This low-carb beef and bacon chili is rich, satisfying, and full of comforting flavor — the perfect hearty meal for family dinners or meal prep.
I enjoy making soups and stews for my family, and this version of beef and bacon chili was an instant favorite. It yields a large batch, reheats beautifully, and adapts easily — scale the spices to make it milder or hotter to suit your palate.
About chili
Chili is essentially a stew, but recipes vary widely in ingredients, proteins, vegetables, and seasonings. While most chilis include meat, they can be vegetarian as well. Ground beef is common, but you can use bacon, chicken, sausage, steak, seafood, or game. Opinions differ about beans and diced tomatoes — some purists omit them while others consider them essential. Sauces range from red to green to white, and a wide array of toppings and mix-ins allow you to personalize the dish.
Controlling the heat
This chili, as written, is fairly mild but easy to adjust. Remove the jalapeño and cayenne for an even milder result, or keep the membranes and seeds to increase heat — most capsaicin is in those parts. Swap jalapeño for serrano or habanero for more spice, or add extra cayenne, red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce. Serving with sour cream also helps cool the heat.
Serving suggestions
This chili is a complete, filling meal on its own. Top servings with chopped onions, shredded cheddar, sour cream, cilantro, chives, diced avocado, jalapeños, sliced olives, or shredded lettuce. Pair it with a green salad or coleslaw, and consider keto-friendly biscuits, cornbread, or English muffins if you prefer a bread side. For gatherings, offer a selection of low-carb appetizers and a toppings bar so guests can customize their bowls. Finish the meal with a rich keto dessert if desired.
Keto dessert ideas
Cinnamon Sugar Keto Cheesecake Bars
Keto Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Keto Chocolate Pumpkin Mousse Pie
No-Bake Keto Raspberry Cheesecake
Helpful hints
I prefer chopping the bacon before cooking, but you can also cook whole slices and crumble them afterward. If you like larger tomato pieces, substitute regular diced tomatoes for petite diced.
Main kitchen equipment
- Large skillet
- Large stockpot
- Measuring spoons
A short encouragement
***But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23***
Low Carb Beef and Bacon Chili
10 Servings
30 minutes
30 minutes
1 hour
This low-carb beef and bacon chili is rich, comforting, and full of flavor — perfect for family dinners and leftovers.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces bacon, chopped
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium red pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded, deveined, and diced (optional)
- ⅓ cup diced onion
- 1 (28 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 (15 ounce) cans black soy beans
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar substitute (Swerve)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon tamari
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Optional toppings: chopped onions, shredded cheddar, sour cream
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it reaches your preferred doneness. Drain excess grease and transfer the bacon to a plate.
- In the same skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess grease.
- While the beef cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Sauté the diced red pepper, jalapeño (if using), and onion for 5–7 minutes, until they begin to soften.
- Add the cooked bacon, ground beef, diced tomatoes (with juices), black soy beans, beef broth, and all seasonings to the stockpot. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let flavors meld.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings such as chopped onions, shredded cheddar cheese, or sour cream.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 538
Total Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 112mg
Sodium: 849mg
Carbohydrates: 14g
Net Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 48g
Nutrition estimates are provided as a courtesy and may vary based on brands and ingredient choices. Net carbs are total carbs minus fiber; erythritol has been excluded from the carb count when applicable.
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