Easy Homemade Chili con Carne You’ll Love

Few meals are as satisfying and comforting as a warm bowl of chili con carne. Packed with rich spices, tender beef, and hearty beans, this lighter version offers all the bold flavors you crave with a more mindful approach to ingredients. Perfect for cozy nights, meal prep, or casual gatherings, this dish proves that comfort food can be both delicious and nourishing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor-Packed – Bold spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder create deep, rich flavors.
Hearty but Balanced – Lean beef, beans, and veggies make it filling without being heavy.
Meal Prep Friendly – Tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully.
Easy to Make – Simple steps and pantry staples come together in under an hour.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean or higher)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, no salt added
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced avocado, shredded reduced-fat cheese, light sour cream

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Sauté Aromatics

Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Add Spices

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for about 1 minute to enhance the flavors.

Simmer

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and broth. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve

Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite light toppings like chopped cilantro or a spoonful of light sour cream.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 5g

Tips for Success

• Use Lean Meat: Lean ground beef keeps the flavor without extra fat.
• Adjust Spice: Add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne if you like extra heat.
• Thicker Chili: Simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
• Make Ahead: Chili freezes and reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Why This Recipe Works

This chili con carne balances hearty textures, deep spices, and lean ingredients to create a satisfying bowl that’s hearty yet fits into a mindful lifestyle. It’s high in protein and fiber, keeping you full and energized without feeling weighed down.

Chili con carne is classic comfort food at its best—warm, hearty, and incredibly flavorful. This lighter version delivers everything you love about traditional chili, with a few smart tweaks to make it a dish you can enjoy any day of the week. Perfect for sharing, meal prepping, or freezing for later!