🥩🧀 Low Carb Carnivore Chili
If you’re craving a warm, satisfying bowl of chili without the beans or carbs, this Low Carb Carnivore Chili is exactly what you need. Made with seasoned ground beef, flavorful sausage, smoky bacon, and a rich, creamy broth, this hearty chili delivers all the comfort of a classic recipe while staying true to a carnivore or keto lifestyle. Every spoonful is loaded with protein, healthy fats, and bold savory flavor.
The first time I made this chili, I wanted something that felt like traditional comfort food without relying on tomatoes or beans. The combination of beef, sausage, bacon, and creamy cheese created a thick, satisfying chili that quickly became a cold-weather favorite.
Last weekend, I served it with crispy cheese crisps and a dollop of sour cream. The rich flavors made it hard to believe it was so low in carbohydrates.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Carnivore and keto friendly
Completely bean-free
High in protein
Rich, creamy, and filling
One-pot meal
Great for meal prep
Naturally gluten-free
Ready in under an hour
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
🛒 Ingredients
Chili
2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
1 pound ground pork breakfast sausage
8 slices bacon, chopped
3 tablespoons butter
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups beef bone broth
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper (optional for keto; omit for strict carnivore)
Optional Carnivore Toppings
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream (if dairy is included in your plan)
Crispy bacon crumbles
Butter
Cheese crisps
🍳 Equipment Needed
Large Dutch oven or stockpot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups
Ladle
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
Cook the chopped bacon until crisp, about 8 minutes.
Transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef and sausage to the pot.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking the meat into crumbles until fully browned.
Drain excess grease if desired.
Step 3: Build the Base
Add the butter and stir until melted.
Pour in the beef bone broth and heavy cream.
Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to low.
Whisk in the cream cheese until completely smooth.
Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Return the cooked bacon to the pot.
Season with salt and black pepper, if using.
Step 5: Simmer
Let the chili simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick, creamy, and well combined.
If it becomes too thick, stir in a little more bone broth or heavy cream.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the chili into bowls.
Top with your favorite carnivore-friendly toppings such as shredded cheddar, crispy bacon, sour cream, or a pat of butter.
Serve hot.
💡 Tips for Success
Use Fatty Ground Beef
An 80/20 blend provides the best flavor and richness.
Simmer Gently
Avoid boiling after adding the dairy to keep the cheese sauce smooth and creamy.
Freshly Shred the Cheese
Freshly grated cheddar melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
Taste Before Adding Salt
Both bacon and cheese contribute saltiness, so adjust seasoning at the end.
🌟 Delicious Variations
Extra Cheesy
Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella for an even creamier texture.
Beef-Only Version
Replace the sausage with an additional pound of ground beef for a pure beef chili.
Bacon Lover’s
Double the bacon and reserve half for topping each serving.
Strict Carnivore Version
Use only ground beef, bacon, butter, bone broth, heavy cream (if included in your approach), cheese (if included), and salt. Omit black pepper and any non-animal seasonings.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
For a strict carnivore meal, enjoy with:
Cheese crisps
Crispy bacon
Butter-fried eggs
Bone marrow
Extra shredded cheese
For a keto meal, pair with:
Cauliflower mash
Roasted broccoli
Air-fried Brussels sprouts
Simple green salad
Avocado slices
Last weekend, I served this chili with homemade cheese crisps and a generous spoonful of sour cream. The crispy cheese added the perfect contrast to the creamy chili.
🥡 Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of heavy cream or bone broth if needed.
📊 Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 685
Protein: 42g
Fat: 55g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Net Carbs: 4g
Saturated Fat: 26g
Sodium: 890mg
Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on the ingredients used.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is this traditional chili?
No. This is a carnivore-inspired version that omits beans, tomatoes, and other high-carbohydrate ingredients while keeping the hearty texture and comforting feel.
Can I use only ground beef?
Absolutely. Simply replace the sausage with more ground beef for an all-beef version.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the bacon and meat first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on Low for 3–4 hours, stirring in the cheeses during the final 30 minutes.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Omit the cream cheese, cheddar, and heavy cream, and replace them with additional bone broth and butter. The result will be more like a rich meat stew than a creamy chili.
Is bone broth necessary?
No. Regular beef broth works well, but bone broth adds extra richness and protein.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Definitely. The flavors become even better after a day in the refrigerator, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
💚 Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Carnivore Chili is rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, proving you don’t need beans or tomatoes to enjoy a comforting bowl of chili. Loaded with beef, sausage, bacon, and creamy cheese, it’s the ultimate cold-weather meal for carnivore and keto eaters alike.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving a cozy family dinner, this protein-packed chili is sure to become one of your favorite comfort food recipes.
