This Low-Carb Chili Recipe brings you all the warm, bold flavors of classic chili, without the extra carbs or complicated prep. It’s a cozy, protein-packed bowl of comfort that fits perfectly into busy weeknights and low-carb living.

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A Story of Winter Comfort: My Easy Low-Carb Chili

Some meals belong to winter, like the ones that feel extra cozy when the air chills your hands. Chili was one of those meals in our house. When I was growing up, there would be a giant pot simmering on the stove when it started to get cold and when we needed a hearty dinner quick. The windows fogged, the house smelled like warm spices as soon as you walked in, and every bowl tasted like comfort.

Her version was classic: tomato juice, noodles ( For those Midwest Cincy people), beans simmering on the stove. It was nostalgic, filling, and perfect for cold nights.

As an adult trying to keep meals a little lighter and more balanced, I still want that same comforting taste without all the extra carbs. That’s how this Easy Low-Carb Chili became a favorite for me. It keeps everything I love, the richness, the heartiness, the simplicity, but swaps a few ingredients to make it feel lighter while still incredibly satisfying.

And the best part? Just like the chili from my childhood, this one tastes even better the next day.

Why This Easy Low-Carb Chili Works

There’s something about the ingredients in this chili that feels like the good old days. Simple staples you could always count on, the kind you’d see on your grandma’s counter when a big pot of something comforting was about to happen. The ground beef gives it that classic, hearty base that fills the whole house with warmth, and the bone broth steps in like an old family trick, adding extra protein without depending on sugary tomato juice. Tomato paste brings just enough brightness to tie everything together, the same way you’d watch someone in the kitchen add “just a little bit more” until it looked right. The chili seasoning packet keeps things easy, the type of shortcut everyone secretly takes. Onion and garlic work their magic the moment they hit the pan, adding those familiar smells that pull people toward the kitchen before you even say dinner’s ready. And while chili beans aren’t technically keto, they’re a nostalgic staple in so many family recipes that they still deserve a place here in this low-carb version, adding texture and comfort without tipping the whole pot over the carb edge.

It’s an easy, flexible, feel-good chili. Simple ingredients, familiar flavors, and that slow-simmered coziness that reminds you why homemade always wins.

*Want to try more fun recipes? Check out these below!

• Easy-to-Make Protein Balls Recipe
• Beef & Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 lbs ground beef (80/20): The higher fat content gives the chili a rich, hearty flavor and keeps every bite tender.
• 1 mild chili seasoning packet: Adds balanced warmth and classic chili spice without overpowering the other ingredients.
• 1 white onion, diced: White onions bring a cleaner, sharper flavor that brightens the chili more than a sweeter yellow onion.
• 32 oz bone broth: Creates a deep, savory base while adding natural richness and nutrients.
• 1 can chili beans (optional): Adds creamy texture and mild heat, making a low-carb chili feel extra hearty.
• 1 can tomato paste (6 oz): Thickens the chili and gives it a bold, concentrated tomato depth.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that round out the flavors and let everything shine.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a warm, aromatic kick that builds the chili’s overall depth.

How to Make Easy Low-Carb Chili:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Cook the beef with onion, garlic, salt, and pepper until the onions soften. This is where your chili’s flavor begins.

Step 2: Build the Base

Add bone broth, chili beans, tomato paste, and seasoning to a large pot or Instant Pot.

Step 3: Drain the Grease and combine everything

Pour off excess grease using the empty bean can for convenience. Stir the beef mixture into the pot.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

If you are on a stove top, cook on low–medium heat for 25–30 minutes. If you are cooking in an Instant Pot like I am, cook on the soup setting, 15–20 minutes with the vent open.

Step 6: Rest + Serve

Allow the chili to sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to settle. Add toppings and enjoy!

Serving Tips

• Add cheddar and sour cream for creamy richness.

• Top with green onions for freshness.

• Serve with avocado for healthy fats.

• Pair with a salad if you want to keep things lighter.

• Offer crackers or bread for non–low-carb family members.

• Peanut butter sandwich (nostalgic). A childhood pairing that adds a sweet, cozy contrast to the savory chili.

Make-Ahead + Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep!

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight and warm gently on the stove or microwave. It always tastes even better the next day.

Easy Low Carb Chili FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Low-Carb Chili is everything comforting about classic chili, just lighter and more balanced for the season you’re in now. It’s warm, hearty, simple, and the kind of meal your family will ask for again and again. A pot of winter comfort on the stove.

If you want more recipes, check them out here! If you made this, let me know how it was in the comments below! Subscribe here to get alerts on new posts!

Here’s to comfort made easy.

— Carly