Absolutely DELICIOUS Quick Keto Chili Recipe!! (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to amazing chili? ›

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

Is chili keto-friendly? 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.

There are a couple of ways to thicken keto chili. One option is to boil the chili with the lid off so the excess liquid evaporates, thus thickening the chili. Another way to thicken chili is to add a slurry using xanthan gum and water. To do this, mix equal parts water and xanthan gum in a small bowl.

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.

Another ingredient that will change your chili forever is chocolate. It balances out the spicy edge with its signature bittersweet tone. Together, they infuse the chili with a unique complexity. It's a taste sensation like no other, weaving together contrasting elements that still work in perfect harmony.

While sweeter red bell peppers contain about six grams of net carbs per cup (chopped), green bell peppers weigh in at just 4.38 grams of net carbs. Though milder in flavor, green bell peppers still pack notable nutrition—and are especially high in vitamin C, says Brown.

Keto-friendly beans

On a strict keto diet, your best bet for beans is to choose either green beans or black soybeans. While green beans are typically prepared more like a vegetable than a bean, black soybeans are a great alternative to other, starchier beans in soups, bean dips, refried beans, or other recipes.

Some spices higher in carbs than most include onion powder, garlic powder, allspice, ginger, and wasabi. Are any seasonings not keto-friendly? Some seasonings have added sugar, which might make them too high in carbs for some keto dieters.

Maple Syrup

Brown sugar is a common sweetener added to chili. It's a relatively neutral-flavored sugar with a touch of molasses that pairs well with the other ingredients. But try replacing it with maple syrup next time for a fun twist. Maple syrup has a similar "vibe" to brown sugar with an almost caramelized flavor.

Is it better to use cornstarch or flour to thicken chili? ›

Add cornstarch or all-purpose flour: Cornstarch and all-purpose flour are common thickening agents that you might already have on hand in your pantry. Adding flour directly into the chili will create lumps. Instead, make a slurry by mixing one tablespoon of cold water with one tablespoon of cornstarch.

If you need to balance that sweetness with a little bit of tang, lemon juice's contrasting flavor can do just that, transforming your chili from sweet to spicy and savory.

Regular, full fat sour cream is made from cream and contains far more fat than carbs. Therefore, it's considered keto-friendly. However, low fat or nonfat sour cream is not. Full fat sour cream can provide some variety in a keto diet when used as a dip base or incorporated into recipes to boost the fat content.

The chili tastes completely different without the brown sugar so if you like a subtle sweetness in your chili then you've just got to go for it!

Botanically speaking, tomatoes are considered a fruit. However, unlike other fruit, they're considered keto-friendly. That's because tomatoes contain around 2–3 grams of net carbs per 3.5 ounces (100 grams) — or up to 10 times fewer net carbs than most fruit — regardless of their variety ( 5 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ).

Professional chefs shared their favorite ways to turn a can of chili into a tastier option. Cocoa, beer, and cinnamon are ingredients that'll boost the flavor of your dish. Fresh toppings are an easy way to add new flavor and texture to the premade meal.

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

In a pot of chili, just a few strips of bacon add a smoky, meaty depth. And it's not just the bacon itself that adds flavor, it's the bacon fat, too. Before you start your recipe, cook 3 to 4 strips of thick-cut bacon until they're as crispy as you like.

Ground Beef: Provides the hearty meaty base for the chili. Opt for 85% lean; the fat enriches the meat, enhancing the dish's overall flavor and texture. And don't stress about the fat—post-cooking, it's easy to skim off any excess. Baking Soda: Helps tenderize the beef by locking in moisture, making it more succulent.