You’ll love this easy chili recipe without beans that makes for a simple and healthy dinner you can make in your crockpot or can cook quickly on the stovetop.
You won’t even miss the beans in this beanless chili recipe, not only is it gluten-free, but it’s paleo (without the dairy garnishes), keto-friendly, and a low carb chili recipe too.
Chili Without Beans
Is there anything more American and comforting than a hearty bowl of piping hot chili in the fall and winter? Chili truly is the ultimate comfort food and will warm you from the inside out. And while a Texas style chili recipe is without beans (aka chili con carne) by nature, this is a low carb chili recipe without beans intended for readers who can’t eat beans or are on a low carb or paleo diet prohibiting them.
This simple and easy chili recipe without beans is our new go-to recipe since my husband has been following a lower-carb diet. It’s quick enough you can still make it on a busy weeknight, it doubles and freezes well for meal prep, it’s family friendly, and the easy chili no beans is a low cost meal too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- You get great chili flavor without the processed carbs or beans
- It’s easy to make quickly on the stovetop or slow cooked in a crock-pot
- It’s not only low carb, but gluten-free, keto friendly, and paleo without optional dairy garnishes.
If you love chili like we do, then you’ll also want to try our keto white chicken chili, instant pot keto chili recipe with kielbasa sausage! Or, maybe you’d prefer the original beef and kielbasa recipe with beans for your crock-pot.
Ingredient Notes
- ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- onion
- bell peppers
- garlic
- can of diced tomatoes (no sugar added)
- can tomato sauce (no sugar added)
- chili powder
- cayenne pepper
- dried oregano
- black pepper
- sea salt
You could substitute the 80/20 ground beef for a leaner type of ground beef, or you could use ground turkey or ground chicken. However, using leaner meats will make for a chili recipe with a little less flavor, but you can adjust that by adding extra seasoning, to taste.
We love to buy a case of organic diced tomatoes and organic tomato sauce from Costco to have on hand for impromptu stews and soups. We almost always have frozen cut bell peppers in the freezer for making quick fajitas, I’d think you could substitute the frozen peppers for the fresh diced peppers in this recipe and make it even quicker.
Step by Step Instructions
How to Make Chili Recipe No Beans (Stovetop)
- In a large pot over medium heat cook ground beef until the meat is no longer pink and is cooked through. Drain most of the grease, leaving about 1 Tbsp in the pot to cook the vegetables in. Remove the ground beef from the pot and set aside.
- Cook the chopped onion and diced bell peppers in the pan the ground beef had been in and cook it until soft, which will take about 6-7 mins. Be sure to scrape up all the leftover cooked ground beef bits in with the vegetables.
- Add the minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Mix in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, black pepper, and sea salt.
- Put ground beef back in the pot, making sure to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the chili without beans until heated through and flavors are blended, for about 20-30 mins.
- Serve and enjoy! Optional garnishes include cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.
Crockpot Chili No Beans
The stovetop chili recipe without beans takes a little less than an hour to make, sometimes we don’t have time to be in the kitchen watching a simmering pot of beef chili no beans and need to make it in a crockpot instead.
- In a large pot over medium heat cook ground beef until the meat is no longer pink and is cooked through.
- Add the cooked ground beef to your crockpot. Add in the diced onions, chopped bell peppers,tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, black pepper, and sea salt.
- Stir all ingredients to combine.
- Put the lid on the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. Serve and enjoy your crockpot chili without beans! Optional garnishes include cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.
Expert Tips
- Using a higher fat ground beef increases the flavor, ground turkey or chicken will also work but we’d suggest adjusting the seasonings.
- Add extra oil to the pan if the veggies start to stick, different types of pans react differently under heat
- Adding in 8 oz of mushrooms in place of traditional kidney beans is a great variation.
- Instead of only serving the chili recipe without beans in a bowl, they can also be served over hot dogs
- Add extra spice if desired, we made it on the mild side since it’s easy to just add more heat than reduce it.
Common Questions
What to Serve with Beanless Chili?
Since this can easily be a one dish meal, we love to serve beanless chili with a simple salad or even cornbread if you aren’t watching your carbs. This is a hearty meal on it’s own and you can load it up with toppings like cheese, olives, avocado, salsa, hot sauce, and more.
Can You Freeze This?
Yes! The recipe freezes well for up to 3 months in the freezer. No need to defrost, just add it to your crockpot and add an extra 2 hours to the cooking time if you’re cooking it on low.
What’s a Good Substitute for Beans in Chili?
In our other chili recipes without beans we simply took our family favorite chili recipes and swapped the kidney beans for quartered mushrooms. Some people also prefer to just increase the ground beef, mix in ground pork, or even increase the tomatoes.
More Low Carb Beef Recipes
- Low carb crustless taco pie
- Low carb taco casserole
- Paleo low carb beef stroganoff – 20 minutes
- Stuffed pepper soup recipe
- Low carb Philly cheesesteak peppers
- Instant pot Mississippi pot roast
- Low carb cheeseburger casserole
- Low carb taco soup
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
And be sure to pin the recipe for later on Pinterest so you can easily get back to it!
V V V
We’d Love to Hear From You!
Have questions or feedback? Please ask questions or post feedback on the post comments.
Tap That Recipe Review Star! Be sure to leave a review after you make the low carb chili recipe or just tap the star rating you’d give the recipe!
Show Us Those Photos! Be sure to upload your beanless chili recipe photos on the Pinterest pin and/or tag us on Instagram at @wholelotta.yum! We LOVE featuring reader recipes!
Low Carb Chili Recipe Without Beans
Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
You'll love this beanless chili that makes for a simple and healthy dinner you can make in your crockpot or cook quickly on the stovetop.
You won't even miss the beans in this beanless chili recipe, not only is it gluten-free, but it's paleo (without the dairy garnishes), keto-friendly, and a low carb chili recipe too.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 large bell peppers, seeded and diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15oz) can diced tomatoes (no sugar added)
- 1 can tomato sauce (no sugar added)
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Ground Beef Chili Recipe No Beans (Stovetop)
- In a large pot over medium heat cook ground beef until the meat is no longer pink and is cooked through. Drain most of the grease, leaving about 1 Tbsp in the pot to cook the vegetables in.
- Remove the ground beef from the pot and set aside.
- Cook the chopped onion and diced bell peppers in the pan the ground beef had been in and cook it until soft, which will take about 6-7 mins. Be sure to scrape up all the leftover cooked ground beef bits in with the vegetables.
- Add the minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Mix in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, black pepper, and sea salt.
- Put ground beef back in the pot, making sure to combine all ingredients.
- Summer the chili without beans until heated through and flavors are blended, for about 20-30 mins.
- Serve and enjoy! Optional garnishes include cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.
Crockpot Chili No Beans
- The stovetop chili recipe without beans takes a little less than an hour to make, sometimes we don't have time to be in the kitchen watching a simmering pot of beef chili no beans and need to make it in a crockpot instead.
- In a large pot over medium heat cook ground beef until the meat is no longer pink and is cooked through.
- Add the cooked ground beef to your crockpot. Add in the diced onions, chopped bell peppers,tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, black pepper, and sea salt.
- Stir all ingredients to combine.
- Put the lid on the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. Serve and enjoy your crockpot chili without beans! Optional garnishes include cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.
Notes
- Using a higher fat ground beef increases the flavor, ground turkey or chicken will also work but we'd suggest adjusting the seasonings.
- Add extra oil to the pan if the veggies start to stick, different types of pans react differently under heat
- Adding in 8 oz of mushrooms in place of traditional kidney beans is a great variation.
- Instead of only serving the chili recipe without beans in a bowl, they can also be served over hot dogs
- Add extra spice if desired, we made it on the mild side since it's easy to just add more heat than reduce it.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Lodge L10SK3ASHH41B Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder, 12-Inch
Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S-A 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer, Stainless Steel
Nutrition Information
Yield 8Serving Size 1
Amount Per ServingCalories 347Total Fat 20gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 101mgSodium 613mgCarbohydrates 8gNet Carbohydrates 5gFiber 3gSugar 4gSugar Alcohols 0gProtein 32g
The nutritional info is just an estimate and can vary by brand and nutritional calculator being used. Please calculate this data yourself if you're on a restricted health plan.
Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram
FAQs
What is a low carb substitute for beans in chili? ›
Mushrooms. Cooked mushrooms are low in carbs and calories and can be used in place of beans in soups, stews, and chili to drastically reduce their carb counts. Eggplant. Like mushrooms, diced eggplant can be used to replace beans in certain recipes.
What can I put in chili instead of beans? ›- Gluten-free Grains.
- Tofu.
- Texturized Vegetable Protein (TVP)
- Nuts.
- Edamame, Lentils, or Split Peas.
- Tempeh.
- Beef or Pork.
- Cauliflower.
Beef Chili Without Beans (1 cup) contains 13g total carbs, 9.9g net carbs, 13.7g fat, 22.6g protein, and 262 calories.
How do you make chili for diabetics? ›- 1 tbsp Canola Oil (15 ml)
- 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (0.7 Kg)
- 1 green bell pepper.
- 1 large onion – chopped.
- 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes (796 ml)
- 9 ounce can of sliced mushrooms -drained (266 ml)
- 1 cup red kidney beans – rinsed (240 ml)
- 1/2 tsp salt (2.5 ml)
Chickpeas are a great substitute for kidney beans in chili. Some chili recipes even feature chickpeas as one of the main ingredients. And, while chickpeas don't have a similar taste or appearance to kidney beans, their creamier texture holds up well in hearty soups and stews.
Is chili good for diabetics? ›This diabetes-friendly dish is filled with lean beef—which provides 10 essential nutrients, including protein and iron—and beans, which provide fiber and more protein. It's a warming, nutritious meal you can feel good about serving to your entire family.
Why does Texas chili have no beans? ›Texas Chili: No Beans Allowed
“Beans don't come into play at the cook off because if our judges are trying to determine a taste, beans are a dominant flavor and we wouldn't get the pure chili taste.”
Try a little fenugreek, turmeric, garam masala, or sumac to layer in more complex flavors. Smoky paprika is my own personal favorite. Squash, pumpkin, or sweet potato: Traditionalists would scoff, but soft chunks of slightly sweet butternut squash or sweet potato are delicious in a smoky chili.
Is there a substitute for beans? ›Certain grains like quinoa, sorghum, and wheatberries are greatly similar to the texture of the beans, which can be used to be black beans, lentils, or kidney beans substitute in soups and stews.
What is the lowest carb bean? ›With only 5.8 net carbs in a full cup, the humble green bean takes first place as the bean lowest in carbohydrates.
Does chili without beans have carbs? ›
Chili without beans, with meat, homemade (1 cup) contains 12.8g total carbs, 8.1g net carbs, 10.6g fat, 16.6g protein, and 206 calories.
Why is chili high in carbs? ›Even savory dishes like chili can contain sugar from ketchup and tomatoes, and tons of beans that are packed with carbohydrates. Even some spice mixes come with fillers that can increase the carb count of your meal.
What goes good with chili for diabetics? ›A delicious chili made diabetes friendly by adding fiber- rich beans and cinnamon.
Are tomatoes good for diabetics? ›Tomatoes. Share on Pinterest Tomatoes can help reduce blood pressure for people with diabetes. Fresh, whole tomatoes have a low glycemic index (GI) score. Foods with a low GI score release their sugar slowly into the bloodstream and are unlikely to trigger a blood sugar spike.
What is a substitute for red beans? ›There are a variety of suitable substitutes for red kidney beans. Choose one of these alternatives: Pink (pinquito) beans. OR - Pinto beans.
Can you use chickpeas instead of kidney beans for chili? ›Chickpea in chili is a nice change - although it does taste fairly different! If you want to make it a little more interesting, grilling the chickpeas for a few minutes to crisp them up before you put them in the chili is lovely. I do it and it adds a really nice texture.
Can I use navy beans instead of kidney beans? ›You can substitute kidney beans for navy beans in some recipes like bean salads and soups. White kidney beans are ideal when substituting. However, recipes like baked beans specifically need a bean like navy beans or great northern beans and kidney beans should not be used.
