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Keto Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili: Easy, Hearty & Delicious!

Keto Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili: Easy, Hearty & Delicious!

Ever find yourself dreaming of a hearty, soul-warming bowl of chili but worried about those pesky carbs derailing your keto journey? Or maybe you just prefer your chili without beans? Well, get ready to have your culinary dreams come true! Imagine the rich aroma of savory beef and spices wafting through your home, all thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Forget the guilt, ditch the discomfort, and embrace pure, unadulterated comfort with our incredible Keto Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a cozy hug in a bowl, designed to keep you happy, satisfied, and perfectly on track with your low-carb lifestyle. It’s flavor-packed, ridiculously easy, and absolutely delicious – the ultimate win for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!

Why You’ll Love This Keto Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili

This isn’t just any chili recipe; it’s tailor-made for deliciousness and convenience. Here are four fantastic reasons why this Keto Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili will become an instant favorite in your kitchen:

  1. Keto-Approved & Deliciously Satisfying: Say goodbye to carb-heavy beans and hello to a rich, meaty chili that perfectly fits your ketogenic lifestyle. It’s packed with flavor, ensuring you don’t miss out on anything while staying in ketosis.
  2. Effortless Slow Cooker Magic: After a minimal amount of prep, your slow cooker takes over, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful meal. Set it and forget it, returning to a house filled with an incredible aroma and a ready-to-eat dinner.
  3. No Beans, No Problem (Seriously!): Whether you’re avoiding beans for keto reasons or just prefer your chili bean-free, this recipe delivers all the hearty texture and robust flavor you crave without them. It’s pure meaty goodness!
  4. Healthy & Hearty Comfort Food: Made with lean ground beef and plenty of vegetables, this chili offers a wholesome, protein-rich meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s comfort food that actually makes you feel good about what you’re eating.

Ingredients for Your Keto Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili

Gather your ingredients, and let the delicious journey begin! This list is simple, straightforward, and full of flavor heroes ready to create your ultimate Keto Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili:

  • 🥩 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 🧅 1 small onion, chopped
  • 🫑 3 bell peppers (any color!), seeded and diced
  • 🧄 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 🍅 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 🥣 1 1/2 cups beef stock
  • 🌶️ 2 Tablespoons chili powder
  • 🔥 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste for a spicy kick!)
  • 🌿 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 🖤 6-8 turns freshly ground black pepper
  • 🧂 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions

Ready to make magic happen? Follow these simple steps to bring your fantastic Keto Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili to life. It’s incredibly easy, we promise!

  1. Brown the Beef: Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add your lean ground beef and cook it thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Once it’s fully cooked and no pink remains, be sure to drain off any excess fat. This step helps keep your chili healthier and less greasy.
  2. Load the Slow Cooker: Carefully transfer your perfectly browned beef into the basin of your slow cooker. Now, it’s time to add the vibrant veggies: toss in the chopped onion, diced bell peppers, and minced garlic. Pour in both cans of diced tomatoes (remember, undrained – those juices add flavor!), followed by the beef stock.
  3. Season and Stir: The flavor explosion happens next! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling bold, add a little more for an extra kick!), Italian seasoning, freshly ground black pepper, and the sea salt. Take a moment to give everything a really good stir. You want all those wonderful spices to mix with the beef and veggies, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
  4. Set It and Forget It: Put the lid on your slow cooker. Now, let the magic begin! If you have plenty of time, set it to the LOW setting and cook for 6-7 hours. If you’re in a bit of a rush but still want that slow-cooked goodness, cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine as it cooks!
  5. Serve It Up: Once the cooking time is complete, give your chili one final stir. Ladle out generous portions of this hearty, delicious Keto Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal!

Creative Ways to Present and Serve Your Chili

While a classic bowl of chili is always a winner, there are so many fun and delicious ways to serve your Keto Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili to elevate the experience! Get creative with these ideas:

  • Classic Toppings Bar: Set out bowls of keto-friendly toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt, sliced avocado or guacamole, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), and a dash of hot sauce. Let everyone customize their own perfect bowl!
  • Chili Bowls with a Twist: Instead of traditional bowls, serve your chili in hollowed-out bell peppers (bake them first for a softer texture!), or even in individual small cast-iron skillets for a rustic touch.
  • Over “Rice”: For a filling meal, spoon your chili over a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice. It soaks up all the delicious flavors and keeps the carbs low.
  • Chili Lettuce Wraps/Tacos: Use large, crisp lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce or romaine hearts) as wraps. Fill them with chili and your favorite toppings for a fresh, crunchy, and carb-conscious meal.
  • Keto Chili Dog (No Bun!): Serve a generous scoop of chili over a grilled low-carb hot dog (check labels carefully for ingredients!) for a deconstructed, bun-free chili dog experience.
  • With “Cornbread”: Pair it with a slice of your favorite keto cornbread recipe for that quintessential chili-and-cornbread comfort.

