Instant Pot Keto Chili Recipe Without Beans

If you’re craving a comforting bowl of chili but want to keep it keto-friendly, this Instant Pot keto chili without beans is just what you need! It’s full of bold flavors from the juicy ground beef and tangy tomatoes, and the best part? No beans, so it’s low in carbs but still totally satisfying. With the Instant Pot, this dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Instant Pot keto chili without beans…doesn’t that just sound absolutely delicious?!? This keto-friendly recipe is full of meaty ground beef, diced tomatoes and some green chilies to make the perfect bowl full of comfort.

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Keto Chili Without Beans

• Packed with Flavor: This chili is bursting with bold flavors from ground beef, diced tomatoes, and green chilies. The Worcestershire sauce and chili powder add an extra depth of taste that’s sure to make this a family favorite.
• Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: With no beans, this chili is perfect for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. Each bowl is full of protein and healthy fats, keeping you satisfied without the extra carbs that beans typically bring.
• Quick and Easy to Make: Using the Instant Pot makes this recipe a breeze! Simply dump all the ingredients in, set the pressure, and in 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go, with minimal effort.
• Customizable Toppings: You can easily adjust the toppings to fit your personal preferences. Whether you add shredded cheese, avocado, or sour cream, you’ll love how each bite is rich and creamy.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili stores well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. Cook a batch and enjoy it for lunches or dinners throughout the week!

Instant Pot Keto Chili Recipe Without Beans

This keto chili recipe is the perfect low carb option for a quick and delicious weekday meal.

Compared to my other Instant Pot chili recipe, this version doesn’t include black or pinto beans. Did you know that 1 tablespoon of raw pinto beans had 8 grams of total carbohydrates? If you are trying to cut carbs, that’s a lot!

The best part about this keto chili recipe is that it’s so meaty and filling that you probably won’t even miss the beans. I didn’t!

Ingredients For Instant Pot Keto Chili Without Beans

• Ground beef or ground turkey – Provides the hearty, meaty base for the chili. You can use either one depending on your preference or dietary needs.
• Onion, chopped – Adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor to the chili.
• Garlic, minced – Boosts the savory taste and adds a delicious aroma.
• Tomato sauce – Gives the chili a rich, thick texture and tangy tomato flavor.
• Chili powder – Adds warmth and spice to the dish, making it taste like classic chili.
• Canned diced tomatoes and green chilies – Provides a mix of sweetness and heat, giving the chili extra flavor and texture.
• Cumin – Adds a slightly smoky, earthy flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Worcestershire sauce – Offers a bit of umami and complexity to the chili.
• Water – Keeps the chili moist and helps with cooking in the Instant Pot.
• Suggested toppings: shredded cheese, chopped avocado, sour cream – These toppings add creaminess, richness, and freshness to each serving.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Instant Pot Keto Chili Without Beans

• Instant Pot (6Q or 8Q) – The key tool for cooking this chili quickly and easily under pressure.
• Measuring spoons – To measure out your spices like chili powder and cumin.
• Large spoon – For breaking up the ground meat and stirring the ingredients together.
• Ladle – Perfect for scooping the chili into bowls once it’s cooked.
• Serving bowls – To serve the chili and hold your delicious toppings.

If you don’t have an Instant pot, you can still make this chili. Instead, use your slow cooker to make this easy beef chili– just make sure to omit the beans to keep this meal keto-friendly!

How To Cook Instant Pot Keto Chili Without Beans

Put all of the ingredients into the Instant Pot. Make sure to break up the ground meat with a large spoon and mix all of the ingredients together before you seal it. 

If you want to add a boost of flavor, brown the ground beef before adding it into the pot.

Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure to turn the valve to a sealing position. Press the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” button and set the time to 20 minutes on HIGH pressure.

When the chili is all done cooking, push the pressure release to open and naturally let out the steam for about 5 minutes. 

Once you take off the lid, give the chili a good couple of stirs before using a ladle to serve it into bowls. Top it off with some of the suggested toppings mentioned below! 

Suggested Toppings For Low Carb Chili 

You might have seen a bunch of other recipes where the chili is piled on high by all these other yummy toppings but are wondering which ones are keto-friendly.

These are the toppings I suggest you use that I know are low carb:

• Shredded cheese
• Chopped avocado
• Sour cream

What To Serve With This Keto Chili Recipe

I am a big believer that a bowl of chili on its own shows how good it actually is… BUT, sometimes, you just want a little something with your chili!

