If you’re craving a comforting bowl of chili without the heaviness, you’ve got to try this Healthier Ground Beef Chili Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of rich flavors, hearty beans, and tender ground beef, all simmered to perfection with a vibrant mix of spices and veggies. What I love most is how it manages to feel like a warm hug on a plate while still being light enough to enjoy any night of the week. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving friends, this chili hits all the right notes of taste, texture, and wholesome goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but don’t let that fool you—every ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, adding texture, and enhancing color. From the vibrant red bell pepper to the smoky spices, each element brings something special to your bowl.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the veggies to tender perfection.
- 1 medium red onion (diced): Brings sweetness and depth to the flavor base.
- 1 red bell pepper (finely diced): Offers a fresh crunch and bright color contrast.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the chili with aromatic warmth and savory undertones.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds a luscious thickness.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances every other ingredient’s flavor perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and gentle heat.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds earthy, warm notes that define classic chili.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder: Delivers mild spiciness without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Lends a hint of sharpness to balance the flavors.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein with lower fat content to keep it healthier.
- 3 cups beef broth: Creates a savory, satisfying liquid base that melds the ingredients.
- 14 ounces kidney beans (drained and rinsed): Add creaminess and bulk while packing fiber.
- 14 ounces black beans (drained and rinsed): Contrast in texture and plenty of protein.
- 14 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Bring smoky sweetness and vibrant tomato flavor.
How to Make Healthier Ground Beef Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their delightful sweetness. This step lays an essential foundation of flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Build the Flavor with Garlic and Spices
Next, add minced garlic to the pot for a quick 30 seconds—just enough to awaken those fragrant oils. Stir in the tomato paste followed by the kosher salt, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Sauté everything together for about a minute so these spices toast gently and deepen their taste, which makes all the difference.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the lean ground beef into the pot, breaking it up with the back of a wooden spoon. Cook it for about 4 to 5 minutes until it loses its pink color and starts to brown. This browning builds savory richness and texture, while using lean beef keeps the dish lighter and healthier.
Step 4: Add Broth, Beans, and Tomatoes
Pour in the beef broth, then stir in the kidney beans, black beans, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Increase the heat and bring everything to a low boil. This combination ensures a hearty and satisfying chili packed with protein, fiber, and bold flavor.
Step 5: Simmer and Reduce
Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. Once the mixture bubbles, reduce the heat to low, uncover, and continue simmering for an additional 15 minutes. Stir occasionally so it thickens to a luscious consistency. This slow cooking step transforms simple ingredients into a deeply comforting meal.
Step 6: Ready to Serve or Store
Your Healthier Ground Beef Chili Recipe is now ready to enjoy hot and fresh. Feel free to serve it straight away or cool and refrigerate for up to 4 days—chili tastes even better the next day when flavors have had time to mingle.
How to Serve Healthier Ground Beef Chili Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh garnishes elevates this chili into a delightful experience. Think diced avocado for a creamy contrast, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar for melty goodness, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add a cool, tangy finish. Fresh cilantro or sliced green onions add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your chili with warm cornbread, a crisp green salad, or fluffy brown rice to round out your meal. These sides complement the hearty texture and smoky flavors without overpowering the dish, creating a balanced and satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Healthier Ground Beef Chili Recipe in edible bread bowls or inside baked sweet potatoes. You could even transform it into a chili-topped baked potato or nachos for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. These creative presentations make the meal feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your chili to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delightful. Just be sure to cool it quickly before storing to maintain freshness and safety.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic batch-cooking option. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, label clearly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you need a quick meal, simply thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chili gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual portions, covering loosely and heating in short bursts until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative that works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to brown it well for the best texture and flavor.
Is this chili spicy?
This recipe has a mild to moderate warmth from the chili powder and smoked paprika, but it’s not overly spicy. You can always adjust the chili powder or add fresh jalapeños if you like a bit more heat.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies on the stovetop first, then combine everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for tender, flavorful chili.
Are the beans necessary?
While beans add great texture, fiber, and protein, you can omit them or substitute with other varieties like pinto or cannellini beans if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if using dried beans.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Slowly reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water helps maintain the perfect chili consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Healthier Ground Beef Chili Recipe is truly a winner for anyone wanting a cozy, flavorful meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out and keeps you coming back for more. I hope you make it soon and enjoy every hearty, spicy spoonful as much as I do!
Print
Healthier Ground Beef Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 5.5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthier Ground Beef Chili is a flavorful and nutritious dish featuring lean ground beef, a medley of beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes, simmered with aromatic spices to create a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 cups beef broth
- 14 ounces (1 can) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 14 ounces (1 can) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 14 ounces (1 can) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced red onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add tomato paste, kosher salt, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and ground black pepper. Stir and sauté for 1 minute to blend the flavors.
- Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with the back of a spoon. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the beef broth, kidney beans, black beans, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Stir everything together and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Simmer the Chili: Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes on medium-low heat. Once the mixture begins to bubble, reduce heat to low, remove the lid, stir, and continue simmering for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chili thickens and flavors meld.
- Serve or Store: Serve the chili immediately hot, or let it cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for meal prep convenience.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to keep this chili healthier and lower in fat.
- For a spicier chili, add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and improve texture.
- Leftover chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
- This chili pairs well with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices as toppings.
