Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Healthy Slow Cooker Chili is a hearty and comforting dish that’s packed with protein and flavor. Made with ground beef, kidney beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a blend of spices, it’s the perfect meal to set and forget in the crockpot. After eight hours of slow cooking, the flavors develop beautifully, creating a rich and savory chili that’s ideal for family dinners or meal prepping. Plus, with optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, and cheddar cheese, this chili is customizable to suit everyone’s taste.

Healthy Slow Cooker Chili

Ingredients

For the Chili:

1 tablespoon coconut or olive oil
1.5 pounds ground beef
1 medium white onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 – 16oz cans dark kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 – 14.5oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (regular canned diced tomatoes can be used too)
2 – 4oz cans diced green chiles
1 cup chicken or beef broth
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 tablespoon cumin
2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add coconut or olive oil and then the ground beef. Brown the beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Cook the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 4–6 minutes until the onion becomes tender.
Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef mixture into your slow cooker. Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, green chiles, spices, bay leaf, and broth. Stir well to combine.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on high for 5–6 hours or low for 7–8 hours until the chili is rich and flavorful.
Season and Serve: Once the chili is done cooking, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper. Serve immediately and garnish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, green onions, avocado, or cheddar cheese.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours (depending on your slow cooker setting)
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or additional beans like black beans or chickpeas.
Spicy: For more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add fresh chopped jalapeños to the mix.
Other Toppings: Top your chili with cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat the chili on the stove over medium heat, or microwave in a microwave-safe container until heated through. If frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this chili on the stovetop instead of in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! After browning the beef and cooking the onion and garlic, simply add everything to a large pot and simmer on low heat for about 1–1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. This stovetop method works well for those in a rush.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. The flavor will still be delicious, especially with the spices in the recipe.

Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes! Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add extra chili powder or jalapeños for more heat. You can also top the chili with sriracha or other hot sauce for an extra kick.

Can I add more vegetables to the chili?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just chop them into small pieces and add them along with the beans and tomatoes.

Conclusion

This Healthy Slow Cooker Chili is the perfect comfort food for busy days when you need a filling, flavorful, and nutritious meal. The combination of spices, savory beef, and tender beans creates a satisfying dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or with your favorite toppings, this chili is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!