Name: Skinny Taco Chili (Crock-pot or Stove-top)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 495 min
Ingredients: 1 pound extra lean ground beef or 99% fat-free ground turkey breast; 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes or 2 (14.5-oz) cans diced tomatoes; 1 (15-oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce; 1½ cups onion, chopped; 1 cup frozen corn, defrosted; 1 packet taco seasoning (1-ounce), ( I like Lawry’s Taco Seasonings or use your favorite); 1 tablespoon cumin; 1 tablespoon chili powder; Tomatoes, chopped; Reduced-fat cheese, shredded or dairy-free cheese; Corn tortillas, cut into pieces (look for gluten-free); Onions or scallions, chopped

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The perfect back-to-school night dinner. This chili is fabulous and fiber-rich. In fact, each cup contains 9 grams of fiber! It’s so versatile too. Serve in individual bowls and let everyone top their own, stuff a baked potato or create a taco salad. Each cup, made with extra lean ground beef, has 230 calories and 2 grams of fat I love to freeze in individual servings for several quick, weekday meals.

Skinny Taco Chili (Crock-pot or Stove-top)

Why You'll Love My Skinny Taco Chili

Imagine a chili that bursts with the familiar, beloved taste of tacos, yet is crafted with a focus on wellness. This "Skinny Taco Chili," adaptable for both slow cookers and stovetops, offers a delicious solution for those seeking a satisfying, low-calorie meal. Packed with lean protein, hearty beans, and the vibrant spices synonymous with your favorite tacos, it's a dish designed for both convenience and flavor. Whether you're planning a casual weeknight dinner, prepping meals for the week, or looking for a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings, this chili delivers a comforting, guilt-free experience that doesn't compromise on taste.

Ingredients For Skinny Taco Chili

Extra lean ground beef or 99% fat-free ground turkey breast:

Lean Protein Powerhouse: Provides a high-quality, lean protein source, essential for muscle maintenance and satiety, with minimal fat.
Deep Savory Flavor: Contributes a rich, meaty flavor that forms the savory foundation of the chili.
Textural Foundation: Ground meat creates a hearty, satisfying texture that binds the other ingredients.
Reduced Fat Content: Choosing extra lean options significantly reduces saturated fat, making the chili healthier.

Diced tomatoes:

Acidic Flavor Base: Adds a bright, acidic tomato flavor that balances the richness of the meat and spices.
Moisture and Body: Contributes moisture and body to the chili, preventing it from being dry.
Textural Elements: Provides small, soft chunks that add texture to the chili.
Vitamin C Source: Provides a good source of vitamin C.

Kidney beans, rinsed and drained:

Creamy Heartiness: Adds a creamy, hearty texture and a mild, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Fiber and Protein Source: Provides a significant source of fiber and plant-based protein, promoting satiety and digestive health.
Nutrient Richness: Offers essential vitamins and minerals, including iron and potassium.

Black beans, rinsed and drained:

Earthy Sweetness: Adds a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and a firm texture that contributes to the chili's depth.
Fiber and Protein Boost: Provides a good source of fiber and plant-based protein, enhancing the chili's nutritional value.
Textural Contrast: Offers a textural contrast to the kidney beans, creating a more dynamic eating experience.

Tomato sauce:

Concentrated Tomato Intensity: Provides a smooth, concentrated tomato base that deepens the chili's tomato flavor.
Thickening Power: Acts as a thickening agent, contributing to the chili's rich, hearty consistency.
Flavor Binding Agent: Helps bind the flavors of the other ingredients together, creating a cohesive dish.

Chopped onion:

Aromatic Foundation: Releases aromatic compounds when cooked, creating a savory foundation for the chili's flavor.
Sweetness Development: As they sauté, onions caramelize, releasing natural sugars and adding a subtle sweetness.
Textural Contribution: Softens during cooking, adding a tender texture to the chili.

Defrosted frozen corn:

Sweet and Crunchy Pop: Adds a touch of sweetness and a satisfyingly crunchy texture that complements the other ingredients.
Visual Brightness: Contributes a vibrant yellow color, enhancing the chili's visual appeal.
Nutritional Value: Provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C and folate.

Taco seasoning packet:

Convenient Spice Blend: Provides a convenient and pre-measured blend of classic taco spices, including chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano.
Signature Taco Flavor: Creates the signature taco flavor profile that defines the chili's unique taste.
Simplified Seasoning: Simplifies the seasoning process, making the chili quick and easy to prepare.

Cumin:

Earthy Warmth and Depth: Adds an earthy, warm depth that is essential to the chili's flavor profile.
Aromatic Complexity: Releases a warm, aromatic scent that enhances the overall sensory experience.
Digestive Benefits: Cumin has digestive benefits.

