Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs extra-lean ground beef (93/7) or ground turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef bone broth (for extra protein)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: Greek yogurt (a great sour cream substitute), shredded cheddar, chopped green onions
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef or turkey. Use a spatula to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Once the meat is browned and no pink remains, drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial for developing a deep, savory base flavor that the slow cooker alone cannot achieve.
- Transfer the cooked meat mixture into your slow cooker. Add the black beans, kidney beans, diced bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, and beef bone broth. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, column, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a large spoon to mix everything thoroughly so the spices are evenly distributed throughout the liquid. Ensure the liquid covers the majority of the solids to prevent drying out.
- Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Set the temperature to “Low” and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or set it to “High” for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking on the low setting is highly recommended for winter chili, as it allows the beans to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully. About 30 minutes before serving, give the chili a good stir and taste. Adjust the salt or chili powder if you prefer a bolder kick.
- Ladle the hot chili into deep bowls. To maximize the protein content even further, top each bowl with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Sprinkle with a little shredded cheddar cheese and fresh green onions for a pop of color and crunch. Serve alongside a piece of crusty whole-grain bread or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb, high-protein feast.
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes