No Bean Keto Chili

This no bean keto chili is the ultimate comfort food, made in one pot for a quick weeknight dinner, that’s perfect for tasty leftovers with easy cleanup. Plus, this chili without beans is low-carb and keto, and full of bold, savory flavors, so you won’t even miss the beans!

Who says you can’t enjoy comfort food while on a keto diet? This delicious no-bean chili recipe is a perfect example to prove that! Just like all of my keto recipes, this recipe is all about amazing flavors without the unwanted carbs.

When the weather cools down, nothing feels better than a steaming bowl of chili. This easy chili recipe is low-carb and keto-friendly, yet still delivers that classic, comforting taste you crave. Packed with perfectly seasoned ground meat, fire-roasted tomatoes, and bold spices, this keto chili is rich, tasty, flavorful, and oh-so-filling.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, hosting a casual family dinner, or just need something warm and comforting on a chilly night, this no bean chili is the ultimate go-to. It’s so easy to make and is ready in about 30 minutes. One spoonful, and you’ll wonder why you ever thought you’d miss the beans!

Chili Without Beans?

Whether or not beans fit in chili is a topic of frequent discussion among chili lovers. Personally, I enjoy it either way, but if you’re keeping things low-carb, skipping the beans is the way to go because they’re high in carbs, so they don’t fit in keto. This recipe has only 7 net carbs per 14-ounce serving, compared to about 30 net carbs for traditional chili with beans.

Don’t worry, though — this keto-friendly chili is still rich, hearty, and satisfying. You might not even realize that this chili has no beans.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Chili Recipe

This beef chili recipe without beans is so good because:

• Simple and Quick: It uses simple and fresh ingredients and requires minimal prep.
• One-pot Dish: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Filling and Hearty: Low-carb meals are often thought to leave you feeling insatiable. This Keto chili recipe, on the other hand, is so full of wonderful ingredients that you will feel completely satisfied for hours.
• Keto Friendly: There are no legumes or beans in this keto chili, but you won’t miss them.
• Amazingly Flavorful: This keto chili is a protein-rich, cozy dish! It is full of mouthwateringly spicy and smoky flavors and has a thick, beefy texture. 
• Various Cooking Methods: It can be prepared on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or in a Crock Pot.
• Great for Leftovers and Freezes Well: The leftovers freeze well for easy weeknight meals.
• Versatile: You may modify this beef chili recipe to suit your preferences because it is so adaptable. If you want it spicier, add more green chilies. Don’t use any chiles at all if you prefer a milder flavor. In any case, this keto chili recipe is a filling and nutritious supper that the whole family will love. You can also add different spices and vegetables. You’ll find suggestions later on in the post. 
• Budget Friendly: Traditional chili is praised for being a cost-effective dish because it is made using inexpensive ingredients. This keto chili recipe is no different! It’s a great way to feed a group of people or a family without going over budget.

Ingredients for No Bean Chili

Here is a summary of what you’ll need for this recipe: 

• Onion and Garlic: Both are equally important and common in most chilis, soups, and stews. Although the taste will not be the same, you might use a teaspoon of garlic powder and 2-3 teaspoons of onion powder instead. But I recommend using fresh ingredients for the best taste. 
• Celery: Adds a subtle savory note and depth of flavor.
• Olive Oil: You can use any oil, but it’s better to use olive oil for a more flavorful and healthy chili.
• Lean Ground Beef: I recommend 90% lean as a good balance. For lighter options, you can also use ground chicken, turkey, pork, or a mix.
• Spices: Basic pantry staples spices such as chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper add tons of flavor.
• Canned Diced Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Fire-roasted tomatoes add a subtle smokiness and a more authentic chili flavor.
• Canned Diced Green Chilies: These are primarily for taste, although they do impart a very mild spiciness. I like mild for a good balance. But go spicier/hot if you prefer.
• Optional Toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions add flavor and presentation.

Variation and Substitutions

• Try different meats if you prefer: Ground chicken or turkey for a leaner, healthier chili. Or add ground Italian sausage for extra fat and flavor. A 50/50 mix of lean ground beef and mild Italian sausage is my favorite combination.
• Add more vegetables: You could add additional veggies such as carrots, zucchini, corn, spinach, cabbage, or pretty much anything. If you’re on a keto diet, be mindful of the carbs in starchy vegetables.
• Make it traditional: If you’re not on keto, you can add 2 (14.5 oz.) drained cans of kidney beans to make this a traditional chili recipe.
• Adjust spiciness to your liking: Prefer it mild? Stick with regular green chiles. You can use hot diced green chiles or even add jalapenos or other peppers for a fiery kick.

How to Make Keto Chili

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add vegetables. Stir and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and slightly translucent.
2. Increase the heat to medium-high and add ground beef, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir and cook for 5 to 7 minutes more, breaking up meat as it cooks, until browned. Drain and discard excess fat.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes (with liquid) and green chiles. Bring to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Garnish with desired toppings such as green onions, sour cream, and cheddar cheese before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Although it’s hearty enough to eat alone, you can serve this keto chili with some Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes. Another great option would be to pair this with keto cornbread, or store-bought keto tortillas to soak up all the juices.

