There’s nothing quite like a hearty, steaming bowl of chili to warm you up from the inside out. But what if you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, or simply aren’t a fan of beans? Enter the ultimate Bean-Free Chili! This recipe delivers all the rich, savory, and complex flavor you crave in a thick, meaty stew that’s unapologetically bold. We’re even adding a secret ingredient—dark chocolate—to create a velvety texture and an incredible depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Best of all, it comes together effortlessly in the Instant Pot, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
• 1.5 lbs / 680g ground beef, 80/20 recommended
• 2 14.5-oz / 411g cans diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups / 300g diced yellow onion
• 1 cup / 150g diced bell pepper, any color
• 1 cup / 240ml beef bouillon or broth
• 2 oz / 56g dark chocolate, 75% cacao or higher, chopped
• 2 tsp / 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup / 120g sour cream, for garnish
• 1-2 fresh jalapeño or serrano chilies, finely diced (optional)
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function on high. Add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 3-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
4. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
5. Pour in the beef bouillon to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with your spoon.
6. Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and the optional diced chilies. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
7. Secure the lid, turn the steam release valve to the ‘Sealing’ position. Select the ‘Stew/Chili’ setting or ‘Manual/Pressure Cook’ on high for 20 minutes.
8. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before carefully moving the valve to ‘Venting’ to release any remaining steam.
9. Remove the lid and stir in the chopped dark chocolate until it is completely melted and integrated into the chili. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
10. Serve hot, with a dollop of sour cream and your favorite chili toppings.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving: Calories 210 | Total Fat 10g | Net Carbs 11g | Protein 22g | Fiber 4g
Pro Tips
• For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground spicy Italian sausage or chorizo.
• This chili tastes even better the next day. The flavors meld and deepen overnight in the refrigerator, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
• Don’t skip the dark chocolate! It doesn’t make the chili sweet; it adds a mole-like complexity and richness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Elevate your bowl with toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or extra jalapeños.
FAQ
Q: Why put dark chocolate in chili
A: The dark chocolate is a secret ingredient that adds incredible depth and richness, similar to a traditional mole sauce. It balances the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a velvety texture without making the chili sweet.
Q: Is this bean-free chili recipe keto-friendly
A: Yes, with only 11g of net carbs per serving, this chili is an excellent choice for a ketogenic or low-carb diet. Be sure to use keto-friendly toppings like cheese, sour cream, and avocado.
Q: Can I make this chili on the stovetop
A: Absolutely. In a large pot or Dutch oven, follow steps 1-6. Instead of pressure cooking, bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Stir in the chocolate at the end.
Q: How long does this chili last in the fridge
A: You can store this chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor actually gets even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
