Skip to main content
Epicurious

Lighter Beef Chili

WHY IT’S LIGHT For beefy taste without excess fat, use ground sirloin instead of chuck. This chili is also bulked up with extra portions of beans and tomatoes. Briefly cooking the cocoa, chili powder, and tomato paste before adding the beef helps intensify their flavors.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 6

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil, such as safflower
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 pound ground beef sirloin
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes in juice
2 cans (15.5 ounces each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
Assorted toppings, such as reduced-fat sour cream, sliced scallions, and baked tortilla chips, for serving (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stiring frequently, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes.

    Step 2

    Add tomato paste, chili powder, and cocoa powder. Cook, stirring, until mixture is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add beef and cook, breaking up meat with a spoon, until no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes.

    Step 3

    Add tomatoes (with their juice) and beans. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce to a simmer, and cook until chili is slightly thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve with toppings, as desired.

  2. nutrition information

    Step 4

    (Per Serving)

    Step 5

    Calories: 221

    Step 6

    Fat: 7g (1.9g Saturated Fat)

    Step 7

    Protein: 20.7g

    Step 8

    Carbohydrates: 22.9g

    Step 9

    Fiber: 5.5g

Everyday Food: Light
TagsChiliStewSoup/StewGround BeefBeefMeatCanned TomatoTomatoVegetablePinto BeanBean and LegumeMainDinnerNut FreeGluten FreeDairy FreeEasyOne-Pot MealsQuickWeeknight Meals30 Minutes or LessSimmerWinterCookbooks
Read More
Mango Sticky Rice
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
Easy Egg Custard
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
Simple Hot Cocoa for One
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
Béchamel Sauce
This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.
Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad
Crunchy and crowd-pleasing, this salad can be prepared in advance and customized to your heart’s content.
Chicken Meatballs With Sesame Green Beans
Baking meatballs and green beans on two sides of the same sheet pan streamlines the cooking process for this saucy, savory dinner.
Dulce de Leche
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
Sun Gold Tomato Pasta With Pistachio Gremolata
A garlicky pistachio topping takes this sunny summer pasta from good to great.