This Instant Pot Low Carb Chili is sure to please your palate without the guilt of traditional chili that’s usually loaded with starchy beans.
This Keto Friendly Chili recipe provides all the delicious flavor of a traditional chili, without the added carbs. It is a great recipe to cook in your Instant Pot any night of the week.
It tastes just like the chili you know and love but it will not take you out of ketosis.
This is a super quick recipe that’s perfect for weeknights when you crave something comforting but don’t want to spend a ton of time cooking + it only takes around 30 minutes to make!
I love it as is but you can play with the mix ins and toppings as much as you like. Add some chiles, extra spices, some bacon or a lot of cheese.
This is a super quick recipe but it’s also freezer friendly so you can store it in a Ziplock bag and then just move it from freezer to fridge in the morning and give it a quick reheat in the stove.
What Type of Ground Meat Can You Use in Chili?
For this low carb chili recipe, we simply used one pound of ground beef. You could also substitute the beef for ground pork or ground chicken though if you so desired.
Can You Use Beans in Keto Friendly Chili?
It is better to omit beans in your chili recipe. This is because many of the traditional chili beans are high in carbohydrates.
What Toppings Can be Added to Low Carb Chili?
For this Keto Friendly chili, you can choose to use toppings to add depth of flavor.
You can top it with things like fresh avocado, diced onions, sour cream and even shredded cheese.
Tomatoes Are Keto Friendly
While many people tend to group tomatoes into the vegetable category, they are actually classified as a fruit. Tomatoes are great for those on the Keto diet for many reasons.
About Tomatoes
Not only are tomatoes low in fat but they are also low in carbohydrates. They contain just 2.4 grams of net carbohydrates per ½ a cup. They are a keto friendly fruit that contains only 2.4 grams of sugar and 16 calories. In fact, tomatoes also contain lycopene, which has been suggested to help prevent heart disease.
How to Make Instant Pot Low Carb Chili
One of the best parts of this recipe is that it is done in your instant pot. If you have never made chili in your instant pot before, you will be surprised at how fast the flavors meld without having to simmer it for hours on the stovetop.
We will not be using beans in this recipe because they are generally high in carbohydrates. Instead, we will be using whole, chopped tomatoes to provide texture.
Ingredients Needed
To make this Keto Friendly Chili recipe, you are going to need:
Olive oil – Helps brown the meat and sauté the vegetables, adding healthy fats and depth of flavor.
Onion – Adds sweetness and aromatic flavor to the base of the chili.
Garlic – Enhances the savory taste and gives the chili a bold kick.
Ground beef – Provides protein and richness to the dish, making it hearty and filling.
Tomatoes – Contribute natural acidity, moisture, and chunky texture.
Tomato paste – Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and enriches the chili.
Beef stock – Deepens the flavor and adds moisture without extra carbs.
Cumin – Brings warmth and a slightly smoky flavor, classic in chili seasoning.
Paprika – Adds color and a subtle sweetness or smokiness, depending on the type.
Chili powder – Gives the chili its signature heat and spiced flavor.
Salt and pepper – Balances and enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
Step 1: Set Your Instant Pot
To get started, set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Do not skip this step as you will want to ensure it is ready to brown the ground beef.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add oil and ground beef to your Instant Pot. You will want to properly cook the beef until it is browned. This is because it adds additional texture to the chili. This step usually takes approximately 4 minutes.
Step 3: Add in the Onion
Add your onion into the ground beef mixture. Make sure to cook the onion until it because translucent before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Add in the remaining ingredients for your Keto Friendly Chili and mix well. Everything must be very well incorporated before you close the lid.
Step 5: Set the Pressure
Close the lid of your Instant Pot and set it to high pressure. Cook on this setting for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to properly combine.
Step 6: Release
Once cooked, perform a manual release of the steam and open the lid. Be careful of the escaping steam, you will not want to burn yourself.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your Keto Friendly Chili is ready to serve at this point. If desired, you can top it with Keto Friendly toppings of your choice.
Instant Pot Low Carb Chili
This Instant Pot Low Carb Chili is a quick and satisfying way to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal without the carbs. It’s packed with protein, loaded with rich spices, and simmered to perfection in the Instant Pot. Whether you're following a low-carb lifestyle or just want a cozy bowl of chili, this recipe delivers bold taste with minimal effort. Great for weeknights, meal prep, or any time you need something filling and easy.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp. Olive oil
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 1 Garlic clove, minced
- 1 lb. Ground beef
- 3 Tomatoes, chopped
- 1 can Tomato paste
- 1 cup Beef stock
- 1 tsp. Cumin
- 2 tsp. Paprika
- 2 tsp. Chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Once heated, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper to the pot. Stir frequently and cook until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly coat the meat and vegetables with the spices.
- Pour in the beef broth, then add the tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Lock the lid in place, seal the valve, and select the manual high-pressure setting. Cook for 15 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before doing a quick release.
- Carefully open the lid, stir the chili, and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more salt or pepper, if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions, if desired.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease, or drain the fat after browning to keep it lighter.
- If you like extra heat, add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
- For a thicker chili, turn on the sauté function after pressure cooking and simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Prefer a chunkier texture? Add cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini to bulk it up without adding many carbs.
- Chili always tastes better the next day—make it ahead and store in the fridge for flavors to deepen.
- Top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or avocado for extra flavor and fat.
- This recipe freezes well! Store in portioned containers for quick, low-carb meals later.
- Don’t skip the natural pressure release—it helps keep the meat tender and prevents spills.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 427Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 9gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 573mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 33g
Don’t forget to pin this recipe so you can find it easily later!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I Store Keto Friendly Chili?
The rules for safely storing Keto Friendly Chili are important. In most cases, your chili should be put into the refrigerator within two hours of serving. This will help to keep it safe to consume the leftovers. You can also choose to freeze your chili if you so desire. Before storing your chili, you will want to ensure that you allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes. Then, pack it in glass or plastic containers of your chose and store in the fridge for up to three days. If you are freezing, you can keep it for up to three months in your freezer, just male sure to label it with the date so you know how long it has been in there.
How Do I Reheat Frozen Chili?
To reheat your frozen keto friendly chili, set it in the refrigerator overnight to allow it to thaw safely. When you are reheating, make sure that it boils to kill any bacteria that could have accumulated. This can be done either on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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