Go Back
+ servings
Healthy Chili with Ground Beef

Healthy Chili with Ground Beef - A Veggie-Packed Delight

Enjoy a bowl of Healthy Chili with Ground Beef, packed with vibrant vegetables and robust spices, perfect for a nutritious meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Essential for sautéing the vegetables.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Can substitute with white or red onion.
  • 2 stalks Celery Can be omitted if preferred.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 large Red Bell Pepper Substitute with green pepper for a sharper flavor.
  • 1 large Green Bell Pepper Any color works here!
  • 1 medium Jalapeno Adjust heat by removing seeds.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh is preferred.
  • 1 medium Sweet Potato Butternut squash is a good alternative.
For the Protein
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Use 80/20 for best flavor, or ground turkey for a lighter option.
For the Tomatoes and Broth
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Fire-roasted varieties are recommended.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Can be substituted with more crushed tomatoes.
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
For the Spice Blend
  • 2 tablespoons Chili Powder Adjust to suit your heat preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Essential for flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano Can use Italian seasoning instead.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika enhances the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Opt for kosher over table salt.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional for extra heat.
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf Remove before serving.

Equipment

  • 6-quart Dutch oven

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Heat a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Let it shimmer for about 2 minutes.
  2. Sauté the diced yellow onion, celery, and both bell peppers for 7-9 minutes until softened.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it apart; cook for 3-4 minutes until browned.
  4. Stir in minced jalapeno and garlic, along with tomato paste and spices. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, diced sweet potato, and bay leaf. Bring to a vigorous boil for 5 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to low and partially cover, simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and red pepper flakes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 22gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 240IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Simmer longer for deeper flavors, customize with different veggies, and always taste before serving to adjust seasoning.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!