Keto Chili Recipe

Blue Ribbon winning Keto Chili Recipe cooks in minutes in your Instant Pot, yet tastes as though it cooked for hours. This Instant Pot Chili is naturally low carb and entirely delicious.

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What Makes This Instant Pot Keto Chili So Great

Fast. This Instant Pot recipe is made in under 30 minutes but still tastes like it has been simmering all day.
Low Carb . Substantially less carbs than your favorite traditional chili.
Versatile. Add your favorite keto-friendly toppings to make it perfectly unique.
Delicious. Award-winning flavors that you’ll want to eat over and over again.

So I’ve been over-thinking this Keto Instant Pot Chili. There are so many complicated recipes out there with lovely ingredients like cocoa powder, brown sugar, Mexican chocolate, espresso, strong coffee, Rotel, beef stock or beef broth, tomato paste, chipotle chili powder, etc. I was somewhat paralyzed before starting to do this recipe properly.

Then I told myself to stop worrying about all the exotic ingredients. I would just make a basic but tasty keto chili con carne recipe. So I set aside all the recipes and cooked this Keto Instant Pot Chili recipe by feel, as I typically do. It worked out great!

And when I say great, I mean I made award-winning chili great. This chili recipe has won at least 6 office cook-offs that I know of! If it wins in your office cookoff, I would love to hear about it.

Can I Eat Chili On A Keto Diet?

Using an old family favorite chili recipe or grabbing a bowl at your favorite fast-food restaurant probably isn’t an option if you’re sticking to a strict low carb diet.

That’s why I came up with this Instant Pot Chili recipe that will keep you on track. So, next time you’re craving a bowl of comfort food, reach for this recipe instead.

How Many Carbs Are In Chili With No Beans?

The two things that make this recipe low carb are the homemade chili seasoning and the omission of beans. With those simple substitutions, my keto chili only has 12 net carbs per serving.

How Do I Make Keto Chili Seasoning?

I had initially called this 3-2-2-1 Chili. But why 3-2-2-1?

First, because it’s super quick. Second, because that’s how I remember the proportions of spices.

3 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon oregano

This takes the place of any packaged chili spice mixes and does it so well that I don’t buy pre-packaged mixes anymore.

This is a simple, yet satisfying Tex Mex Easy Instant Pot Chili that you can feel good about eating!

Is Tomato Sauce Keto-Friendly?

When you are living a keto lifestyle , you will notice is nearly impossible to avoid carbohydrates completely. Tomatoes are naturally low in sugar and high in fiber. So while containing a small number of carbohydrates, completely avoiding them is not necessary. Like most anything on keto, as long as you’re not exceeding your daily carb goal, you should be able to get into ketosis with no problem.

Check out myHow to start a Keto dietpost here for weekly keto meal plan outlines, for information on how to calculate macros, and other great keto tips.

Which Beans Are Keto Friendly?

If you’re eating low carb, beans are generally considered one of those “off-limits” foods. Most beans are high in carbs and will knock you out of ketosis.

However, there are a few kinds of beans that you can have on a keto diet. Black soybeans and green beans are both relatively low in net carbs and can be consumed if they fit into your macros in moderation.

What If I’m Not On Keto?

If you’re not living a low carb lifestyle , you can feel free to add some heartiness to this recipe by adding some canned beans. Feel free to use either pinto beans or kidney beans. Either way, it turns out delicious. Just make sure you are using canned beans and not dry beans.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 tablespoon Oil - Provides the cooking base for sautéing the aromatics and browning the beef. It also helps carry and blend the spices for a richer, more cohesive flavor.
1 cup Onion - Adds sweetness and depth as it caramelizes, forming the aromatic foundation of the chili. It enhances the savory flavor of the beef and balances the spices.
1 tablespoon Garlic - Brings a robust, aromatic punch that complements the onion and spices, deepening the overall flavor profile.
1 pound Lean Ground Beef - The main protein and heart of the chili. Lean beef keeps the dish hearty yet keto-friendly without adding unnecessary fat.
1 cup Canned Fire-Roasted Tomatoes - Adds acidity, moisture, and a smoky flavor that gives the chili a deep, slow-cooked taste even when made quickly.
1 tablespoon Chipotle Chile in Adobo Sauce - Provides a bold, smoky heat with a touch of tang and sweetness, giving the chili its distinctive depth and subtle spice.
2 Corn Tortillas - Used as a natural thickener—when simmered in, they break down and give the chili a slightly creamy texture and body without adding flour or starch.
1/2 cup Water - Loosens the mixture, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to simmer without becoming too thick.
3 teaspoons Mexican Red Chili Powder - The key seasoning that gives the chili its classic warmth and color. Mexican chili powder is mild and rich, with smoky, earthy notes rather than sharp heat.
2 teaspoons Ground Cumin - Adds an earthy, slightly citrusy undertone that enhances the depth and authenticity of the chili flavor.
2 teaspoons Salt - Balances the spices and enhances the natural flavors of the meat, tomatoes, and aromatics.
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano - Adds a subtle herbal layer with a hint of bitterness, rounding out the rich, smoky spices.

