hi. Is anyone ever added green beans instead of regular canned beans? Not sure if green beans Keto friendly ?
I usually do not put beans in this chili. I have not ever tried green beans in it.
In chili?????????
I made this on the stove top the store did not have fire roasted tomatos they had fire roasted tomato salsa so I used that I also added a pack of hot sausage it is delicious. I like beans in my chili but my husband and doesn’t so I will add my beans in my bowl when I eat it along with some hot sauce. Thankyou so much for sharing your recipe
Thank you so much Linda! It’s great to improvise sometimes when you don’t have an item for a recipe! Hot sausage sounds delish for this recipe! We love it at our house!
Hi Nikki, can I add a bag of cauliflower rice to bulk it up?
Saira, I have not tried that. I would think it would work nicely. I would love to know how it turns out!
Do I drain the canned tomatoes and green chilis?
No you do not need to drain them.
I’ve made this several times in the crock pot and it always turns out great. Unfortunately, I tried doing it in the Insta Pot tonight and it kept burning. Has anyone else had this problem?
Amanda, I haven’t had an issue with this one going to burn before? Just make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom. Next time try pouring in the beef broth and scraping up any stuck bits at the bottom. Then add back in the beef and remaining ingredients.
Diced green chilis. Are they hot? I love chili but can’t physically eat spicy.
They do have a little spiciness, but are not overly hot. You can usually find them in a mild variety or just omit all together.
Made this for dinner last night and me and hubby loved it! So flavourful and filling!
Thank you Stephanie! I am so glad you both loved it! It is a flavorful chili and comes together so quickly!
What cheese do you usually use to top it with? I also see little green flakes in the picture…..what do you sponge on top?
In the picture I have some cilantro on top with sour cream and shredded colby cheese.
I made this for dinner tonight. I have issues with beans, so this recipe was perfect! Yummy!
I am so glad you enjoyed it Beverly! Thank you so much!
I made this tonight and it was delicious! I only had 1 1/2 lbs of ground beef and I didn’t care to omit them so I used a can of black beans. Everyone raved! Will make this my go-to chilli. ??
Thank you Mary Anne! You def can add in beans and it is so delicious! I love how easy and quick it is. You will find this on our table often too!