Healthy Chili Con Carne
Chili con carne is a staple in many households, and for good reason. This hearty dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping meals for the week, or looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly night, chili con carne fits the bill. Today, we’re diving into a healthier version of this classic recipe, and exploring different ways to serve it, alternative ingredients you can use, and why it’s a nutritious choice.
Chili Con Carne Uses
One of the best things about chili con carne is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it as a main dish, but it’s also perfect for meal prep because it tastes even better the next day. You can use it as a topping for baked potatoes, mix it with pasta for a chili mac, or spoon it over nachos for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. It’s also great for freezing, so you can have a homemade meal ready to go whenever you need it.
One of my favorites is using it as the main filling for hot dogs, it goes perfectly with cheese!
Ingredients for Chili Con Carne
This recipe includes classic chili con carne ingredients like ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices, but there’s plenty of room to get creative. Here are some ideas for switching things up.
- Protein Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter option.
- Vegetables Add more veggies like carrots, zucchini, or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
- Beans Swap the black beans or kidney beans with pinto beans or chickpeas for a different flavor profile.
- Spices For a smoky twist, try adding a dash of chipotle powder. If you like it hotter, throw in some chopped jalapeños.
- Toppings Besides yogurt, consider topping your chili with shredded cheese, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.
Chili Con Carne Serving Options
Chili con carne is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level with some creative serving options:
- With Rice Serve your chili over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
- In a Bread Bowl Hollow out a crusty round loaf and fill it with chili for a fun presentation.
- With Tortilla Chips Serve your chili as a dip with a side of tortilla chips. Perfect for game day!
- Stuffed Peppers Spoon the chili into halved bell peppers and bake until tender for a healthy, low-carb option.
- Over a Salad Use the chili as a warm topping for a salad, adding some crunch and a bit of freshness to your meal.
- In a Hot Dog with cheese of course!
Is Chili Con Carne Healthy?
This version of chili con carne is packed with nutritious ingredients that make it a healthy option for any meal. Here’s why.
- Lean Protein Ground beef provides protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Opting for lean ground beef keeps the fat content in check.
- Fiber-Rich Beans and Lentils Beans and lentils are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer.
- Tomatoes Tomatoes add a boost of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which can help protect against certain diseases.
- Vegetables The addition of onion, celery, and red pepper adds extra vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish.
- Spices The spices not only add flavor but also have health benefits. For example, cumin is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
This healthy chili con carne recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, something to meal prep, or a dish to impress guests, this chili has you covered. With so many ways to customize it and serve it, you’ll never get bored. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking….. your taste buds and your body will thank you!
Healthy Chili Con Carne Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks finely chopped
- 1 lb ground beef (500g beef mince)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 4 oz 1/2 cup red lentils (120g) drained
- 14 oz can of chopped tomatoes (400g)
- 1 medium red pepper roughly diced
- 14 oz can of black beans or kidney beans (400g) drained
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (coriander) chopped
- 2 fresh green chiles sliced
- Plain or Greek yogurt for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and celery, and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up any large pieces with a wooden spoon, for about 4 minutes.
- Mix in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the red lentils and chopped tomatoes. Add 1 1/2 cups (375ml) of water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until the lentils are cooked and the mixture has thickened.
- Stir in the red peppers and beans, and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Mix in half the cilantro and half the green chiles.
- Divide the chili con carne among serving bowls, then sprinkle with the remaining cilantro and green chiles. Serve with yogurt, if desired.