This High Protein Slow Cooker Chili is the ultimate comfort food, made with tender ground beef, fiber-rich beans, and a flavorful blend of spices. Slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen, creating a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner. With 36g of protein per serving, this chili is both nutritious and delicious! Best of all, this recipe is kid-friendly and easily customizable. Keep it mild for the little ones or spice it up for extra heat. Serve it with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, or crunchy tortilla chips for a personalized touch. Whether you’re looking for a filling dinner or a great make-ahead meal, this slow cooker chili is a must-try!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds extra lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 28-ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 (4-ounce) can green chiles
- ¼ cup low sodium beef broth (adjust for desired thickness)
- 1 (15-ounce) can low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can low sodium kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Transfer the cooked beef and vegetables to a slow cooker.
- Stir in chili powder, cocoa powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chiles, beef broth, black beans, kidney beans, and corn.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Adjust seasoning and broth as needed for consistency.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, or tortilla chips.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 384 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why Choose a High Protein Chili?
Chili has long been a staple in kitchens worldwide due to its simplicity, versatility, and rich flavors. However, traditional chili recipes can sometimes be high in fat, sodium, or added sugars. This high protein slow cooker version is carefully designed to be a nutritionally balanced meal, focusing on lean proteins, fiber-rich beans, and healthy vegetables.
1. Supports Muscle Growth & Recovery
Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, making this chili an excellent meal for those who work out regularly or lead active lifestyles. The lean ground beef in this recipe provides a complete protein source, packed with amino acids that support muscle health.
2. Keeps You Full for Longer
One of the biggest benefits of a high-protein meal is its ability to keep you feeling full and satisfied for extended periods. Combined with fiber-rich beans and vegetables, this chili helps prevent overeating and unnecessary snacking throughout the day.
3. Boosts Metabolism
Consuming protein requires more energy for digestion compared to fats or carbohydrates, which means your body burns more calories processing this meal. If you’re looking to maintain a healthy metabolism, this slow cooker chili can be a great addition to your diet.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep & Leftovers
Since this recipe makes a large batch, it’s a fantastic choice for meal prepping. Chili actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop over time. It stores well in the fridge and can also be frozen for future meals.
Key Ingredients & Their Benefits
Although we won’t list every ingredient in detail, let’s explore the essential components that make this chili both flavorful and nutritious.
1. Lean Ground Beef (or Alternative Proteins)
This recipe typically uses extra-lean ground beef, which is a great source of protein while keeping saturated fat content low. If you prefer, you can swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils for a vegetarian option.
2. Beans: A Fiber Powerhouse
A combination of black beans and kidney beans not only boosts the protein content but also provides a hefty dose of fiber. Fiber is essential for digestion, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and promoting gut health. If you prefer, you can substitute with pinto beans, chickpeas, or white beans.
3. Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce for a Rich Base
Fire-roasted tomatoes and tomato sauce form the flavorful base of this chili, adding a natural sweetness and depth. Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants like lycopene, which have been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved heart health.
4. Spices & Seasonings
A well-seasoned chili is what makes the dish truly irresistible. This recipe includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a perfectly balanced heat. Additionally, unsweetened cocoa powder is the secret ingredient that enhances the richness of the chili, adding depth without overpowering the dish.
5. Corn for Natural Sweetness & Texture
Corn kernels add a mild sweetness and a bit of crunch to contrast the hearty texture of the chili. This ingredient also provides extra fiber and essential vitamins like vitamin C and B-complex vitamins.
6. Low-Sodium Broth for Customizable Consistency
The amount of broth used in this recipe can be adjusted based on how thick or soupy you prefer your chili. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the salt content while still achieving a robust, flavorful dish.
Customization & Variations
One of the best things about chili is its adaptability. Here are some easy ways to modify this recipe based on dietary preferences or personal taste:
1. Make It Spicier or Milder
- If you love heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños.
- If making it for kids or those who prefer mild flavors, reduce the chili powder and omit the cayenne.
2. Swap the Meat
- Replace ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make it vegetarian by swapping out the meat for extra beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.
3. Add More Veggies
- Boost the nutritional value by adding diced carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes.
4. Adjust the Texture
- If you like thicker chili, reduce the broth and mash some of the beans for a creamier consistency.
- If you prefer a soupier chili, simply add more broth or tomato sauce.
How to Serve This High Protein Chili
This chili is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Classic Bowl – Serve hot with shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, and a side of tortilla chips.
- Over Rice or Quinoa – For an extra-filling meal, ladle the chili over brown rice or quinoa.
- With Cornbread – A classic chili pairing! Serve with warm, buttered cornbread for added comfort.
- Stuffed in a Baked Potato – A unique way to enjoy chili is by using it as a hearty topping for baked sweet or russet potatoes.
- As a Chili Dog or Nacho Topping – Use leftovers to top hot dogs, nachos, or even fries!
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
This High Protein Slow Cooker Chili is an excellent meal prep option because it stores well and can be used in multiple dishes.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This chili freezes beautifully for up to 6 months. Portion it into individual servings for easy reheating.
- Reheat: Warm up in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in a slow cooker on the warm setting.
Conclusion:
This High Protein Slow Cooker Chili is a game-changer for anyone looking for a nutritious, easy-to-make, and flavorful meal. Packed with lean protein, fiber, and delicious spices, it’s a go-to dish for busy weeknights, meal prep, and cozy family dinners. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit different dietary preferences, making it an excellent addition to your meal rotation.
So, whether you’re a chili enthusiast or just looking for a simple, high-protein dish, this slow cooker chili is a must-try. Give it a shot, experiment with toppings, and enjoy the rich, bold flavors that make chili a classic favorite!