Low Carb Chili

This low carb chili is a family favorite during the cooler months. With lean beef and plenty of veggies, it's a healthy and nutritious option for lunch or dinner. Add your favorite toppings, and you'll never realize there are no beans in this keto soup.

Jump to:

• Chili Without Beans
• Why You'll Love Beanless Chili
• Main Ingredients
• How To Make Low Carb Chili
• Storage Recommendations
• Tips and Tricks
• FAQs
• More Easy Low Carb Meals
• Recipe

Chili Without Beans

Growing up, chili was always a staple in our house. It's the perfect meal for a cold day or chilly evening. When I started eating low-carb, I thought I would have to say goodbye to this cozy dish because of the beans.

I have been working on new recipes to fit my lean and green eating habits this year. At the same time, I want to provide comfort food for my family. So far, this sausage kale soup and this chicken meatball stroganoff have been a hit.

We had a few unexpected cool days a few weeks ago, so I made a low-carb chili recipe without beans. Plenty of ground beef, tomatoes, green peppers, and zucchini made it hearty and satisfying. 

This no bean chili has become a family favorite, so it is now my go-to meal during the winter.

Why You'll Love Beanless Chili

• Low-Carb Friendly: Chili is a classic, comforting dish. This version retains all the hearty flavors without the beans. With 12 net carbs per serving, it will fit perfectly into your low-carb diet.
• Packed with Veggies & Protein: The green peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, and ground beef provide a fresh and delicious flavor.
• Adjustable Heat: You can dial up the spices for a fiery kick or keep it mild to suit your taste.
• One Pot Dinner: Made in one pot in less than 30 minutes, this is an easy weeknight win.

Main Ingredients

This easy recipe uses healthy ingredients that require minimal prep work.

• Ground Beef: I use 93/7 ground beef to minimize the amount of grease when cooking. An 80/20 or 90/10 is also acceptable. 
• Garlic and Onion: These are staple flavors in chili. Finely chop the white onion so no large chunks are in your bowl.
• Canned Tomato Products: For convenience, I use crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes with green chiles. If you don't like spicy flavors, use fire roasted tomatoes instead.
• Zucchini: Choose medium-sized veggies for the best texture.
• Green Bell Peppers: I usually use green peppers, but any type or color of bell peppers is acceptable.
• Spices: I like to use a mixture of cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. You can adjust the spice level by adding or removing each spice.
• Broth: For this homemade chili, use chicken, veggie, bone, or beef broth. Any of those are great options in this recipe.

How To Make Low Carb Chili

You will love how easy this low carb chili recipe is to make in one large pot. 

1. Cook the beef and onions in a large pot on the stovetop. Once they are mostly cooked, stir in some garlic. While that is cooking, dice the peppers and zucchini.
2. Add the canned tomatoes, chopped veggies, and spices to the broth. Reduce the amount of broth if you like thicker chili.
3. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are soft.
4. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then serve the hot chili with your favorite toppings.

Storage Recommendations

In the Refrigerator: Let the leftover chili cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

In the Freezer: Spoon leftovers in a freezer-safe container, then keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the frozen chili overnight in the fridge.

To Reheat: Warm the cold soup to your liking using the stove or microwave.

Tips and Tricks

• You can substitute ground chicken, pork sausage, or steak for all the meat or use a mixture of your favorites.
• Add more spice to the chili by adding paprika and cayenne pepper.
• Try other vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or cauliflower rice to add more fiber.
• If you prefer a thicker chili, use less broth.
• The broth and canned tomatoes contain some salt, so taste your chili before adding more.
• Serve bowls of chili with jalapeño slices. Add shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado, and fresh green onions.

FAQs

More Easy Low Carb Meals

• Healthy Stuffed Peppers
• Shrimp Zucchini Noodles
• Buffalo Chicken Bell Pepper Nachos
• Fish Taco Bowls
• Healthy Green Enchiladas

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This post was first published in November 2018. It was updated and then republished in January 2025.