Healthy Chili Recipe How to Make a Delicious and Nutritious Meal

Are you ready to warm up your kitchen with a delicious and nutritious meal? I’m excited to share my Healthy Chili Recipe with you! This chili is not only packed with flavor but also loaded with protein, making it a perfect choice for quick family dinners. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that can be whipped up in no time, even on those busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a Healthy Chili Recipe that’s both delicious and nutritious.
• Perfect for meal prep and can be made in advance.
• High in protein, thanks to lean meat and beans.
• Customizable with your favorite veggies.
• Great for leftovers and tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your own bowl of chili goodness:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground turkey or lean ground beef
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: diced bell peppers, corn, zucchini

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Healthy Chili:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
2. Add the ground turkey or beef to the pot and cook until browned. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
3. Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and all the spices. Mix well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and the flavors meld beautifully.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve warm with toppings like avocado, Greek yogurt, or chopped cilantro if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your chili turns out perfectly:

• For a High Protein Chili, feel free to add more beans or even some lentils!
• If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Don’t skip the simmering step; it really helps the flavors develop.
• For a twist, try adding some corn or zucchini for extra veggies.
• This chili can easily be made in a slow cooker for a weeknight dinner idea—just follow the same steps and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How to Serve

Serving your chili is just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas:

• Top with diced avocado and a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
• Serve with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal.
• Pair it with a fresh salad for a complete dinner.
• For a fun twist, try it over baked potatoes or sweet potatoes!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Homemade Chili Recipe is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• It freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.

Now that you have this Best Chili Recipe in your back pocket, you can enjoy a hearty, healthy meal any night of the week. If you’re looking for more delicious options, check out my Healthy Turkey Chili or my Classic Slow Cooker Chili for more inspiration. Happy cooking!