Frank'S Healthy And Good For You Chili
A hearty, healthy chili featuring lean ground sirloin, fresh vegetables, and bold spices, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for those seeking low-fat, flavorful dishes.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. ground sirloin
- 1 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, undrained but cut up ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 to 3 jalapeno peppers, diced ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can dark red kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 3 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. beef seasoning ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- Acini de pepe pasta, cooked al dente ⓘ
- Fat-free crackers ⓘ
Instructions
- Take a 4-quart nonstick Dutch oven and fry down the ground sirloin, chopped onions, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the vegetables are wilted.
- Cook over medium heat to prevent burning, stirring constantly to ensure even cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier chili, adjust the number of jalapeno peppers to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute with bell peppers or add a pinch of sugar to balance the heat. Consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground sirloin for a leaner option. Adding a splash of lime juice before serving can enhance the flavors. This chili is a great base for variations like Riddle Chili.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this healthy chili topped with fat-free crackers for added crunch. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or cornbread for a complete meal. Consider serving it with a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier alternative. This dish is perfect for game day or family gatherings, making it a staple alongside other hearty American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frank'S Healthy And Good For You Chili contains roughly 808 calories, with 31g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (134% of the Daily Value), and calcium (95% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2681mg per serving (117% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground sirloin with plant-based meat alternatives or simply use more beans and vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to maintain a hearty texture. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to enhance the flavors.
What can I do if my chili is too thick?
If your chili turns out too thick, simply add a little water or low-sodium broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and allow it to heat through. You can also add more canned tomatoes to enhance the flavor.
How can I make this chili ahead of time?
You can prepare the chili a day in advance; it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Simply follow the recipe, cool it down, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for the best taste.
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).