I, for one, love chili cheese fries but being this is a keto-friendly recipe, I ended up paring them up with these low carb zucchini fries I cooked in the air fryer. Wow! It was amazing and it blew my tastebuds out of the water!

Here are a couple of other foods I paired up with this beanless chili:

• Zucchini noodles
• Cauliflower rice
• Low-carb crackers

If you are not following the keto lifestyle, you should try this cornbread recipe I made in my Instant Pot! The sweetness of the cornbread goes perfectly with the spice of the chili.

Either way, you can’t really go wrong with any of these options!

Tips For Success

• Brown the Meat for Extra Flavor: While it’s optional, browning the ground beef or turkey before adding it to the Instant Pot can enhance the flavor. This caramelizes the meat and brings out deeper, richer flavors that will elevate your chili.
• Don’t Skip the Natural Pressure Release: After cooking, letting the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for at least 5 minutes helps the flavors blend together. This also prevents the chili from splattering when you do a quick release.
• Adjust the Spice Level: The recipe calls for chili powder and canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, which add a medium level of heat. If you prefer more spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a bit more chili powder. If you want it milder, opt for plain diced tomatoes without chilies.
• Make It Thicker or Thinner: If you like your chili thicker, after cooking, switch the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode and simmer the chili for a few minutes to evaporate some of the liquid. For a thinner consistency, you can add a little more water or broth before cooking.
• Customize Your Toppings: Toppings can completely change the flavor profile of your chili. For a creamy, cooling effect, add sour cream or Greek yogurt. For a crunch, try crushed low-carb crackers or crispy bacon bits. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorites!

Variations and Substitutions

• Change the Protein: While this recipe calls for ground beef or turkey, you can easily swap it out for other proteins. Ground chicken, pork, or even a mix of beef and pork will work well in this chili. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey breast is a great substitute.
• Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking to make this dish vegetarian while keeping it keto-friendly, replace the meat with a plant-based ground meat substitute. You can also add more low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
• Add More Vegetables: To bulk up this chili with more nutrition and variety, you can toss in extra veggies like chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. These will cook down and blend into the chili while adding more vitamins and fiber without adding many carbs.
• Change the Spice Level: Adjust the spice to suit your taste. For a hotter chili, add more chili powder or toss in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of chili powder and use regular diced tomatoes instead of the variety with green chilies.
• Use Fresh Tomatoes: If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can use them instead of canned. Just chop up about 2 cups of fresh tomatoes and add them to the Instant Pot. The flavor will be a bit fresher, but still delicious.
• Herb Substitutions: For a different flavor twist, add other herbs like smoked paprika, oregano, or even a bit of coriander. These spices will complement the chili’s flavor while giving it a unique touch.

Storage and Reheating

• Storing Leftovers: After the chili has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it taste even better the next day!
• Freezing: This keto chili freezes exceptionally well. Pour the cooled chili into a freezer-safe container or portion it into freezer bags. Lay the bags flat for easier storage. You can freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat the chili from the fridge, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Reheating from Frozen: If you’re reheating frozen chili, you can thaw it in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave as mentioned above. If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat it from frozen by placing it directly into a pot and gently warming it over low heat, adding a little water or broth to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chili without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can easily make this chili on the stovetop or in a slow cooker if you don’t have an Instant Pot. For stovetop cooking, brown the meat in a large pot, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a slow cooker, brown the meat first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Can I use other types of meat in this chili?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can use ground chicken, pork, or even a mix of different meats. If you’re using leaner meats like ground turkey breast or chicken, you may want to add a bit more oil or fat to keep the chili rich and flavorful.

How can I thicken or thin the chili?

If your chili turns out too thick, you can easily thin it by adding a little more water, broth, or even more tomato sauce. On the other hand, if you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer on “Sauté” mode for a few minutes after cooking to reduce the liquid, or add a bit of tomato paste to thicken it up.

Is this chili spicy?

The level of spice is moderate, thanks to the chili powder and green chilies. However, if you prefer more heat, you can add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños. For a milder version, simply use plain diced tomatoes instead of the ones with green chilies.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes! This chili is perfect for making ahead. The flavors only get better as they sit, so it’s great to make a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.

More Instant Pot Recipes

If you loved this delicious Instant Pot keto chili recipe without beans, check out some of my other Instant Pot recipes!

These are some of my current low-carb go-to’s:

• Mushroom Spinach Soup In The Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Shrimp Fajitas
• Egg Roll In A Bowl In The Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Beef Brisket
• Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

See also:

• Instant Pot Cheeseburgers
• Instant Pot Ribs
• Instant Pot Turkey Breast