Easy Crock Pot Chili

This easy crock pot chili is one of the best healthy fall recipes to add to your meal rotation. Packed with lean ground beef (or turkey), beans, and colorful veggies, it’s a filling and flavorful dish that’s ideal for those searching for healthy meal ideas. Whether you're prepping for the week or need a comforting dish for the family, this chili is great for healthy meal prep. If you love healthy recipes with ground beef, this slow-cooked chili is a must-try. It’s simple, hearty, and fits seamlessly into your list of healthy dinner ideas for any night of the week. Enjoy a wholesome, balanced meal with this satisfying and nutritious option for healthy dinners!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6-8 hours
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground turkey (or lean ground beef)

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the meat)

• Optional toppings: diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, green onions

Instructions:

1. Brown the Ground Meat: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

2. Prepare the Crock Pot: Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, garlic, bell peppers, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth.

3. Add Seasonings: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).

4. Cook the Chili: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible, but it's not required.

5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili about 30 minutes before serving. Adjust seasonings if necessary by adding more chili powder, salt, or pepper to taste.

6. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or green onions.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Serving Size: 1 ½ cups

• Calories: 300

• Protein: 22g

• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Fat: 10g

• Fiber: 9g

• Sodium: 480mg

• Sugar: 5g

Things You’ll Love About This Recipe:

• Healthy: This chili is packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and plenty of veggies, making it a nutritious, balanced meal.

• Easy to Make: With minimal prep and hands-off cooking in the crock pot, this recipe is perfect for busy days.

• Meal Prep Friendly: This chili stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

• Family-Friendly: It’s mild enough for kids but can be spiced up with extra cayenne or hot sauce for adults who love heat.

• Customizable: Easily swap out the ground turkey for ground beef, chicken, or even go meatless by adding extra beans and veggies.

Expert Tips for Best Results:

• Brown the Meat: Browning the ground turkey or beef before adding it to the crock pot enhances the flavor and texture of the chili.

• Drain and Rinse the Beans: Be sure to drain and rinse your canned beans to remove excess sodium and prevent the chili from becoming too watery.

• Adjust for Spice Level: If you prefer spicier chili, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. For a milder version, leave out the cayenne entirely.

• Thicker Chili: If you like your chili thicker, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce some of the liquid.

• Use a Mix of Beans: Feel free to experiment with different beans, such as pinto beans or cannellini beans, for added variety.

Serving Suggestions:

• Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread on the side is a classic and perfect pairing for chili.

• Baked Sweet Potatoes: Serve the chili over baked sweet potatoes for a nutritious and filling twist.

• Rice or Quinoa: Spoon the chili over brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber and protein.

• Salad: Pair your chili with a light green salad for a refreshing balance to the rich, hearty flavors.

• Tortilla Chips: Top with crushed tortilla chips or serve with chips for dipping to add some crunch.

This crock pot chili is easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy!