Low Calorie Chili Recipe – Satisfying Under 250 Calories

Discover a delicious low-calorie chili recipe that's satisfying and nutritious, but can it truly deliver bold flavors while keeping under 250 calories?

Healthy Chili Dish

This low-calorie chili dish is a hearty and nutritious meal perfect for health-conscious eaters.

Packed with lean proteins, beans, and colorful vegetables, it delivers robust flavor without excess calories.

It’s an ideal option for those looking to enjoy comfort food while maintaining a balanced diet.

Families, athletes, and anyone seeking a satisfying yet guilt-free meal will love this wholesome recipe.

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Ingredients

lean turkey bean chili
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, avocado, low-fat sour cream, or shredded cheese
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Cooking Steps

gather all listed ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients as listed.

You’ll need 1 pound of lean ground turkey or chicken, 1 can (15 oz) of black beans (rinsed and drained), 1 can (15 oz) of kidney beans (rinsed and drained), 1 can (28 oz) of diced tomatoes (with juices), and 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium).

Make sure to have 1 medium onion (diced), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 bell pepper (any color, diced), and 1 cup of corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) ready to go.

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Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the 1 pound of lean ground turkey or chicken. Cook the meat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

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Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, add the diced 1 medium onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and the diced bell pepper to the pot. Sauté the mixture for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Stir often to prevent sticking.

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Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

After the vegetables are softened, pour in the 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juices), 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth, 1 can of black beans, and 1 can of kidney beans. Stir everything together until well mixed.

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Step 5: Add the Seasonings

Now it’s time to add flavor! Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste). Stir well to combine all the spices with the other ingredients.

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Step 6: Simmer the Chili

Bring the entire mixture to a gentle boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

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Step 7: Add the Corn

About 5 minutes before serving, stir in 1 cup of corn. Allow it to heat through, then taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed.

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Step 8: Serve

Ladle the chili into bowls and serve it hot. Feel free to add optional toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced avocado, low-fat sour cream, or shredded cheese to enhance the flavor. Enjoy your low-calorie chili!

Ingredient Suggestions

vibrant low calorie chili ingredients

When it comes to making a delicious low-calorie chili, the ingredients you choose can greatly impact both flavor and nutrition.

I love using seasonal picks like fresh tomatoes and bell peppers for vibrant taste.

Additionally, consider incorporating exotic alternatives such as black beans or quinoa for added nutrients.

These choices not only enhance the dish but also keep it exciting and guilt-free.

Tips and Variations

enhance chili with variations

To elevate your low-calorie chili, experiment with spices such as smoked paprika or cumin for a flavor boost.

You can also switch up the protein by using turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian option.

For added texture, include chopped zucchini or corn.

Don’t hesitate to adjust the heat level with jalapeños or chili powder based on your preference.

Garnish With Fresh Herbs

fresh herbs elevate chili

Garnishing your low-calorie chili with fresh herbs not only enhances its visual appeal but also boosts the flavor profile greatly.

Herbs like cilantro and parsley carry herb symbolism, representing freshness and vigor.

Their aromatic benefits can elevate the overall dish, making each bite more satisfying.

Plus, incorporating these vibrant ingredients adds a nutritional punch without increasing calories.

Enjoy the enhanced experience!

What other dishes can I pair it with?

low calorie chili pairings

Adding fresh herbs to my low-calorie chili was just the beginning of enhancing my meal experience.

I love pairing it with cornbread for a comforting cultural touch or serving it alongside a fresh, seasonal salad to lighten the dish.

Roasted vegetables can also be great companions, highlighting chili’s flavors while maintaining a nutritious balance for a delightful dining experience.

What drinks can I pair it with?

low calorie chili drink pairs

What drinks can elevate my low-calorie chili experience?

I find that invigorating beverages like sparkling water with lime or unsweetened iced tea are perfect drink pairings.

If I’m in the mood for something warm, herbal teas can complement the spices nicely.

These beverage options not only enhance the flavors but also keep the calorie count low, making them ideal companions for my chili.