Leftover Storage

• To Store in the Fridge: Store leftover keto chili in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. Like any good chili or stew, the flavors get better over time!
• To Freeze: Fortunately, this low-carb keto chili freezes well, allowing you to make a large batch! Store leftovers in a zipper-lock bag or in airtight containers in the freezer for up to three months. It’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat the keto chili in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.

Expert Tips

• Save time with canned ingredients: Using canned ingredients (such as canned tomatoes, chilies, etc.) makes this keto chili recipe quick and easy without compromising on flavor.
• Bloom your spices for bold flavor: Add spices to the meat while browning, not at the end. Because spices are oil-soluble, this step enhances flavors and infuses them into the meat and vegetables. This is better than adding to the liquid at the end.
• Simmer Smartly: Be sure to simmer the chili covered to keep in the moisture. If your keto chili turns out too thick, adjust it by adding water or stock. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Make Ahead: The second day, keto chili always tastes the best, so prepare it a day ahead! 
• Make a Double Batch: This basic no bean chili recipe works great as leftovers and freezes well, so I recommend doubling the recipe and freezing half. You’ll thank yourself later when you need a no-fuss, hearty, and keto-friendly dinner.

FAQs

Can You Eat Chili On Keto?

No, traditional Chili recipes are not keto-friendly unless you remove the beans from the recipe. As you know, beans have lots of carbs and don’t fit in a low-carb diet. Instead, you can add more delicious veggies like bell peppers, cabbage, onion, mushrooms, etc., to make your keto chili flavorful and filling without the extra carbs.

What is a Low-Carb Substitute for Beans in Chili?

Ground meat and vegetables (such as cauliflower, mushrooms, zucchini, carrot, etc.) are excellent low-carb bean substitutes for keto chili.

Can You Make Chili Without Broth?

You usually don’t have to use broth—I haven’t used it for this recipe. But if you want your chili to have a richer, beefier flavor, adding some broth is a great idea. You can use canned or boxed broth, or even make some using bouillon cubes/powder and water.

How to Make Keto Chili In a Crock Pot or Slow Cooker?

This keto chili recipe can easily be made in a crockpot or slow cooker if that’s your preference. Lightly sauté the meat and vegetables in a pan before transferring them to the slow cooker. Reduce the liquid by half and let your crock pot no bean chili cook for six hours over low heat.

How to Make Keto Chili in an Instant Pot?

Making keto chili in an Instant Pot is quick and fuss-free — just sauté your aromatics and meat, add spices and liquids, then pressure cook for about 15 minutes. You’ll get a rich, hearty, low-carb chili in a fraction of the time!

Which Beans Can You Eat on Keto?

Black soybeans and green beans are ketogenic-friendly bean options, with only 2 g of net carbohydrates per 1/2-cup (60-90-gram) serving. Try replacing beans with keto-approved alternatives such as avocado, ground pork, mushrooms, boiled peanuts, or eggplant for added flavor and texture.

More Keto Dinner Recipes to Try

• Chicken Zucchini Lasagna
• Keto Chicken Parmesan
• Mexican Pizza Recipe (with Keto Option)
• Keto Cheeseburger Casserole
• Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole
• Keto Chicken Fried Steak
• Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

More Chili and Soup Recipes You Might Like

• Healthy Turkey Chili
• White Bean Turkey Chili
• Roasted Sweet Potato Chili
• Pork Chile Verde
• Keto Cheeseburger Soup
• Italian Fish Soup
• Vegan Cauliflower and Leek Soup
• Slow Cooker Chicken Pho Soup
• Classic French Onion Soup

View all soup, stew, and chili recipes.

No Bean Keto Chili

Written by Matt | Plating Pixels

This no bean keto chili is the ultimate comfort food, made in one pot for a quick weeknight dinner, that’s perfect for tasty leftovers with easy cleanup.

Recipe Cost: $13.81 | Cost Per Serving: ~$1.15

5 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Chili, Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 154 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef or turkey, chicken, pork, or a mix
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 5 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes, fire roasted, with liquid
• 1 4 ounce can diced green chilies, mild or desired spiciness
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese sour cream, green onions

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add vegetables. Stir and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and slightly translucent.
• Increase the heat to medium-high and add ground beef chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper to the pot. Stir and cook for 5 to 7 minutes more, breaking up meat as it cooks, until browned. Drain and discard excess fat.
• Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
• Stir in diced tomatoes (with liquid) and green chiles. Bring to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with desired toppings such as green onions, sour cream, and cheddar cheese before serving.

Nutrition Facts

No Bean Keto Chili

Serving Size

 

1 bowl (about 14-ounces)

Amount per Serving

Calories

154

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

8

g

12

%

Saturated Fat

 

3

g

19

%

Trans Fat

 

0.4

g

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

3

g

Cholesterol

 

37

mg

12

%

Sodium

 

511

mg

22

%

Potassium

 

588

mg

17

%

Carbohydrates

 

10

g

3

%

Fiber

 

3

g

13

%

Sugar

 

5

g

6

%

Protein

 

13

g

26

%

Vitamin A

 

1095

IU

22

%

Vitamin C

 

17

mg

21

%

Calcium

 

81

mg

8

%

Iron

 

4

mg

22

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keyword All meat chili, Beef chili recipe, chili no beans, chili without beans, crock pot no bean chili, Easy chili recipe, easy no bean chili recipe, Keto chili, Keto chili recipe, no bean chili

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