High-Protein Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

• High Protein Content: Each serving delivers approximately 39 grams of protein, making it an excellent choice for muscle maintenance and overall health.
• Convenient Preparation: Utilizing a slow cooker allows for easy preparation—simply add the ingredients and let the cooker do the work.
• Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is adaptable to various dietary preferences and can be modified with different toppings and ingredient substitutions.

Ingredients

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

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (5% fat)
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (4-ounce) can mild chopped green chiles
• 1/4 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can sweet kernel corn, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped green onions
• Shredded cheese
• Cilantro
• Hot sauce
• Crushed tortilla chips

Directions

1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and ground beef. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add chili powder, cocoa powder, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, chopped green chiles, beef broth, black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. If the chili appears too liquidy, leave the lid slightly ajar during the last hour to allow some liquid to evaporate.
6. Serve: Once cooked, serve the chili hot with your choice of toppings.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 bowls.
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 hours (depending on slow cooker settings)
• Total Time: Approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes

Variations

• Low-Carb/Keto: Omit the corn and beans; substitute with diced zucchini, mushrooms, or additional bell peppers to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans such as chickpeas or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Spicier Version: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to adjust consistency.

FAQs

What type of ground beef is best for this chili?

Using lean ground beef (93% lean or higher) is recommended to reduce fat content while maintaining flavor.

Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes, to increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or use spicy chili powder.

Is it possible to cook this chili on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, combine all ingredients in a large pot. Simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Can I use different types of beans?

Absolutely, feel free to substitute or add beans like pinto beans, navy beans, or chickpeas based on your preference.

How can I make this chili thicker?

To thicken the chili, you can mash some of the beans or let it simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.

What are the best toppings for this chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado, cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative, though it may slightly change the flavor profile.

Is this chili gluten-free?

Yes, this chili is naturally gluten-free as long as all canned ingredients and seasonings are free from gluten-containing additives.

Can I meal prep this chili?

Absolutely! This chili stores well in the fridge and freezer, making it a great option for meal prep.

What side dishes pair well with this chili?

Cornbread, rice, baked potatoes, or a simple green salad make excellent side dishes.

Conclusion

This high-protein chili is a delicious and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner, a post-workout meal, or a cozy comfort food option, this chili has you covered. Enjoy it fresh or store it for later—either way, it’s a winning recipe!