This hearty healthy chili is perfectly spiced and packed with plenty of protein and fiber. This chili comes together easily and is a cozy meal that you can feel good about eating.
When you think of classic winter meals, what do you think of? For me, I think of soups, stews and a big bowl of piping hot chili. This hearty healthy chili is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. Slow simmered and packed with flavor, it is definitely a crowd pleaser.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavors, textures and spice. This chili is made with lean ground turkey, tons of vegetables and black beans. Additionally, I add diced sweet potato for subtle sweetness to balance the spice.
Healthier Chili recipe
All the ingredients can be thrown into one pot to create a nutritiously balanced meal. Unfortunately, some chili recipes can be high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. However, I am making this comfort food healthier by using lean ground turkey to reduce the amount of saturated fat. You can make it with ground beef, but choose beef that is at least 90 percent lean.
Alternatively, leave out the meat altogether and make a vegetarian chili. Simply add in two extra cans of beans (any variety) instead of meat and you can significantly reduce the calories and saturated fat. Barley, farro or any other grain is a great addition as well if you make this a vegetarian chili. Another option is to use crumbled tempeh or another meat alternative.
Whenever I have the opportunity to sneak in more vegetables into a dish, like this chili, I always do. It is a great way to get more servings of vegetables into your day. Beyond the traditional tomato base I add peppers, onions, and sweet potato. Carrots, zucchini, mushrooms or spinach can be added as well for additional vitamins and minerals, without overpowering the other flavors. Vegetables add volume and fiber to the chili, which will make you feel more full and satisfied with little extra calories.
To control the salt level in this chili, choose no-salt added canned tomatoes and reduced sodium broth. Also, be sure to thoroughly rinse the canned beans to reduce the salt even more. Pre-made chili spice mixtures can be loaded with salt as well. I prefer to season the chili myself to control the sodium.
Customize Chili
This chili recipe is great because you can easily customize it to make it your own. Here are a few substitution ideas:
- Swap the black beans for kidney beans or cannellini beans. Or omit beans entirely, although it is a great way to add more fiber and nutrients
- Swap the ground turkey for ground chicken, lean ground beef or ground pork. Alternatively, swap the ground meat for ground tempeh or a meat alternative to make it vegetarian/vegan.
- Add more spice or jalapeno peppers to bring the heat up a few notches or start with less chili powder and add more to your heat preference
- Add or substitute any vegetables to your desire such as zucchini, corn, carrots, spinach, etc..
Cooking methods
This chili recipe can be simmered on the stovetop or thrown into a crockpot to simmer all day. If you are going to cook it in the crockpot, prep the ingredients the night before so it can be easily thrown together in the morning. Another tip, brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic to give it more flavor. When ready to cook, toss all the ingredients into the crockpot, set the heat to low, and cook for 6 hours. It will stay on the warm setting until ready to eat. I make this chili usually on the stove top. If you are short on time, let it simmer for at least two hours that way it thickens and the flavors have time to blend. The longer you let it simmer at a low heat the more this chili will be thick, delicious, and flavorful.
Can’t forget about the toppings!
This hearty healthy chili is delicious but takes on even more depth of flavor and texture with garnishes. A topping bar is a great way for everyone to customize their chili. A few of my favorite toppings include:
- Shredded cheese
- Green onions
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Cilantro
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Jalapeno slices
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Pico de Gallo
This chili recipe is perfect for a big gathering, party or to cook for weekly meal prep. There will be tons of leftovers for lunches or it’s great to freeze in an airtight container for a meal another night.
This hearty healthy chili is filling and sure to satisfy you. Try this recipe out and also check out my other favorite winter comfort meals:
Vegetarian Enchiladas with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans
Hearty Kale, Potato and White Bean Soup
Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto
Hearty Healthy Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground meat lean ground turkey, chicken or 90% lean ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 1 red pepper diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 2-3 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1-2 medium sweet potatoes diced
- 2-15 oz cans black beans drained and rinsed
- 1-15 oz can tomato sauce
- 2- 16 oz cans petite diced tomatoes
- 1 cup broth beef, vegetable or chicken
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Heat a large pot on medium high heat. Add the ground meat and brown meat until no longer pink. Drain the liquid from the meat once it has finished cooking and set aside.
- Lightly drizzle olive oil on the bottom of the pot to coat. Add onions and peppers and cook a few minutes until just starting to soften. Add the garlic, stir, and cook another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the chili powder and cocoa powder until vegetables are coated. Then add the remaining ingredients, stirring to combine. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat and simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers the better the flavors blend and the chili becomes nice and thick.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. If you want more heat, add more chili pepper or cayenne pepper. When ready to serve, top with your favorite garnishes.
Nutrition Facts
What is your favorite chili topping? If you make this recipe, share in the comments!
Hearty Healthy Chili
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