Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that won't derail your healthy eating goals? Look no further! This Weight Watchers Chilli Con Carne recipe is packed with deliciousness and is surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this chili is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It's a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can be both delicious and healthy. This recipe balances satisfying flavors with Weight Watchers-friendly ingredients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Get ready to experience the perfect blend of comfort food and healthy eating!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, shredded cheese (use sparingly), avocado
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
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Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Simmer the chili: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with your favorite toppings like a dollop of plain Greek yogurt (a healthier alternative to sour cream), a sprinkle of shredded cheese (use sparingly to keep it Weight Watchers friendly), or some sliced avocado.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chili:
- Use lean ground beef: This will significantly reduce the fat content of your chili.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with spices: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat.
- Simmer for longer: The longer you simmer the chili, the more flavorful it will become.
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week for easy, healthy meals.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Omit the ground beef and add 1 cup of cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Chicken Chili: Substitute 1 lb of cooked and shredded chicken breast for the ground beef.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of chipotle powder or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It’s best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values based on your ingredients.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
- Fiber: Approximately 15-20g
This Weight Watchers Chilli Con Carne recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy food recipes. It's a quick dinner idea, an easy recipe for beginners, and a truly satisfying dish for everyone. Enjoy!