This Healthy Chili is a warm and satisfying dish packed with beans, veggies, and lean meat (or you can skip the meat!). It’s full of flavors and easy on the waistline!
I love how it warms me up on chilly days. Plus, it’s super simple to make in one pot! Just throw in the ingredients and let it simmer—enjoy your yummy creation!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey or Beef: Lean ground turkey is my go-to for a healthy option. If you’re vegetarian, try using diced mushrooms or a mix of beans like black and pinto instead. They give a nice meaty texture!
Beans: Kidney beans are classic, but black beans or cannellini beans are excellent substitutes. They offer a bit of different flavor and can enhance the chili’s creaminess.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin are essential for flavor. If you like a kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes, but adjust to your spice preference!
Broth: Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth keeps it healthy. If you’re low on broth, water can work too, but it may lose some depth in flavor. Adjust spices accordingly.
How Do I Get My Chili Just Right?
A key to making the best chili is letting it simmer. Once you’ve combined all ingredients, simmering develops the flavors wonderfully. Here’s how to do it:
- After bringing it to a boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This means small bubbles break the surface, not a rolling boil.
- Cover the pot to trap steam, which helps cook everything evenly and enhances flavor.
- Stir occasionally. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and redistribute the spices!
- Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it simmer longer enhances the flavor even more—up to an hour is great!
Lastly, always taste before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed—a pinch of salt can make a big difference!
How to Make Healthy Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground turkey or lean ground beef (optional for vegetarian)
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sliced jalapeño
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Healthy Chili recipe requires about 10 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes of cooking time, for a total of around 40 minutes. It’s quick to assemble, making it a perfect weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Base:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3 minutes. This brings out the onion’s natural sweetness!
2. Add Garlic and Meat:
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell its aroma. Then, introduce the ground turkey or beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks, and keep going until it’s fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Mix in Veggies:
Once the meat is browned, stir in the diced carrots and bell pepper. Let these cook for about 3-4 minutes until they become slightly softened. This adds a nice crunch and nutrition to your chili!
4. Spice it Up:
Now, it’s time to add those wonderful spices! Pour in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well to coat the meat and vegetables with those beautiful flavors.
5. Add the Good Stuff:
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained kidney beans, and broth. Give it a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients. This is where the magic happens!
6. Let it Simmer:
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking!
7. Taste and Serve:
Before serving, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now you’re ready to serve it hot! Ladle it into bowls and add your desired garnishes—shredded cheese, avocado, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and jalapeño slices will make it even more delicious!
Enjoy your healthy, hearty, and flavorful chili!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a healthy alternative that still provides great flavor. If you want to keep it vegetarian, feel free to omit the meat entirely and use extra beans or veggies instead!
How Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
If you prefer a spicier chili, add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes during cooking. You can also serve it with sliced jalapeños on top for an extra kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just allow it to cool completely before freezing!
Can I Make This Chili Ahead of Time?
Definitely! Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can make it a day in advance, then simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.