Storing Your Keto Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili

One of the best things about making a big batch of this Keto Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili is the delicious leftovers! Here’s how to properly store it to enjoy later:

  • Refrigeration: Once the chili has cooled down to room temperature (within 2 hours of cooking), transfer it into airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld!
  • Freezing: This chili freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep! Allow the chili to cool completely. Divide it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags (lay bags flat for easy stacking). It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
  • Reheating:
    • From the fridge: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or gently warm in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through.
    • From the freezer: For best results, thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat as you would refrigerated chili. If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat directly from frozen on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or use the defrost and reheat functions of your microwave.

    Remember to always ensure the chili is piping hot before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Keto Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili

Got questions about this delicious Keto Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili? We’ve got answers!

  1. Is this chili really keto-friendly without beans?
    Absolutely! Beans are high in carbs, so removing them makes this chili perfectly suitable for a ketogenic diet. We rely on the meat, veggies, and rich spices for flavor and texture.
  2. Can I use different ground meat?
    Yes, you can! Ground turkey, ground chicken, or a mix of ground beef and sausage (check carb content for sausage) would work wonderfully. Just ensure it’s lean and drain any excess fat.
  3. What if I don’t like spicy food?
    No problem! The cayenne pepper is optional and can be omitted entirely if you prefer a mild chili. You can also start with a tiny pinch and adjust to your taste.
  4. Can I add other vegetables?
    Definitely! Feel free to add low-carb vegetables like diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even a small amount of diced celery. Just be mindful of the carb count for anything you add.
  5. How can I thicken the chili if I like it very thick?
    For a thicker chili, you can simmer it uncovered on the “HIGH” setting for the last 30 minutes to an hour of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate. You can also stir in a tablespoon of psyllium husk powder (for keto-friendly thickening) towards the end, letting it sit for a few minutes to absorb liquid.
  6. Is this recipe good for meal prep?
    It’s fantastic for meal prep! It stores well in the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for preparing ahead for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
  7. Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
    Yes, you can! After browning the beef, combine all ingredients in a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 1-2 hours (or longer for deeper flavor), stirring occasionally.
  8. What are “net carbs” mentioned in the nutrition?
    Net carbs are the total carbohydrates in a food minus the fiber and sugar alcohols (if present). For keto, you typically count net carbs, as fiber isn’t digested and doesn’t impact blood sugar.
  9. Can I skip browning the beef?
    While technically possible, browning the beef first is highly recommended. It adds a crucial depth of flavor through caramelization (the Maillard reaction) and allows you to drain excess fat, resulting in a much richer and less greasy chili.
  10. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
    Reheat in the microwave in 30-60 second intervals, stirring, until hot. On the stovetop, heat over medium-low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally, until simmering and fully warmed through. Add a splash of beef stock if it seems too thick.

Keto Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili

A hearty and flavorful no-bean chili, perfect for a keto diet, made easy in the slow cooker. Enjoy a delicious comfort meal without the carbs!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 252 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Large skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 3 bell peppers (any color!), seeded and diced
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 1/2 cups beef stock
  • 2 Tablespoons chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste for a spicy kick!)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 6-8 turns freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions
 

  • First, brown your lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s fully cooked through. Make sure to drain any excess fat for a healthier dish.
  • Next, transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker. Add in the chopped onion, diced bell peppers, minced garlic, both cans of diced tomatoes (undrained), and the beef stock.
  • Now, sprinkle in the chili powder, cayenne pepper (add more if you love heat!), Italian seasoning, freshly ground black pepper, and sea salt. Give everything a good stir to ensure all the flavors are wonderfully combined.
  • Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic! Cook on the LOW setting for 6-7 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  • Once cooked, give it one last stir and serve up this hearty, delicious chili!

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving):
  • Calories: 252 kcal
  • Total Carbs: 8 g (Net Carbs: 6 g)
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Protein: 34 g

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