There’s nothing like a warm bowl of chili to bring the family together, and this Healthy Ground Beef Crockpot Chili is a total win! It’s packed with protein, loaded with veggies, and has just the right amount of spice to keep it family-friendly. The best part? You can toss everything into your slow cooker in the morning and let it work its magic all day. It’s hearty, healthy, and perfect for busy nights or meal prep. This one’s been a staple in my house for years—simple, comforting, and always a hit with the kids. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey if you prefer)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime (optional, for a zesty finish)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado
Pro Tips
- Brown the beef first. This adds depth of flavor, even if you’re using the slow cooker. You can sauté the onion and garlic in the same pan for even more flavor.
- Keep the veggies kid-friendly. If your kids are picky, dice the zucchini and peppers extra small so they blend into the chili. You can even puree the tomatoes if needed!
- Adjust the spice. Skip the cayenne or cut back on chili powder if your family likes things milder. Add a dash of hot sauce for adults who want more heat.
- Double up for leftovers. This chili freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch and storing some for later.
- Let them pick toppings. Letting kids choose their own toppings like cheese, avocado, or tortilla chips makes it fun and interactive!
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet (for browning beef)
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Can opener
- Wooden spoon
Substitutions and Variations
- Meat: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
- Beans: Use pinto or chickpeas if you don’t have black or kidney beans.
- Veggies: Add carrots, sweet potatoes, or corn for extra nutrients and sweetness.
- Broth: Swap chicken broth for beef or veggie broth.
Make Ahead Tips
- Dice all the veggies the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Brown the ground beef ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use.
- Assemble all the ingredients in the crockpot the night before and store the insert in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it into the base and turn it on!
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add to Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and garlic mixture to the slow cooker. Add the diced bell peppers, zucchini, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, chicken broth, and all the seasonings (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper). Stir everything well to combine.
3. Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
4. Finish with Lime Juice (Optional)
Once cooked, stir in the juice of 1 lime for a bright, zesty finish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve
Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced avocado. Enjoy!
Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.
- Reheating Tip: Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the chili if it thickens too much.
Wrap-Up
There you have it! A warm, hearty, and healthy Ground Beef Crockpot Chili Recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy families. I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out for you! Leave a comment below and let me know if you made any fun variations or have questions. Enjoy! ❤️
