When you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and comforting without all the carbs, this Keto Low Carb Beef Chili is the answer. Made with ground beef, spices, and low-carb vegetables, this chili is thick, rich, and completely satisfying — all while staying keto-friendly.
What makes this recipe even better is that it can be made in either the Instant Pot for a quick dinner or the Crock Pot for a slow-simmered flavor. Packed with protein, bold spices, and zero beans, this keto chili is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or game day gatherings.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Keto Beef Chili
- Completely keto-friendly and low-carb — no beans required
- Easy to make in either Instant Pot or Crock Pot
- Bold, smoky flavor with just the right amount of spice
- Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly
- Comfort food without the guilt
Ingredients for Keto Low Carb Beef Chili
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no sugar added)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes
Ground Beef: Use 80/20 for richness. Ground turkey or chicken can also work.
Vegetables: Onions, bell peppers, and zucchini add flavor without carbs. Cauliflower rice can also be stirred in.
Spices: Chili powder, paprika, and cumin bring warmth, while cayenne adds heat.
Tomatoes: Always choose no-sugar-added to keep carbs low.
Broth: Beef broth deepens flavor; chicken broth works in a pinch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Instant Pot Method
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Set Instant Pot to sauté mode. Heat olive oil, then add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, zucchini, broth, and all spices. Mix well.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
Step 5: Serve
Taste, adjust seasonings, and serve hot with keto-friendly toppings.
Crock Pot Method
Step 1: Brown Beef Separately
In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown ground beef with onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
Step 2: Transfer to Crock Pot
Add beef mixture to Crock Pot. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, zucchini, broth, and spices.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Step 4: Serve
Stir well, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.
Pro Tips for the Best Keto Chili
- Brown the beef well to enhance flavor.
- Use smoked paprika for a deep, smoky taste.
- If chili is too thick, add extra broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Kitchen Tools & Equipment You’ll Need
- Instant Pot or Crock Pot
- Large skillet (for browning if using Crock Pot)
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Serving Suggestions
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or green onions
- Serve with keto-friendly cornbread or cauliflower rice
- Use as a topping for zucchini noodles or stuffed peppers
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the browning step — it adds depth to the flavor.
- Adding beans — traditional chili uses them, but they aren’t keto-friendly.
- Overseasoning with cayenne — start small and adjust heat gradually.
- Forgetting to taste before serving — seasoning may need adjusting after cooking.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Turkey Chili: Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Chunky Style: Add diced beef chuck for texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Loaded Chili: Stir in cooked bacon for a smoky touch.
- Vegetarian Keto Chili: Replace beef with mushrooms and extra zucchini.
FAQs About Keto Low Carb Beef Chili
Can I make this without an Instant Pot or Crock Pot?
Yes, you can simmer it on the stovetop for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Is chili keto if it has tomatoes?
Yes, as long as you use no-sugar-added canned tomatoes and control portions.
How can I thicken keto chili without beans?
Let it simmer uncovered, or add a spoonful of cream cheese for creaminess.
Can I meal prep this chili?
Absolutely! It reheats and freezes very well.
Conclusion
This Keto Low Carb Beef Chili is the ultimate comfort food for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. Rich, hearty, and packed with bold flavors, it’s easy to make in either the Instant Pot or Crock Pot. With no beans but plenty of vegetables and spices, it delivers all the taste of classic chili without the carbs.
Print
Keto Low Carb Beef Chili: Easy Instant Pot or Crock Pot Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (Instant Pot) or 6–8 hours (Crock Pot)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Keto Low Carb Beef Chili is hearty, flavorful, and completely satisfying without the carbs. Made with ground beef, vegetables, and bold spices, it’s thick, smoky, and perfect for the Instant Pot or Crock Pot. A family-friendly comfort food recipe that’s keto-approved and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no sugar added)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground Beef: 80/20 adds richness, but turkey or chicken also work.
- Vegetables: Onions, peppers, and zucchini provide flavor with few carbs.
- Spices: Chili powder, paprika, and cumin give warmth; cayenne adds heat.
- Tomatoes: Choose no-sugar-added to keep it keto-friendly.
- Broth: Beef broth deepens the flavor; chicken broth is a good substitute.
Instructions
Instant Pot Method:
- Sauté Aromatics: Set Instant Pot to sauté. Heat olive oil, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, zucchini, broth, and spices. Mix well.
- Pressure Cook: Seal Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Let naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
- Serve: Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Crock Pot Method:
- Brown Beef: In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown beef with onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
- Transfer: Add mixture to Crock Pot. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, zucchini, broth, and spices.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low 6–8 hours or high 3–4 hours.
- Serve: Stir, taste, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.
Notes
- Pro Tips: Brown beef well for depth; smoked paprika adds richness; thin with broth if needed; taste before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or scallions. Serve with cauliflower rice, keto cornbread, or over zucchini noodles.
- Storage: Refrigerate 4 days, freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.
- Variations: Turkey chili with ground turkey, chunky with diced beef chuck, add bacon for smokiness, or vegetarian with mushrooms and zucchini.
- FAQs: Can simmer on stovetop 45–60 min if no Instant Pot; tomatoes are keto-friendly in moderation; thicken by simmering uncovered or add cream cheese; perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (Instant Pot) or 6–8 hours (Crock Pot)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Instant Pot, Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
