Easy Low FODMAP BBQ Ground Beef Chili

As a dietitian with a specialty in IBS, I’m always trying to expand our low FODMAP recipes to help patients who are on the low FODMAP diet. This IBS-approved ground beef chili is made with low FODMAP-friendly BBQ sauce and contains no garlic or onion. Prepared stovetop in just 45 minutes, top it with your favorite chili fixing, and enjoy!

I’ve partnered with FODY Foods to develop this nutritious low FODMAP dinner recipe, with a TON of flavor. Spoiler: This low FODMAP chili is actually one of the best chili’s I’ve EVER made.
Disclosure: I work with FODY Foods and received compensation for this post. See full disclosure at bottom.

Is tomato sauce OK on the low FODMAP?

Recipes involving tomato products OFTEN are high FODMAP, because of the onion, garlic, and occasional high fructose corn syrup added to them. And when you think of a chili, we often have beans, corn, and a variety of other high FODMAP foods. Looking for a low FODMAP tomato sauce recipe? We’ve got you covered.

Can I eat chili on a low FODMAP diet?

In general, soups and stews can be a tricky thing to make on a low FODMAP diet, as onion and garlic are such staple ingredients in most traditional soup recipes. But, low FODMAP soup doesn’t have to be boring! You’re probably wondering whether it’s even possible to create a low FODMAP chili with no onion and no garlic that actually tastes good. And yes, this low FODMAP ground beef recipe isn’t JUST beef and tomatoes.

I’m here to tell you that not only is it possible, but my father-in-law, the chili-champion in our family, and someone who is more of a meat & white potatoes kind of guy said this was the best chili he EVER had! He was SHOCKED when I told him there was no onion or garlic in it! Talk about a low FODMAP, gut healthy recipe for the WIN! (Not to mention – he ate the sweet potatoes without complaint. I was shocked!) 

Is BBQ sauce low FODMAP?

For those IBS’ers who are starting on the low FODMAP diet it is important to note that most BBQ sauces are typically not FODMAP friendly. My secret ingredient? FODY’s low FODMAP BBQ Sauce. This sauce is FULL of flavour, and added the perfect amount of smoky sweetness in creating this tex-mex inspired chili. This sauce is so great with meat, in a pulled chicken or pork dish, and as a dip – but I really wanted to share with you how versatile it can be in a chili! You can get this product through FODY Foods – they ship to Canada, the US, and are now expanding to Europe! They’re one of my favourite low FODMAP companies to work with!

What can you add to chili?

The thing with chili is, I often times find it lacking veggies. Yes, the tomato sauce and traditionally, onion, garlic, and maybe corn add some veg. But I took this opportunity to REALLY show you how to amp up the veggies – without anyone even realizing! Not to mention – we’ve got TONS of good-for-your gut ingredients:

• Lentils – the low FODMAP legume that is packed with good-for-your-gut fibre
• Sweet potatoes – full of antioxidants and phytochemicals to keep your gut bugs healthy
• WAY more veggies than your average chili – with peppers and carrots being artfully hidden and displacing your intake of red meat!

So – what are you waiting for? Get cooking this low FODMAP stovetop chili today!

Is chili powder low FODMAP?

Monash has tested chili powder as low FODMAP. However, most chili powders are actually blends of a few ingredients and do contain garlic as the last ingredient. To be on the safe side I encourage people to use a garlic free chili powder, like ancho chili powder – however, regular chili powder is likely low FODMAP in the quantities listed as well.

I like to suggest looking for powdered or ground chili pepper rather than a blended chili powder (pepper vs. powder – this is key wording to look for on the label). For this stovetop chili recipe, I’ve chosen to use ancho chili pepper, which can be found in the regular spice aisle. You could also use ground chipotle chili pepper instead, which is what I often use in this Low FODMAP dinner casserole.

Is sweet potato low FODMAP?

Sweet potato, in portions at 3/4 cup serve becomes high in polyols. You would have to eat approximately 2 servings of this chili for it to become high FODMAP. Try this low FODMAP sweet potato salad recipe here!

Are all lentils high FODMAP?

Lentils, in servings higher than 1/4 cup becomes high in galacto-oligosaccarides.

Both sweet potatoes and lentils, used in the portions described (with the chili making 8 servings) is low FODMAP. The portions are generous, but be aware – if you find this chili tasting SO good, and you eat more than a portion, you can quickly move into the moderate to high FODMAP categories.

**Last reviewed February 2022 for Monash FODMAP portions

Love this low FODMAP recipe as much as we do? Our collection of low FODMAP recipes were created to help you navigate the low FODMAP diet. Many of our patients have tried implementing the low FODMAP diet on their own. However, this diet should be conducted with the support of a registered dietitian. At Ignite Nutrition we offer one-on-one nutrition counselling to help you start on the low FODMAP diet with guidance.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, and I am now an affiliate of FODY foods since I love them SO much. I received food products & financial compensation from FODY Foods. While the information conveyed may support clients’ objectives, the opinions expressed are my own and based on current scientific evidence. I do not engage in business with companies whose products or services do not match my personal and professional beliefs.