Spicy Keto Beef Chili with Kidney Beans
Hearty, slow-simmered chili with ground beef, kidney beans, and a kick of heat, all cooked to deep flavor in the slow cooker. This american-inspired slow cooker (keto) ready in about 375 minutes pairs ground beef, low-sodium beef broth, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 385 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz), drained kidney beans
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1.5 lbs ground beef in slow cooker insert and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a spoon.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup low-sodium beef broth, 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice), 1 can drained kidney beans, 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, 1/2 cup diced yellow onion, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.
- Step 3: Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is evenly distributed.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours until flavors meld and the chili has thickened slightly.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup reserved cooking liquid if too thick, then adjust seasonings with additional cayenne or salt as needed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Keto Beef Chili with Kidney Beans take to make?
Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spicy Keto Beef Chili with Kidney Beans?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Keto Beef Chili with Kidney Beans?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spicy Keto Beef Chili with Kidney Beans for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Spicy Keto Beef Chili with Kidney Beans keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.