Keto Beef Chili Recipe is one of my go-to meals when I want something hearty, comforting, and perfectly low-carb. This chili packs bold, smoky flavors and a cozy aroma that fills your kitchen, making it an ideal dish for chilly evenings or weekend family dinners. If you love rich, savory meals without the carbs weighing you down, you’re going to adore this recipe — plus, it’s simple enough to whip up even on busy weeknights.
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What Makes This So Good
This Keto Beef Chili Recipe hits the spot because it delivers rich depth without relying on beans or sugar-laden ingredients. It’s a warming meal that stays low-carb and keto-friendly while boasting layers of smoky spices and tender ground beef that melts in your mouth.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: A straightforward list of pantry spices builds a complex taste without extra work.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, this chili balances mild heat and savory richness.
- Simple Ingredients: Mostly staples you likely have or can find easily, making prep quick and accessible.
- Works Any Night: Whether for meal prep or a cozy dinner, this chili fits seamlessly.
Ingredient Guide
Choosing the right ingredients sets this Keto Beef Chili Recipe up for success. I love to use fresh aromatics and quality ground beef for that juicy, savory base. Feel free to swap or omit items based on your taste or pantry, but here are some tips to get you started.
- Ground Beef: Look for 80/20 ground beef for a great balance of flavor and fat, which keeps your chili moist and satisfying.
- Onion: Yellow or white onions work well; they add natural sweetness that complements the spices.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best – it brings that pungent warmth that canned garlic just can’t match.
- Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: Choose no sugar added canned versions to keep carbs low and flavors bright.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano are the heart of this recipe – fresh spices make all the difference.
- Beef Broth: Adds savory depth and helps the chili simmer to a luscious consistency.
- Optional Toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños add creamy, tangy, and spicy notes that really elevate each spoonful.
Quick Reminder: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Keto Beef Chili Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
Start by dicing your onion finely and mincing garlic cloves so they release their full aroma quickly. I usually measure out the spices into a small bowl to keep the flow going. While prepping, set your stove to medium heat and get your large pot or Dutch oven ready for browning the beef. This helps maximize flavor development right from the start.
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
Brown the ground beef in your preheated pot, stirring occasionally to break it apart. You’ll notice delicious crispy edges forming; they add wonderful texture. Drain excess fat if there’s a pool, but keep some for flavor. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Then stir in your diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and spices, giving everything a good mix so the flavors marry.
Pour in the beef broth, bring the pot to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat. Let it bubble softly for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and help thicken the chili. That slow simmer lets the spices deepen and your kitchen will fill with an inviting warmth you’ll appreciate on any day.
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
Once your chili has thickened and the meat is tender, taste and adjust salt and pepper to your preference. If it seems too thick, a splash more broth or water can loosen it up without diluting flavor. Ladle your hot chili into bowls and bring on those creamy toppings like shredded cheese and sour cream. Jalapeños add a zesty kick if you’re feeling adventurous. This step is where the magic comes together — those contrast of textures just make every bite pop!
Extra Helpful Tips
Here’s a handful of tips from my kitchen to yours, ensuring your Keto Beef Chili Recipe turns out perfectly every time.
- Watch for This Sign: When the chili starts to smell deeply fragrant and you see bubbling around the edges, it’s a great indicator it’s ready to taste and adjust seasoning.
- Temperature Trick: Simmer gently — a rolling boil can toughen meat and cause the sauce to evaporate unevenly.
- Prep-Ahead Option: This chili tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance and reheat for effortlessly delicious leftovers.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Don’t skip draining excess beef fat if you want a leaner chili; too much grease can weigh down the flavors.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
To personalize your Keto Beef Chili Recipe, try stirring in fresh chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. A dollop of guacamole on top adds creamy richness, and a dash of hot sauce amps up the heat if that’s your style. Cheesy toppings melt beautifully into the chili’s warmth, making each bite irresistibly cozy.
Tasty Pairings
Pair your chili with crunchy celery sticks or a crisp side salad to balance textures. Cauliflower rice is a keto-friendly stand-in for traditional rice or cornbread. For drinks, a cold glass of sparkling water with lemon or a smoky mezcal cocktail complements the chili’s robust flavors beautifully.
Quick Plating Tips
Serve your chili in deep bowls to hold generous portions. Sprinkle fresh herbs or thinly sliced green onions over the top for a splash of color. A few jalapeño slices arranged on the side signal heat level, making your dish look inviting and well thought out in just moments.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
Store leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. You'll notice flavors even deepen after resting, and the chili thickens slightly, so you might want to stir in a splash of broth when reheating.
Freezer Friendly?
This Keto Beef Chili Recipe freezes really well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight to avoid any sogginess or texture loss, and reheat gently.
Reheat Like New
Reheat your chili on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to keep it warm and prevent sticking. If using a microwave, add a tablespoon of beef broth, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts to maintain moisture and tenderness. This way, your chili stays just as satisfying as when freshly made.
Keto Beef Chili Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The flavors deepen beautifully with the slow cook method.
Yes—it’s low in carbs thanks to no beans or sugar added canned tomatoes. Just watch your toppings if you’re counting every carb.
You can, though turkey is leaner and can dry out more quickly. Consider adding a bit of olive oil when cooking to keep it juicy.
It’s mildly spicy by default, but you can easily adjust heat by adding more chili powder or fresh jalapeños as desired.
Final Flavor Thoughts
I hope this Keto Beef Chili Recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen like it has in mine. It’s a simple way to enjoy big, comforting flavors without straying from your low-carb goals. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop a star rating or share your favorite tweak in the comments below. And if you want to shake it up next time, try swapping smoked paprika for chipotle powder for a smoky fire kick!
Print📖 Recipe
Keto Beef Chili Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Keto Beef Chili made with ground beef, aromatic spices, and no-sugar-added tomato products, perfect for a low-carb, satisfying meal. This recipe simmers tender beef with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano for a rich, warming dish that can be topped with cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños for added zest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb, Keto
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 lbs (900g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (no sugar added)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce (no sugar added)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids
- 1 cup beef broth
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Jalapeños
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook them along with the beef until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes, which will add depth of flavor.
- Add tomato and spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors and spices evenly throughout the chili.
- Simmer the chili: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote flavor melding.
- Serve: When the chili has thickened and flavors are well combined, serve hot. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños as desired for extra creaminess and heat.
Notes
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce into the chili during cooking.
- Use no-sugar-added tomato products to keep the recipe keto-friendly.
- To reduce cooking time, use a pressure cooker or instant pot set to chili mode if available.
- This chili stores well and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- For a dairy-free option, omit cheese and sour cream or use dairy-free alternatives.
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