How To Build a Better Bowl of Chili

When it comes to making chili, you’ve got options. Lots and lots of options.

Want beef in your chili to add heartiness and protein? Toss it in the pot. Prefer chicken or turkey? That’ll work, too. Not a meat person? No problem! Tofu can hold a starring role in chili.

Your choices don’t end there, either. A variety of different beans can add flavor and health benefits to chili. Ditto for any number of veggies in your fridge or freezer.

And when it comes to spices … well, how hot do you want your chili to get?

Making a batch of chili is basically a culinary version of a choose-your-own-adventure book. The good news? No matter what decisions you make, odds are you’ll have a tasty meal to serve after a bit of simmering.

But if you’re looking for ideas to add a little extra zing or healthy goodness to your chili, try one (or two or three) of the ingredient ideas on this list from registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD.

Picking a protein

Beef chili is king in many circles — but it’s not exactly the most gentle protein option when it comes to your cardiovascular health. That’s because beef, and red meat in general, is higher in artery-clogging saturated fats.

So, if you’re open to trying something different, Zumpano suggests using one of these proteins in your chili. (Plus, feel good about adding these nutritional benefits.)

• Turkey. (Niacin, selenium.)
• Chicken. (Niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorous, potassium.)
• Pork. (Thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, phosphorous, zinc, selenium.)
• Venison. (Niacin, vitamins B6 and B12, thiamin, riboflavin, phosphorous, zinc.)
• Buffalo. (Niacin, vitamin B12, zinc, selenium.)
• Soy crumbles. (Thiamin, niacin, iron, vitamins B6 and B12.)
• Tofu (fortified). (Calcium, copper, iron, manganese, omega-3 fats, phosphorus, selenium.)

Now, if you just can’t imagine making chili without beef, make sure to grab a leaner cut. Zumpano recommends beef between 85% to 90% lean.

Another option? Mix and match proteins in your chili to cut down on the amount of beef in the pot. A chili with half beef and half chicken, for instance, will have less saturated fat and added taste interest.

Picking a bean

There’s a somewhat heated debate in chili circles about whether beans belong in the recipe. Most of the opposition comes from those who prefer Texas chili, which typically DOES NOT include beans.

Zumpano’s advice? Don’t skip the beans. (Sorry, Texas.)

Beans are chock full of soluble fiber, which offers benefits such as improved heart health, lower cancer risk and better digestion. Fiber also makes you feel fuller, which can keep you from going back for seconds (and help with weight management).

The Mediterranean diet — which many consider the gold standard of eating plans — recommends eating at least three servings of beans or legumes every week.

So, what kind of beans work nicely in chili? Here’s a short (but by no means complete) list:

• Kidney beans. (Fiber, protein, folate, iron, phosphorous, copper, manganese.)
• Black beans. (Fiber, protein, folate, iron, riboflavin, phosphorous, thiamin, manganese.)
• Chickpeas. (Fiber, protein, iron, phosphorous, vitamin B6, folate, manganese.)
• Navy or great northern beans. (Fiber, protein, iron, potassium, folate, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, thiamin.)
• Pinto beans. (Fiber, protein, folate, thiamin, iron, phosphorous, manganese, selenium.)
• Soy or edamame (green soy) beans. (Calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, omega-3 fats, phosphorus, potassium, Vitamin K, folate.)

Adding in veggies

Don’t be shy about adding vegetables to your chili. In fact, Zumpano recommends doubling the veggies in your recipe. (And if your recipe doesn’t include veggies, add them to the ingredient list!)

Veggies add texture and bulk to your dish without bringing extra fat or a ton of calories. Try veggies such as:

• Red or green bell peppers. (Vitamins C, E, B1, B2 and B6, folate.)
• Onions. (Vitamin C and K, fiber, folate, potassium, manganese, iron.)
• Diced tomatoes. (Vitamins C and K, potassium, manganese, iron.)
• Celery. (Fiber, vitamins A, C and K, folate, potassium, manganese.)
• Diced carrots. (Fiber, vitamins A, C and K, potassium.)
• Cubed butternut squash. (Fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, manganese, magnesium.)
• Diced zucchini. (Fiber, vitamins C, K and B6, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, potassium, manganese.)

Spicing it up

A store-bought packet of chili powder is often a go-to for many chili chefs. If you go that route, check labels to avoid added fillers (especially if you’re gluten- or dairy-free) or chemical anti-caking agents.

But don’t be afraid to use dried guajillo, chipotle and ancho chilis to make your own chili powder. Hit your spice rack for some extra zing, too. Options include:

• Cumin. (Iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, calcium).
• Oregano. (Vitamin K, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiviral).
• Coriander. (Copper, manganese, iron, magnesium, anti-inflammatory, phytonutrients, antibacterial.)
• Garlic. (Vitamins C and B6, manganese, immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial.)
• Turmeric. (Iron, manganese, anti-inflammatory.)

Kicking up the heat

Dried, fresh or pickled peppers can differentiate your chili from the pack and bring some serious heat. But while peppers may make your belly feel like it’s on fire, they are actually “firefighters” that can help extinguish inflammation in your body.

Here are a few to try:

• Dried cayenne pepper. (Vitamins A, C, E, K and B6, manganese.)
• Jalapenos/Mexican dried chiles. (Vitamins A, C, K and B6, folate, potassium, manganese, iron, magnesium.)
• Canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce. (Vitamin A, fiber, iron.)

Tantalizing toppings

A good bowl of chili speaks for itself. Why destroy it — and your waistline — by drowning it in high-fat, high-calorie toppings? Avoid processed oyster crackers or saltines and use a light hand when selecting fresh, color-adding finishes.

Any (or all) of these toppings are worth your consideration:

• Red onion. (Fiber, folate, vitamins B6 and C, manganese, potassium, phosphorous.)
• Avocado. (Vitamins C, E, K, B1, B2 and B6, folate, potassium, magnesium, fiber, heart-healthy unsaturated fat.)
• Chopped scallions. (Fiber, vitamins A, C and K, folate, calcium, iron, potassium, manganese.)
• Cilantro. (Vitamins C and K, choline).
• 2% shredded cheese. (Calcium, vitamin D.)
• Sour cream (low-fat or fat-free). (Calcium, vitamin D.)
• Plain Greek yogurt or dairy alternative yogurt (to replace sour cream). (Calcium, vitamin D, protein).

Chili recipes

Not interested in making so many choices just to get a dinner on the table? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. At least one of these six chili recipes should fit your taste.