12 Heart Healthy Chili Recipes

By Candace Braun Zafirellis
Updated 4/4/2025
12 Heart Healthy Chili Recipes

Chili is one of those classic comfort foods that can warm you up and satisfy your hunger in a hurry. But did you know that a couple of easy ingredient swaps can turn many traditional chili recipes into a heart healthy meal or hearty snack? 

Here are a few smart ingredient swaps to make your favorite chili into a heart healthy recipe:

  • Make a high protein, low fat chili by using lean proteins instead of high fat meat
  • Include fiber-rich beans and vegetables tp help lower the saturated fat
  • Use reduced sodium broths and sauces
  • Kick up the flavor factor with more spices instead of salt

Or you can give one of our chef-tested healthy chili recipes a try this weekend. Our Health eCooks chefs worked with registered dietitians to create 12 delicious heart healthy chili recipes packed with healthy ingredients such as tomatoes, which are high in lycopene, and beans, which provide plenty of fiber to help reduce cholesterol. Whether you prefer a traditional ground beef chili or a lighter vegetarian chili, we have a heart healthy dinner idea for every chili lover.

All of these chili recipes can be made ahead of time. Chilli freezes well, and it's ideal for dinner meal prep. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or whipping up a weeknight family dinner, these healthy chili recipes offer bold flavors and health benefits in every bite. 

Try One of These Flavorful and Heart Healthy Chili Recipes

Each chili recipe on this list is carefully crafted to include wholesome ingredients that support a heart healthy diet while delivering the rich, comforting taste you love.

  1. 01

    Black Bean and Hominy Chili

    Heart Healthy Black Bean and Hominy Chili
    45 mins

    This vegan recipe for chili combines black beans and hominy for a fiber-packed dish that promotes heart health and improves digestion. It’s low in saturated fat and high in plant-based protein.

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  2. 02

    Tomato Bean Chili

    Heart Healthy Tomato Bean Chili
    30 mins

    This vegetarian chili is loaded with antioxidant-rich tomatoes and fiber-packed beans to help maintain healthy blood pressure. The low fat ingredients in this recipe are generously spiced to produce rich flavors that make this a comforting, heart-smart meal.

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  3. 03

    Beef Chili

    Heart Healthy Beef Chili
    75 mins

    Here’s one of our favorite healthy ground beef recipes. This healthy chili is made with lean ground beef, delivering high quality protein without excess saturated fat. It’s perfect for a heart healthy diet while still satisfying your craving for classic chili flavor.

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  4. 04

    Harvest Chili

    Heart Healthy Harvest Chili
    60 mins

    Enhanced with butternut squash and zucchini, this healthy ground beef chili is bursting with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s a colorful and delicious recipe to support your heart.

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  5. 05

    Texas Chili

    Heart Healthy Texas Chili
    60 mins

    Lean flank steak is the star of this chili, complemented by cocoa and molasses for a unique, smoky flavor. It’s low in unhealthy fats and high in flavor, making it a great heart healthy choice.

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  6. 06

    Butternut Squash Chili

    Heart Healthy Butternut Squash Chili
    60 mins

    This vegetarian chili highlights sweet and nutrient-rich butternut squash, providing antioxidants and fiber. It’s a warm, comforting dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious.

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  7. 07

    White Bean Chili

    Heart Healthy White Bean Chili
    255 mins

    Packed with white beans and corn, this chili offers plant-based protein and fiber to support heart health. Its simple ingredients make it both nourishing and easy to prepare.

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  8. 08

    Chili Cheese Corn Waffles

    Heart Healthy Chili Cheese Corn Waffles
    60 mins

    This creative recipe pairs hearty chili with whole grain corn waffles, adding a fun twist to your heart healthy meal. It’s high in fiber and lean protein, making it a low sodium dinner option.

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  9. 09

    Turkey Chili

    Heart Healthy Turkey Chili
    30 mins

    Made with lean ground turkey, this chili is low in saturated fat and calories. It’s a light, satisfying meal you can enjoy on a heart healthy diet.

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  10. 10

    White Chicken Chili

    Healthy White Chicken Chili
    375 mins

    Shredded chicken breast and white beans combine to create a flavorful dish that's high in protein and low in fat.

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  11. 11

    Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

    Heart Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
    200 mins

    This slow cooker recipe for chili features lean turkey breast and a mix of heart friendly vegetables cooked to perfection in the crock pot. It’s a low sodium recipe that can simmer all day while you’re away and deliver a nutrient-packed one pot meal.

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  12. 12

    White Bean Chicken Chili

    Heart Healthy White Bean Chicken Chili
    375 mins

    White beans and tender chicken come together in this chili to provide a high fiber, high protein meal that's low in fat and brimming with flavor, ideal for a heart healthy dinner.

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