Fall is probably my favorite season and this healthy crockpot chili is definitely one of the reasons. I love the cool weather, home Badger games, farmers markets, warm coffee and delicious food. Covid has ruined some of those things, but we can’t let it take all of our joy, right? I’m still finding joy in cool mornings, changing colors, the smell of fall air and the flavors of fall.
Speaking of fall flavors, this chili is one of our family’s favorite recipes. I’ve been making this chili now for many years and it has slowly changed over time to become what it is now! It’s a blend of a a few different recipes I had tried in the past and the one I grew up with.
Make it your own
I think what I love most about this chili is that you can really make it your own. I’m going to share a few ideas with you on how you can modify this to meet your dietary needs.
So this recipe is naturally gluten and dairy-free. Obviously avoid the cheese and sour cream toppings if you’re dairy-free. But other than that, you should be good to go! If you’re vegan or vegetarian, swap out the mean for an extra can of beans, 1 cup of quinoa and 3 cups of a veggie broth. You’re still getting in great protein from the beans and quinoa.
I also love that you can literally use ANY vegetable you have in your house. It’s a great recipe to make when you’re trying to use things up. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples. We also usually have a pound of ground meat in the freezer and then use up any veggies you have. You could use zucchini, carrots, onion, peppers, squash, sweet potatoes, spinach.. the list goes on! I promise, the spices hide the veggies and it’s just a big bowl of goodness.
Healthy Crockpot Chili TOPPINGS
Last but definitely not least – let’s chat toppings. When Katie and I were doing the shoot for this recipe, we both agreed that a chili was only as good as the toppings on it. We love to load our chili with cheese, sour cream, avocado, red onion, cilantro and red pepper flakes. It’s also great with a side of corn bread! YUM!
Ok, you guys have to try this and let us know what you think!! For more healthy and easy dinner ideas, click here.
Healthy Crockpot Chili
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 3 cups diced veggies (I like using zucchini, peppers, onion, sweet potato, carrots – anything you have!)
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 can kidney beans
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 3 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Brown meat in a large pan over medium high heat.
- Drain fat and add in the diced veggies.
- Cover and mix every few minutes. Cook until veggies are softened.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, quinoa, broth, beans and spices to the crockpot.
- Then add in the meat and veggies mixture.
- Stir to combine.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
- Top with cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, red onion.. the possibilities are endless!