Chili powder:

Warm, Earthy Spice: Adds a warm, earthy spice that is characteristic of chili.
Flavor Depth and Complexity: Contributes to the overall depth of flavor, enhancing the savory notes of the dish.
Mild Heat: Adds a mild, pleasant heat that complements the other spices.

Optional Toppings:

Chopped tomatoes: Adds a burst of fresh, acidic flavor and a juicy texture.
Shredded reduced-fat or dairy-free cheese: Adds a creamy, savory richness and a melty texture.
Corn tortilla pieces: Adds a crunchy, textural element and a subtle corn flavor.
Chopped onions or scallions: Adds a fresh, pungent flavor and a crisp texture.

How to Make Skinny Taco Chili: Crock-Pot or Stove-Top

Method 1: Crock-Pot Preparation

Brown the Meat:
- In a large nonstick pan, brown 1 pound of extra lean ground beef or 99% fat-free ground turkey breast over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until crumbled.
- Drain any excess fat from the browned meat using a colander. This step is crucial for reducing the fat content of the chili.
Combine Ingredients:
- Add the browned meat to the Crock-Pot.
- Mix in 1 (28 oz) can of diced tomatoes (or 2 (14.5-oz) cans), 1 (15-oz) can of rinsed and drained kidney beans, 1 (15-oz) can of rinsed and drained black beans, 1 (8-oz) can of tomato sauce, 1½ cups of chopped onion, 1 cup of defrosted frozen corn, 1 (1-ounce) packet of taco seasoning, 1 tablespoon of cumin, and 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
Slow Cook:
- Cover the Crock-Pot and cook on LOW heat for 9 hours or on HIGH heat for 5 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the ingredients to become tender.
Serve:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with optional toppings on the side, allowing everyone to customize their own bowl.

Method 2: Stove-Top Preparation

Brown the Meat:
- In a large nonstick pan, brown 1 pound of extra lean ground beef or 99% fat-free ground turkey breast over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until crumbled.
- Drain any excess fat from the browned meat and return the meat to the pan.
Soften the Onions:
- Place 1½ cups of chopped onions in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cook in the microwave on high for 4 to 5 minutes, or until softened. This helps to release their aromatic flavors.
- Add the cooked onions to the pan of meat.
Combine and Simmer:
- Stir in 1 (28 oz) can of diced tomatoes (or 2 (14.5-oz) cans), 1 (15-oz) can of rinsed and drained kidney beans, 1 (15-oz) can of rinsed and drained black beans, 1 (8-oz) can of tomato sauce, 1 cup of defrosted frozen corn, 1 (1-ounce) packet of taco seasoning, 1 tablespoon of cumin, and 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the flavors have melded and the chili has thickened slightly.
Serve:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with optional toppings on the side, allowing everyone to customize their own bowl.

Optional Toppings:

Chopped tomatoes
Shredded reduced-fat cheese or dairy-free cheese
Corn tortilla pieces (gluten-free option)
Chopped onions or scallions

Tips for Success:

Lean Meat: Using extra lean ground beef or 99% fat-free ground turkey breast is essential for a healthier chili.
Fat Drainage: Draining the fat after browning the meat is crucial for reducing the fat content.
Onion Softening: Softening the onions in the microwave speeds up the stove-top cooking process.
Simmering Time: Adjust the simmering time on the stove-top to achieve your desired chili consistency.
Flavor Adjustment: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder to your preferred spice level.
Freezing: This chili freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
Customizable Toppings: Providing a variety of toppings allows everyone to personalize their bowl.
Bean Rinsing: Rinsing and draining canned beans helps to remove excess sodium.

Helpful Tips About this Recipe

Makes 8 cups total (each serving 1 cup)

Shopping Tips
Looking to buy a crock-pot? Here’s one of my favorites:
Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S 6-Quart Programmable Cook and Carry Oval Slow Cooker, Digital Timer, Stainless Steel

There are some yummy dairy-free cheeses these days. I love Follow Your Heart's Smoked Gouda or Vio Life's Smoked Provolone. It comes in slices. You can easily break it into small pieces..

WW Freestyle Points 1-Blue (made with extra lean ground beef
WW SmartPoints 6-Green (made with extra lean ground beef

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 cup made with 99% fat-free ground turkey
230 calories, 2g fat, 0g sat.fat, 35g chol, 23g protein, 36g carbs, 9g fiber, 856mg sodium, 5g sugar

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 cup made with extra lean ground beef
245 calories, 4g fat, 1g sat. fat, 30g chol, 21g protein, 36g carbs, 9g fiber, 856g sodium, 5g sugar
FACTS: for Freetyle Points (made with extra lean ground beef
65 calories, 1g sat. fat, 11g protein, 0g sugar