As the leaves start to turn and a crispness fills the air, my thoughts turn to hearty meals that warm both the heart and belly. There’s something magical about coming home after a long day to find the delicious aroma of chili wafting through the house, making the entire atmosphere feel cozy and inviting. One of my all-time favorites? This Healthy Slow Cooker Chipotle Bean Chili. It’s a dish that never fails to bring comfort, warmth, and a little bit of spice to the table. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this chili has a way of bringing people together.
So grab your slow cooker, and let’s get cooking! I promise you’re going to love how simple and satisfying this recipe is.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Weeknight Dinner: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and relax!
- Budget-Friendly: Packed with beans and veggies, it’s healthy and economical.
- Comforting Flavors: Smoky chipotle and earthy spices make every bite irresistibly good.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels and add your favorite toppings.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Makes great leftovers for an easy lunch or dinner later!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this beautiful bowl of goodness:
- 1 cup dried black beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup dried kidney beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh adds more punch than powder!)
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 2-3 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing the veggies)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese for topping (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to dive into the process? Here’s how you do it:
- Prep the Veggies: If you’re sautéing, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrots, cooking until they soften – about 5-7 minutes. This step isn’t necessary, but it really deepens the flavor! (You can skip this if you’re in a rush and just throw everything in the slow cooker raw.)
- Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the beans, sautéed veggies (or raw if you’re skipping that step), diced tomatoes, chipotle in adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a little stir to mix everything together.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring everything is well covered. If it looks a little dry, don’t hesitate to add a bit more broth or water!
- Set It and Forget It: Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 4 to 5 hours. Your kitchen will slowly fill with a delightful aroma that makes it hard to wait!
- Final Seasoning: Once the cooking time is up, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add a pinch more salt or another splash of chipotle sauce if you like it spicier.
Pro Tips & Variations
Here are a few tips and ideas to make this dish your own:
- Spice it Up: For more heat, add diced jalapeños or an extra tablespoon of chipotle.
- Protein Boost: Stir in some cooked ground turkey or chicken for added protein if you like. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly!
- Vegetable Lovers: Toss in some zucchini or corn during the last hour of cooking for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Beans Galore: Feel free to mix and match different beans! Pinto beans or cannellini beans would be delightful.
- Flavor Enhancers: A splash of lime juice just before serving brightens up the flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This chili is already a star on its own, but serving it with a few extras takes it over the top:
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread on the side is absolutely heavenly.
- Rice or Quinoa: For a more filling meal, serve over a bed of rice or quinoa.
- Fresh Salad: A light mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette makes a refreshing pairing.
- Your Favorite Toppings: Don’t forget the toppings! Diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of cheese really elevate each bowl.
Storage Tips
This chili makes great leftovers, so you’ll want to know how to save some for later:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
- Freezing: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems thick!
FAQs
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using two cans each of black and kidney beans is a great shortcut. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before using.
How can I make it spicier?
If you love heat, add extra chipotle in adobo sauce, diced jalapeños, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can customize it to fit your spice tolerance!
Is this chili vegan?
Yes, this Healthy Slow Cooker Chipotle Bean Chili is completely vegan as long as you use vegetable broth and skip any animal-based toppings. It’s deliciously plant-powered!
What sides go well with chili?
Chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or even a light salad. You could also go for tortilla chips for some crunch!
Can I make this chili in a stove pot instead of a slow cooker?
Definitely! Just combine all the ingredients in a large pot, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Conclusion
I hope you have as much fun making this Healthy Slow Cooker Chipotle Bean Chili as I do! It’s more than just a meal; it’s a cozy hug on a chilly day. Once you take the first bite, I believe you’ll smile and feel that warmth radiate from your heart to your belly. I’d love to hear how your chili turned out! Have you made any delicious twists on the recipe? Feel free to drop a comment below!
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Incredible Healthy Slow Cooker Chipotle Bean Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Discover the ultimate recipe for chipotle bean chili Enjoy this healthy slow cooker dish packed with flavor and nutrition Perfect for any meal
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
This Healthy Slow Cooker Chipotle Bean Chili is a comforting dish packed with flavor, perfect for any weeknight dinner or gathering with friends. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and makes excellent leftovers!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7 grams
- Fat: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60 grams
- Fiber: 15 grams
- Protein: 18 grams
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