Easy Low-Fat Chili(Makes 7 Servings)
A hearty, low-fat chili packed with beans and vegetables, perfect for a comforting and healthy meal that suits family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 cups water, divided ⓘ
- 15 oz. navy beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 14 1/2 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 16 oz. Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 to 4 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse and drain all beans.
- In a large saucepan, cook the chopped onion and green pepper in 1/2 cup of water until tender.
- Add the beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, salt (if using), chili powder, pepper, and remaining water to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic or cumin along with the onions and green peppers. You can substitute the navy and Great Northern beans with any other beans you have on hand, such as black or pinto beans, if you prefer. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference; start with 2 teaspoons for a mild flavor and increase as desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of low-fat sour cream for a creamy contrast. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad on the side. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with the Apple Butter Crock-Pot for a delightful twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Low-Fat Chili(Makes 7 Servings) contains roughly 282 calories, with 16g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (120% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), and potassium (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 728mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, this chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare the chili a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! This Easy Low-Fat Chili is entirely plant-based and fits perfectly within vegan recipes. Just ensure that any toppings you use, like sour cream or cheese, are also vegan-friendly.
What can I add to make this chili spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating finely chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can also experiment with cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to elevate the spice level to your liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).