Are There Carbs in Homemade Chili? A Detailed Breakdown

October 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data, a single cup of traditional homemade chili with beans can contain upwards of 23 to 30 grams of carbohydrates. This fact confirms that carbs are indeed present, but their concentration depends heavily on the specific ingredients used in your version of the dish.

Quick Summary

The carb content of homemade chili is determined by its ingredients, primarily beans and tomatoes. The total count can be controlled and reduced by modifying recipes, making it adaptable for low-carb or ketogenic diets. The final macronutrient profile is highly dependent on the recipe variations.

Key Points

Beans are the primary carb source: In traditional recipes, beans like kidney and pinto contribute the most carbohydrates to homemade chili.
Tomatoes add natural sugars: Diced tomatoes and tomato paste contain natural sugars, increasing the overall carb content.
Meat is low-carb: Ground beef is primarily protein and fat, contributing minimal carbs to the dish.
Low-carb modifications exist: It is possible to make a delicious, low-carb or keto-friendly chili by omitting beans and using other vegetables.
Thickening agents can add carbs: Using flour or cornstarch to thicken chili adds simple carbohydrates, so keto-friendly alternatives are recommended.

Understanding the Carb Contributors in Homemade Chili

The presence of carbohydrates in homemade chili is not a simple yes or no answer; it depends on the ingredients and proportions in your specific recipe. While protein-rich ground meat is the foundation, several common additions contribute significantly to the total carb count. For those managing their intake for dietary reasons like keto or weight loss, understanding these sources is key to controlling the final numbers.

The Role of Ingredients in Chili's Carb Profile

Beans: The most significant source of carbohydrates in traditional chili recipes is beans. Common varieties like kidney, pinto, and black beans are high in fiber, which can lower the net carb count, but their overall carbohydrate load is substantial. For instance, a half-cup of prepared chili beans can contain over 21 grams of total carbs.
Tomatoes: Both diced tomatoes and tomato paste add carbs in the form of natural sugars. While the amount is less than beans, it still contributes to the overall total. The longer chili simmers, the more concentrated these sugars can become.
Onions and Peppers: These vegetables, staples in any good chili, contain carbohydrates, though typically in smaller amounts. Their overall impact is modest but should be considered in a strict low-carb diet.
Seasonings and Thickeners: Some recipes use flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent, which adds pure carbohydrate with little nutritional benefit. Careful seasoning with high-carb chili powders can also add to the total, although most spices are negligible.

Comparison Table: Traditional vs. Low-Carb Chili


Feature	Traditional Homemade Chili	Low-Carb Homemade Chili	Key Differences
Primary Carb Source	Beans and tomatoes	Tomatoes and limited vegetables	The exclusion of beans is the main factor.
Typical Total Carbs (per cup)	25–40 grams	8–15 grams	Varies significantly depending on recipe and serving size.
Keto-Friendliness	Not suitable for strict keto	Yes, specifically designed to be keto-friendly.	Avoids high-carb beans to meet low-carb requirements.
Thickeners Used	Flour, cornstarch	Keto-friendly options like xanthan gum or simmering down naturally.	Modifies the thickening process to avoid starches.
Flavor Profile	Hearty, savory with earthy bean notes	Rich, meaty, and spiced with a deep tomato base	Emphasis shifts from the bean's earthy flavor to the meat and spices.
Example Ingredients	Ground beef, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, onion, spices	Ground beef, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, broth, spices	Swapping high-carb beans with low-carb vegetables.

How to Modify Your Recipe for a Lower Carb Count

For those wanting to reduce the carbohydrates in their homemade chili, several modifications are possible without sacrificing flavor:

Omit the Beans: This is the most impactful change you can make. By removing beans entirely, you can drastically reduce the carb content, making the chili suitable for a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Boost the Meat and Low-Carb Vegetables: To compensate for the bulk and texture lost from beans, increase the quantity of ground beef or add more low-carb vegetables. Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or riced cauliflower are excellent options that add volume and fiber without a high carb load.
Use Sugar-Free Tomato Products: Be mindful of canned tomatoes and tomato paste, which can sometimes contain added sugar. Opt for low-sugar or sugar-free alternatives and check the nutritional labels. You can also make a rich sauce base from broth and chili peppers instead of relying heavily on tomatoes.
Thicken Naturally or with Keto-Friendly Thickeners: Instead of flour, let the chili simmer longer to naturally reduce and thicken. If a thicker consistency is desired, a small amount of a keto-friendly thickener like xanthan gum can be used.

Making Your Homemade Chili Work for Your Diet

For those on a diet, chili is a versatile and adaptable meal. By understanding which ingredients contribute the most carbs, you can tailor your recipe to meet your specific nutritional goals. A traditional chili with beans offers a good source of fiber and plant-based protein, while a modified bean-free version can be a flavorful, low-carb alternative. Regardless of the recipe, homemade chili is a hearty and satisfying dish.

Conclusion

Yes, there are carbs in homemade chili, but their level is entirely within your control. The primary sources of carbohydrates are beans and tomatoes. By making strategic substitutions, such as swapping out beans for more meat or low-carb vegetables, you can create a delicious chili that aligns with your dietary preferences, including low-carb and ketogenic lifestyles. The flexibility of homemade cooking allows you to enjoy this comfort food on your own terms. For further nutritional details, you can consult databases like the one on Nutritionix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, homemade chili contains carbohydrates, primarily from ingredients like beans, tomatoes, and sometimes onions. The exact amount varies based on the recipe.

Yes, traditional chili recipes made with beans are generally considered high in carbohydrates. A single cup can have over 20 grams of net carbs.

Yes, you can easily make a low-carb chili by omitting the beans and focusing on meat, low-carb vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, and a tomato-based broth.

The primary source of carbohydrates in a standard chili recipe is beans. Ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and any starchy thickeners also contribute.

To reduce carbs, remove the beans, use low-sugar tomato products, and avoid starchy thickeners like flour or cornstarch. Increasing low-carb vegetables is a great way to maintain volume.

Yes, canned chili beans are typically high in carbs. A half-cup serving can contain over 21 grams of total carbohydrates, so they are not suitable for low-carb diets.

Yes, a bean-free chili is typically keto-friendly, especially if it uses a broth and tomato base with meat and low-carb vegetables. Recipes are often designed specifically for the ketogenic diet.