Heart Healthy White Bean Chili

(5.0)
By Adam Fisher
Updated 12/23/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Erin McNamara, RDN, LDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Diabetic | Vegan | Vegetarian
Heart Healthy White Bean Chili
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

This heart-healthy white bean chili is the ultimate plant-based comfort food, offering a rich and creamy texture without the need for heavy dairy. By blending a portion of the cannellini beans at the end, you achieve a thick, satisfying consistency that is both low in fat and high in nutrients.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is designed for the slow cooker to help you save time while prioritizing your health. It is a dietitian-approved option that fits perfectly into a weight-loss or low-cholesterol diet, providing a significant 13g of fiber per serving to keep you full and satisfied.

Total Time
255 minutes
Servings
8
Calories
246

What Makes This Heart Healthy White Bean Chili Healthy

This chili focuses on nutrient-dense, whole-food ingredients like fiber-rich cannellini beans and fresh vegetables. By using unsalted vegetable broth and skipping added salt, it remains a low-sodium choice that supports heart health.

Key Health Highlights

  • Fiber-Rich: Each serving provides 13g of dietary fiber to support digestion and heart health.
  • Low Sodium: Containing only 167mg of sodium, this recipe is ideal for those monitoring their salt intake.
  • Plant-Based Protein: Cannellini beans provide 12g of protein per serving without the saturated fat found in red meat.
  • Zero Cholesterol: As a vegan recipe, it is naturally cholesterol-free.
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FAQs About White Bean Chili

Yes, the high fiber and protein content help promote satiety, while the low calorie count (246 per serving) makes it a great volume-friendly meal.

Absolutely. This recipe uses unsweetened almond milk and a blending technique where two cups of the finished chili are pureed and stirred back in for a thick, creamy finish.

Yes, the soluble fiber found in cannellini beans can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels when eaten as part of a balanced diet.

More Heart-Healthy Vegan Recipes

Bring varied and colorful vegan meals to your table with these easy and healthful dishes.

Heart Healthy Pumpkin Pasta with Arugula
Heart Healthy Butternut Squash Risotto
Heart Healthy Eggplant Chickpea Stew

Cozy Slow Cooker Vegetarian Favorites

These comforting, delicious recipes can all be made in the slow cooker for easy, hands-off meal prep.

Heart Healthy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
High Protein Vegetable Soup
Heart Healthy Tomato Bean Chili

Ingredients

Recipe yields 8 servings

Directions

  1. Step 1

    Place the beans and corn kernels in a large crock pot or slow cooker. Set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Add the onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic to a medium mixing bowl and mix to combine. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion mixture and saute until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Add the chiles (undrained), cumin, oregano, chili powder, black pepper and red pepper flakes (if using); cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

  4. Step 4

    Add 1 cup vegetable broth, ½ cup water and ½ cup almond milk and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and pour the mixture into the crock pot over the beans and corn. Add the remaining vegetable broth, water and almond milk and stir to combine.

  5. Step 5

    Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Once done, turn off the crockpot and carefully transfer about 2 heaping cups of the chili into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds. Return to the crock pot and stir to combine. Add the lime juice and stir to combine. Serve and enjoy!

  6. Step 6

    Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1 cup

246
Calories
5
g
Fat
0
mg
Cholesterol
167
mg
Sodium
42
g
Carbs
0
g
Sat. Fat
13
g
Fiber
12
g
Protein
4
g
Sugars

Alternative Cooking Methods

If you don't have a slow cooker, you can prepare this on the stovetop. After sautéing the vegetables and spices in a large pot, add all remaining ingredients (except lime juice) and simmer over low heat for 45–60 minutes. Proceed with the blending step as directed.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Serve warm with fresh garnishes like sliced avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of extra lime juice. 
  • Pairing Suggestion: Pair this chili with a side of Heart Healthy Corn Bread or a crisp green salad with  Green Goddess Dressing for a complete, balanced meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for up to one month.

Ingredient Substitutions

Add 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breast to the slow cooker at the start; shred the chicken before serving.

Substitute the almond milk with light coconut milk or stir in a dollop of plain Greek yogurt before serving.

Great Northern beans or navy beans work perfectly if cannellini beans are unavailable.

Increase the red pepper flakes or add an extra can of diced green chiles for more heat.

Stir in chopped kale or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra greens.

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