There's a lot that you can't eat on the restrictive high-fat, low-carb ketogenic diet, but chili is one dish that can be made keto-friendly. Traditional chili using kidney beans can be adapted to include low-carb vegetables like cauliflower. Or whip up a meaty version by tossing some diced tomatoes, ground beef and bell pepper into a dutch oven for your weekly meal prep.
Although chili is a hearty meal year-round, you can't go wrong with a giant bowl during the cooler fall and winter months. Thankfully, there are plenty of keto-approved recipes packed with fat and protein that are low on carbs. Try one of these keto chili recipes for dinner tonight—you’ll want to make some extra to have as leftovers!
This spicy and creamy chicken chili recipe by Hey Keto Mama is perfect for your weekly meal prep since it's a freezer-friendly meal. 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.
If you want a chili that couldn’t be any less of a hassle to prepare, this no-chop recipe by I Breathe I’m Hungry will do the trick. It takes only 10 minutes to cook, is super flavorful, and is ideal for beef chili enthusiasts. The best part? It has just 2 grams of net carbs a serving and provides a whopping 33 grams of fat. Indulge in some tasty toppings like avocado, sour cream and bell peppers.
This chili by Ruled.me gives you that indulgent Mexican cuisine feel thanks to avocado, queso fresco and cilantro, but keeps everything low-carb, with one serving costing a mere 6.44 grams of net carbs. Play around with spices like cumin, coriander and turmeric to bring the heat and boost flavor.
Shredded chicken gives a nice tender, soft texture to a meaty chili recipe, and this one by Ketogasm does not disappoint in flavor and nutrition. With about 200 calories a serving and a great mix of spices, like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, it’s the perfect chili for weight loss. It only has 6 grams of net carbs, so it’ll keep you right in ketosis.
Who doesn’t like a velvety pumpkin chili? This keto-approved pumpkin chili by The Castaway Kitchen takes only 30 minutes to cook and it has a ton of healthy fats (24.2 grams!) from coconut cream, mayonnaise, and grass-fed butter or ghee. You can also add some wonderful spices to complement savory pumpkin, such as black pepper, garam masala, mustard powder and cilantro.
This low-carb chili by Gnom Gnom tastes as good as it looks thanks to its particular browning technique and spice mix. If you want a stronger bite, go heavier on the cumin, cayenne or chipotle powder—you can adjust based on your preferences. Made with beef broth and hearty ground beef, it has a mere 4 grams net carbs and 17 grams of fat. A tip? Give it ten minutes to rest after cooking before letting loose with your favorite toppings.
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100+ Amazing Keto Recipes That Will Change Your Life
7
100+ Amazing Keto Recipes That Will Change Your Life
Want serious results on the keto diet, but can't imagine a world without bread?! Then check out Keto For Carb Lovers, filled with more than 100 recipes even carb lovers enjoy!
Isadora Baum is a freelance writer, certified health coach, and author of 5-Minute Energy. She can't resist a good sample, a margarita, a new HIIT class, or an easy laugh. Learn more about her on her website: isadorabaum.com.