High Protein Kid-Friendly Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
This High Protein Chili recipe is a kid-friendly, slow cooker meal packed with lean ground beef, multiple beans, and a rich blend of spices, making it a hearty and nutritious option perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours (high) or 6-8 hours (low)
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (high) or 6 hours 15 minutes (low)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds extra lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons oil (for cooking)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8–1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 28 ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 4-ounce can green chilis
- 1/4 cup low sodium beef broth (or more for thinner chili)
- 1 15-ounce can low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-ounce can low sodium kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the extra lean ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Sauté Vegetables: Drain off any excess fat. Add minced garlic, diced onion, and diced bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef and vegetables to the slow cooker. Add chili powder, cocoa powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chilis, beef broth, black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Cook the Chili: Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 3-4 hours, or alternatively to low and cook for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and chili to thicken.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, adjust the thickness of the chili by adding more beef broth if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with your favorite chili toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of beef broth depending on your preferred chili consistency. For a thicker chili, stick to 1/4 cup; add more if you desire a thinner texture.
- Modify the level of heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper. Use none or a small pinch for mild chili; add more for increased spiciness.
Keywords: High Protein Chili, Slow Cooker Chili, Kid-friendly Chili, Healthy Chili, Easy Chili Recipe
