Focus of this recipe: quick prep, minimal ingredients, high protein.
Now that fall is here, and I have zero motivation to cook, I am breaking out the crockpot for a healthier twist on chili. My focus when cooking is always high protein to keep me full and for muscle growth as well as simple, clean ingredients. I also like to stay away from a ton of sugar and carbs.
Now back to the chili… I keep it simple with a few ingredients and it literally takes me about 5-10 minutes to prep. Next, I throw it in the crockpot and 6-8 hours later, the house is filled with the smell of a home cooked meal that smells like it took hours of preparation to make; work smarter not harder 🙂
The Ingredients:
1lb of ground beef (I get mine from Seven Stars Farm (https://sevenstarsfarm.com/our-farm-store ) in Phoenixville, PA, when I can but the one pictured is from Whole Foods and is grass fed since I’m overdue for a farm visit)
Fire roasted red peppers
Green chilies
Tomato paste
Bell red pepper
Chili packet seasoning (or you can make your own but when I don’t feel like it, this is a quick alternative)
Spicy black beans ( or regular if you like your chili less spicy)
The Recipe:
I throw in the beef first, then all of the canned ingredients, the freshly cut red pepper, then sprinkle the chili mix on top.
Cook 6-8 hours on low depending on our slow cooker. Mine usually finishes in about 6-7 hours. If you need it quicker, you can cook on high for 4 hours. When it is close to being fully cooked, I take my spatula an break up the meat.
I like to top with sharp cheddar cheese but it is not necessary. (I use a block of sharp cheddar vs. shredded cheese to avoid non-caking agents which can contain GMO’s and preservatives that i’d prefer to do without.)
I also serve with a side of kodiak cakes cornbread ( I find mine at Target). It has 10 grams of protein per serving to add to this already protein-filled meal. I prefer this over traditional cornbread as it actually has some nutritional value and isn’t just empty calories/carbs. If you’re looking cut some carbs, skip the cornbread 🙂 It is just as filling without it and the beans will meet your carb desires 🙂
The Nutritional Facts:
(estimated)
Servings: about 5
approximate nutritional facts per serving:
280 calories
26 grams of protein
8 grams of fat
30 grams of carbs