How To Make Keto Chili

Saute/Brown. Heat the Instant Pot on the saute function. When it’s hot, add the oil and then add chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir for 30-seconds and then add ground beef. Break up the ground beef and allow it to brown slightly.
Blend. Meanwhile, blend together the canned tomatoes, chipotle chili, and the corn tortillas until relatively smooth.
Add spices. Mix the various spices in a small bowl and once the ground beef is somewhat brown (but not fully cooked), add the powdered spices and allow the spices to bloom for 30 seconds.
Thicken. Add in the blended corn tortillas (or use Xantham gum to thicken if you’re making this Keto) and tomatoes and use the 1/2 cup water to wash out the blender and pour that into the pot.
Cook. Seal quickly, cook at high pressure for 10 minutes, and allow it to release pressure naturally for 10 mins and then release remaining pressure.
Serve. Mix well, top with cheese if desired and serve.

How To Thicken Keto Chili

If you’re not eating low carb , corn tortillas are a great way to help thicken this Instant Pot Chili. However, I try to watch my carb intake. That’s why I make so many keto recipes.

If you want to keep the carbs low in this recipe for chili, simply sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of Xantham gum after it’s done cooking to help thicken it. Give it a quick mix and you’re good to go.

What Toppings Go With Chili?

Here are just a few great toppings options for your Instant Pot Chili:

Sour Cream
Grated Cheddar Cheese
Chopped Green Onions
Chopped Bell Pepper
Crushed Tortilla Chips
Fresh Diced Tomatoes
Sliced Avocado
Fresh Shredded Lettuce

Tips And Tricks

Making Instant Pot Keto Chili is a fantastic way to enjoy all the rich, hearty flavors of classic chili without the carbs. With the Instant Pot, you’ll get deep, slow-simmered taste in a fraction of the time. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your keto chili turns out perfectly every time:

Brown the beef first. Use the Sauté function to sear the ground beef until browned. This step builds flavor and gives the chili a richer, meatier taste.
Deglaze the pot. After browning, add a splash of water or broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This prevents the “Burn” warning and adds extra depth to the flavor.
Use fire-roasted tomatoes. They give the chili a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that balances the spices beautifully.
Don’t skip the chipotle in adobo. It adds a unique smokiness and mild heat that elevates the entire dish.

Variations

Great choice! Keto chili is super versatile, and the Instant Pot makes it easy to switch up the flavors without much effort. Here are some delicious variations to try next time you make it:

If you do want to use a packaged mix, I have an old recipe here for it, and it works well.
If you don’t follow the Keto lifestyle, you can add corn and a can of beans after cooking to make it more hearty.
Some people like to add a little fish sauce to their chili recipes. You can add 2 teaspoons of fish sauce to the mix if you’d like, but this Low Carb Chili is so good that you most likely won’t need to.
You can use a can of crushed tomatoes in place of the canned fire-roasted tomatoes if you are having a hard time finding some, but I highly recommend using the fire-roasted as it adds a lot more flavor to the dish.
Looking for a lower fat meat option for your chili? Make an Instant Pot Turkey Chili by substituting the ground beef with ground turkey. Just make sure to add a tablespoon of olive oil during the browning step.
You can also use the leftovers to make a delicious low carb chili dog bake.

What To Eat With This Keto Chili Recipe

Perfect! The right sides and toppings can turn your Instant Pot Keto Chili into a complete, comforting meal that feels hearty and satisfying without breaking your carb goals. Here are some delicious ideas to serve alongside your chili:

Cauliflower Rice - A perfect low-carb stand-in for regular rice. Its mild flavor soaks up the chili’s bold, spicy sauce beautifully.
Keto Cornbread - Made with almond flour or coconut flour, keto cornbread adds a soft, buttery complement to the chili’s robust spice.
Zoodles - Light and fresh, zoodles make a great base for chili if you want something that feels like pasta night, but keto-friendly.
Cheese Crisps or Pork Rinds - Use them in place of tortilla chips for a crunchy topping or dipper. They add texture and saltiness without the carbs.
Guacamole - Creamy avocado balances the spice and adds healthy fats, making your meal more filling.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt - A dollop on top cools the heat and adds tangy richness to every bite.

How Long Does It Last?

Have leftovers? They should last for 3-5 days in the fridge when properly stored in an airtight food container. If you need to keep them for any longer, portion them out and freeze them.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze keto chili, and it freezes beautifully! Once the chili has cooled completely, transfer it into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, leaving a little space at the top for expansion.

Label the containers with the date, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.

More Ground Beef Recipes

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Keto Beef Kheema Meatloaf - A delicious Indian twist on traditional meatloaf.
Low Carb Beef Shawarma - An easy, delicious, and low carb one-pot meal.
Low Carb Stuffed Poblano Peppers - The perfect way to mix things up for Taco Tuesday!
Ethiopian Beef Stew - A super quick and easy way to make an authentic Minchet Abish
Low Carb Beef Stroganoff - An easy, low carb meal.
34+ Keto Ground Beef Recipes - A list with tons of deliciously low carb ground beef recipes.
Instant Pot Frito Pie - Not watching your carbs? Indulge in this simple 20 minute recipe.
Slow Cooker Chili - Another tasty twist on chili–this time with beans!