It’s January, which means that many of us are focused on lighter, healthier meals as we recover from the indulgent holiday season. This Healthy Slow Cooker Chili is my family’s favorite easy, weeknight comfort food — and it’s full of lean protein, beans, veggies, and zesty seasonings!
You guys have probably heard me mention this slow cooker chili on the blog zillions of times in my various Our Week in Meals posts, so I figured it was time for the recipe to have its own spotlight.
This meal is a staple dinner in our house (especially at this time of year), because 6-year-old Casey constantly requests it!
While I love the ease of my Crock Pot, I’m the first to admit that some recipes just don’t work well with the low-and-slow cooking method. One option that never fails, though? A delicious Slow Cooker Chili!
It simmers all day on the counter and just gets better with time. The flavors meld together and the end result is an easy, one-pot-meal that the entire family adores.
To make last-minute dinner prep even faster, I like to brown the ground beef, onion and garlic in advance and then just keep the cooked meat in a container in my refrigerator (or freezer) until we’re ready to use it. This is a step that I can usually do on the weekend so that I only have to dump the ingredients into the pot on a busy weekday morning.
As I said, it’s one of the boys’ absolute favorite meals, so it’s a perfect option to please everyone around the table (and we all know how challenging that can be). Add a pan of cornbread with honey on the side and your cozy slow cooker chili dinner is complete.
There’s no need to sacrifice flavor or satiety when you’ve got lighter, healthy comfort food options to nourish your body and warm your soul!
HEALTHY SLOW COOKER CHILI
Healthy Slow Cooker Chili
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 12 cups
Ingredients
2 lbs. extra-lean ground beef (you can sub with ground chicken or ground turkey if you prefer)
1 ¼ cups frozen diced onion (or about 1 large onion)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon Lawry’s seasoned salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons cumin
2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans or small pink beans, drained and rinsed
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, NOT drained
1 (15 ounce) can corn kernels, drained
12 ounces tomato paste
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese; sliced green onions; sour cream; sliced olives; crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
Heat about 2 teaspoons olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook beef, onion, and garlic in the skillet until beef is no longer pink. Drain.
Place beef mixture inside a large slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Garnish with optional toppings.
Courses Dinner
Cuisine American
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 cup
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 226 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 3.1 g | 5% | |
Saturated Fat 0.1 g | 1% | |
Sodium 942.6 mg | 39% | |
Total Carbohydrates 25.6 g | 9% | |
Dietary Fiber 6.1 g | 24% | |
Sugars 8.1 g | ||
Protein 24.3 g | 49% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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Chili is my favorite dish to make in the slow cooker! I’m loving your healthier version, Blair! Sounds like such delicious comfort food and I know I could eat this ALL!
Isn’t it the best? Perfect winter meal! 🙂
Love slow cooker chili 🙂 It’s been so cold over here that I need to make this ASAP!
Perfect! Enjoy, Michelle!
Chili is one of our favourite winter comfort foods and your version looks deeeelish!
Thanks, Kristy! You’ll love this version! 🙂
I never drain the kidney beans, gives it more flavor and I also crush the beans.
I have the meat all cooked and seasoned in advance for this weekend. Can’t wait!!
Perfect! I think you’re really going to love it! 🙂
It came out great! Super tasty! The entire family enjoyed it 5 7 and 13 year old and my husband and i. We had baked potatoes as well. I will definitely be cooking this again!
Yay! Thanks for letting me know, Kim! I’m so glad that it was a hit with your family too!