Easy Low Carb Chili

When I want something cozy, filling, and easy to make, this Easy Low Carb Chili is always a good idea. It has all the rich, hearty flavor you want in a comforting bowl of chili, but without the beans, so it works well for anyone looking for a lower-carb dinner option.

I love recipes like this because they're simple, family-friendly, and perfect for busy nights when you want real food on the table without a lot of fuss. This chili is made with ground beef, sausage, peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, and warm spices, then simmered until everything comes together in one hearty, flavorful pot.

If you enjoy easy, satisfying dinners like my Keto Big Mac Skillet, this low-carb chili is another great one to keep on repeat. You can find more simple, wholesome meal ideas in my Healthy Recipes collection.

Quick Look: Easy Low Carb Chili

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • 🔥 Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • 🍽 Servings: 8 servings
  • Calories: 332 calories per serving
  • 🌶 Flavor Profile: Hearty, savory, and comforting
  • 👌 Difficulty: Easy, great for busy weeknights

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • It's hearty and filling without using beans.
  • The combination of ground beef and sausage gives it rich flavor.
  • It's easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
  • It reheats well, so leftovers are just as good the next day.
  • You can customize it with your favorite toppings.

Key Ingredients

Some of the ingredients you will need for Low Carb Chili:

Ingredient photo for the low carb chili.
  • Ground beef: I like using lean ground beef so the chili stays hearty without becoming too greasy.
  • Pork sausage: Mild sausage keeps it family-friendly, while hot sausage adds extra kick.
  • Bell peppers: These add flavor, color, and a little natural sweetness.
  • Mushrooms: Mushrooms make the chili extra hearty while keeping it bean-free.
  • Diced tomatoes: These create the base of the chili and add texture.
  • Tomato paste: This helps thicken the chili and gives it a richer tomato flavor.
  • Beef broth: Use this if you want to thin the chili slightly without watering down the flavor.

How to Make Low Carb Chili

Cooked vegetables for low carb chili in a white dutch oven.
  1. Step 1: Cook the vegetables. Add the onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms to a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
    Add the garlic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Browned meat and vegetables in a white dutch oven.
  1. Step 2: Brown the meat. Add the ground beef and sausage to the pot. Break the meat apart as it cooks and continue cooking until browned and fully cooked through.
    If there is excess grease in the pot, carefully spoon off or drain some of it so the chili does not end up too oily.
All of the ingredients for low carb chili combined in a white dutch oven.
  1. Step 3: Add the remaining ingredients. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add ½ to 1 cup beef broth if you want a slightly thinner chili.
All of the ingredients for low carb chili after it has simmered for one hour.
  1. Step 4: Simmer. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered or partially uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
    Taste the chili and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed before serving.
Low carb chili served in a bowl with cheddar cheese and sour cream.

Expert Tips

  • Use both beef and sausage for deeper flavor.
  • Simmer uncovered if the chili needs to thicken more.
  • Taste at the end and adjust the seasoning before serving.
  • If you want more heat, use hot sausage or add cayenne.
  • This chili tastes even better the next day.

FAQs

Is this chili really keto?

It can fit into a keto or low carb lifestyle since it is bean-free, but the exact carbs will depend on your ingredients, portion size, and toppings.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, and it actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to sit.

Can I freeze this chili?

Yes, you can freeze this chili for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I leave out the mushrooms?

Yes. You can reduce them or leave them out if you prefer.

What toppings go well with low carb chili?

Shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and green onions are all great choices.

What should I pair with chili?

This chili is filling on its own, but you can also serve it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or cornbread!

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave individual servings until hot.

If you tried this Easy Low Carb Chili recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments! Thanks for visiting, and come back again!

Low Carb Chili served in a white bowl.

Easy Low Carb Keto Chili

Chantelle DeJager
This easy low carb chili is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner. Made with beef, sausage, vegetables, and warm spices, it's a simple bean-free meal the whole family can enjoy.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 332 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound mild or hot pork sausage
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 bell peppers chopped
  • 8 ounces mushrooms chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 12-ounce cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ to 1 cup beef broth optional
  • shredded cheddar cheese for serving
  • sliced avocado for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef and sausage to the pot. Break the meat apart as it cooks and continue cooking until browned and fully cooked through.
  • If needed, carefully drain off some of the excess grease.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add ½ to 1 cup beef broth if you want a thinner chili.
  • Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered or partially uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed.
  • Serve warm with shredded cheddar cheese, avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, or green onions if desired.

Notes

  • You can use mild sausage for a family-friendly version or hot sausage for extra spice.
  • If the chili seems too thick, add a splash of beef broth while simmering.
  • This chili tastes even better the next day.
  • Top with cheddar cheese, avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 332kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 23gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 1055mgPotassium: 921mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1827IUVitamin C: 53mgCalcium: 66mgIron: 4mg
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