Does chili spike blood sugar? ›The active ingredient in chili peppers is capsaicin, which may help to regulate blood glucose levels. A 2006 study found that blood glucose levels were lower in subjects who had eaten a cayenne-containing meal.
Does homemade chili raise blood sugar? ›The study has found that two active ingredients of chilies, capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, have the potential to lower blood glucose and insulin levels, reduce formation of fatty deposits on artery walls and prevent blood clots.
What foods should I avoid to lower my blood sugar? ›- Canned fruit with heavy sugar syrup.
- Chewy fruit rolls.
- Regular jam, jelly, and preserves (unless you have a very small portion)
- Sweetened applesauce.
- Fruit punch, fruit drinks, fruit juice drinks.
What bean is the lowest in carbs? ›
With only 5.8 net carbs in a full cup, the humble green bean takes first place as the bean lowest in carbohydrates. They're easy to prepare in a wide variety of ways, too.
Are chili beans high in carbs? ›Classic bean-based chili is not keto-friendly, as beans are high in carbohydrates. Luckily you can still make a keto-friendly chili without the beans. All of the traditional chili spices, such as chili powder, ground cumin and smoked paprika, are great flavor-boosters for keto foods.
Is there a substitute for beans? ›Certain grains like quinoa, sorghum, and wheatberries are greatly similar to the texture of the beans, which can be used to be black beans, lentils, or kidney beans substitute in soups and stews.
How many carbs are in chili with beans? ›| Protein (g) | 14.62 |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrate, by difference (g) | 30.49 |
| Energy (kcal) | 286.72 |
| Sugars, total (g) | 3.38 |
| Fiber, total dietary (g) | 11.26 |
Beans and legumes are healthy, high fiber foods. You can eat small amounts on a low carb diet depending on your daily carb limit.
Can I eat kidney beans on a low carb diet? ›Most types of beans such as red kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans should be avoided on a standard ketogenic diet due to their high carbohydrate content. However, low-carb bean alternatives such as green beans can be enjoyed in moderation.
How many carbs should you have each day? ›The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that carbohydrates make up 45% to 65% of total daily calories. So if you get 2,000 calories a day, between 900 and 1,300 calories should be from carbohydrates. That translates to between 225 and 325 grams of carbs a day.
How can I thicken my chili without carbs? ›For a healthier (and low-carb) version of chili, protein powder can actually thicken AND add that extra benefit to your pot. Make a slurry using ¼ cup cold water (or liquid from your chili) and 2 tablespoons protein powder.
Is homemade chili high in carbs? ›About 1 cup of chili will have 30 grams of fat and only 1 gram of net carbs, and there's a ton of filling protein (39 grams) to tide you over until your next meal. To make it thicker, you can add a thickening agent, such as xanthan gum, but the meat and veggies will make it hearty enough without.
Is chili good for weight loss? ›Studies in humans, using a wide range of doses of chili intake (varying from a single meal to a continuous uptake for up to 12 weeks), concluded that it facilitates weight loss. In regard to this, the main targets of chili are fat metabolism, energy expenditure, and thermogenesis.
What else can you put in chili? ›
Try a little fenugreek, turmeric, garam masala, or sumac to layer in more complex flavors. Smoky paprika is my own personal favorite. Squash, pumpkin, or sweet potato: Traditionalists would scoff, but soft chunks of slightly sweet butternut squash or sweet potato are delicious in a smoky chili.
Why can't I digest beans anymore? ›Beans and lentils contain high amounts of complex carbohydrates called oligosaccharides, sugars that the body can't digest because it lacks the enzyme to break them down in the small intestine.
How many carbs are in 1 cup of homemade chili with beans? ›Chili with beans and meat, homemade (1 cup) contains 23.5g total carbs, 16.3g net carbs, 9.1g fat, 18.2g protein, and 242 calories.
Why is chili high in carbs? ›Even savory dishes like chili can contain sugar from ketchup and tomatoes, and tons of beans that are packed with carbohydrates. Even some spice mixes come with fillers that can increase the carb count of your meal.
How many carbs are in Wendy's chili? ›Wendy's chili (1 cup) contains 18.9g total carbs, 13.4g net carbs, 5g fat, 15.3g protein, and 180 calories.