Low Sodium Classic Meat Chili

Warm, hearty, and packed with bold flavor, this Low Sodium Classic Meat Chili is a healthier take on the ultimate comfort food. Combining tender, lean ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, protein-rich low-sodium beans, and no-salt-added tomatoes, this recipe is crafted to deliver all the richness of traditional chili without the excessive sodium. Enhanced with a perfectly balanced blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano, each spoonful bursts with aromatic spices while maintaining a heart-smart profile. Ready in just over an hour, this one-pot wonder is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead. Customize it with your favorite toppings, like fresh green onions or creamy Greek yogurt, for a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (preferably 90% lean)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, no salt added
• 15 ounces red kidney beans, low sodium, drained and rinsed
• 15 ounces black beans, low sodium, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste, no salt added
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1 cup water or low sodium beef broth

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

Step 3

Transfer the beef to a plate, leaving behind the fat and juices in the pot.

Step 4

In the same pot, add the diced onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Return the browned beef to the pot along with the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and tomato paste.

Step 6

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, oregano, and bay leaf.

Step 7

Pour in the water or beef broth and stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

After 45 minutes, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, add optional low sodium hot sauce for additional heat.

Step 10

Serve hot in bowls, and enjoy your low sodium classic meat chili with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2648.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2064.1

Total Fat 72.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 22.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 313.1mg	0%
Sodium 1201.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 220.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 70.8g	0%
Total Sugars 44.5g
Protein 155.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 557.1mg	0%
Iron 34.8mg	0%
Potassium 6342.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.3%

Protein: 28.8%

Carbs: 40.8%