Keto Chili

If you love a hearty bowl of chili but are trying to cut back on carbs, this keto chili recipe is for you. As with all our favorite keto recipes, making low-carb adjustments for favorite foods like chili is easy. And this recipe couldn’t be more straightforward: Put browned ground beef, tomatoes, chipotle peppers, garlic and onions in the slow cooker, let it cook for several hours, then serve this flavorful chili with your favorite keto-friendly toppings. It’s one of our best chili recipes, only it’s carb-free.

Can you eat chili on a keto diet?

Classic bean-based chili is not keto-friendly, as beans are high in carbohydrates. Luckily, you can still make keto chili recipes without the beans. All the traditional chili spices, such as chili powder, ground cumin and smoked paprika, are great flavor-boosters for keto foods. Plus, if you love a particularly spicy chili, you can add some chopped jalapenos to the mix—one jalapeno has less than one carbohydrate.

Ingredients for Keto Chili

• Olive oil: You need some olive oil to brown the beef. No need to use extra virgin olive oil for this; regular olive oil is better for browning.
• Ground beef: We always have ground beef in our fridge (or freezer!). Use an 80/20 lean beef for this keto chili recipe; the extra fat adds more flavor.
• Onion: The best types of onion for chili are white, yellow or red.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a depth of flavor to the chili. Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Chipotle flavors spice up the chili. This recipe calls for up to three peppers; use less if you prefer less heat. You can also remove the seeds for a less potent flavor.
• Spices: Chili powder and ground cumin are classic chili spices that add complexity to this keto chili.
• Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes have a more intense tomato flavor than regular diced tomatoes, but you can use either in this chili recipe.
• Tomato paste: Tomato paste deepens the flavor of the chili. If you have leftover tomato paste, freeze it in an ice cube tray or small zip-top bag for future use.
• Beef broth: Beef broth contributes to the chili’s savory flavor. Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt level in this chili.
• Cilantro: This controversial herb’s sharp flavor is perfect for topping chili. If you don’t like the taste of cilantro (you’re not alone), use parsley instead.

Directions

Step 1: Brown the meat

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Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, and cook for seven to nine minutes or until browned.

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Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat to a 6-quart or 8-quart slow cooker. Discard all but 1 teaspoon fat from the skillet.

Step 2: Saute the onion and garlic

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Add the onion and cook for three to five minutes or until lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook the chili

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Add the remaining ingredients, except the cilantro, to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to five hours.

Step 4: Serve the chili

Stir in the cilantro. Serve in bowls and top with desired toppings.

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Keto Chili Toppings

Dress up your chili with some extra ingredients. Keto diet foods that make great chili toppings include cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, scallions and sliced avocado.

Keto Chili Variations

• Add some sweetness: Unsweetened cocoa powder can add depth and a little sweetness to the chili while enhancing its spicy flavor.
• Bring on the bacon: Add cooked, chopped bacon to the chili if savory is more your style.
• Try a little smokiness: Replace a portion of the liquid in the recipe with brewed coffee. In addition to smokiness, coffee can add a unique earthy and robust flavor to your chili.
• Step up the heat: If you like adding hot sauce, beware of sugar-heavy products like Sriracha. Instead, look for brands that are low in sugar and salt.

How to Store Keto Chili

Keep leftover chili in the fridge or freezer. Allow it to cool completely and store it in airtight containers. Keto chili will last up to one week in the fridge and longer in the freezer.

Can you freeze keto chili?

Absolutely! A big batch of chili is perfect for freezing. You can store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Let the chili thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do you reheat keto chili?

You can reheat the chili on the stovetop or in the microwave. To reheat it on the stovetop, transfer the chili to a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If necessary, add a splash of beef broth or water to thin out the chili. To reheat it in the microwave, transfer the chili to a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat for one minute, then stir. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Keto Chili Tips

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How do you make keto chili on the stovetop?

You can use the same recipe to make keto chili on the stovetop, but you’ll use a stockpot instead of a skillet, build the flavors and simmer everything in the pot. After browning the beef, you’ll saute the onion and garlic in the pot, add the rest of the ingredients, cover the pot, and simmer the chili over low heat for 45 minutes and up to two hours. The longer the chili simmers, the deeper and more developed its flavors will be.

What should you serve with keto chili?

While traditional cornbread is out, you can make keto-friendly bread, like keto cloud bread. Given the heartiness of chili, you can’t go wrong with serving a low-carb salad on the side.