Heart-Healthy Harvest Chili

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 12/26/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Diabetic
Heart Healthy Harvest Chili
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

Our Heart-Healthy Harvest Chili is a fragrant, filling, and irresistibly delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the season. Diced tomatoes, butternut squash, and lean ground beef combine for a wholesome, autumn-inspired main dish that fits perfectly into a cardiac diet or a plan to manage high cholesterol.

Whether you are looking for a low-calorie recipe high on flavor or a kid-friendly meal that has them asking for seconds, this hearty comfort food delivers. With 17 grams of protein per serving and only 169 calories, it is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a high-protein beef chili for weight loss.

Total Time
60 minutes
Servings
24
Calories
169

What Makes This Heart-Healthy Harvest Chili Healthy

This recipe prioritizes heart health by using lean proteins and fiber-rich vegetables to create a satisfying meal without the high saturated fat found in traditional chili. By swapping heavy fats for nutrient-dense butternut squash and zucchini, you get a creamy texture and seasonal flavor that supports a low-cholesterol lifestyle.

Key Health Highlights

  • Lean Ground Beef: Uses 90% lean beef to keep saturated fat and cholesterol levels in check.
  • Antioxidant-Rich Squash: Butternut squash provides a "secret ingredient" boost of Vitamin A and fiber.
  • Low-Sodium Foundation: Utilizes reduced-sodium tomato sauce to help manage blood pressure.
  • Weight Loss Friendly: Only 169 calories with 17g of protein to keep you full longer.
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FAQs About Heart-Healthy Harvest Chili

Yes! By using lean beef and low-sodium ingredients like we do here, chili can be a heart-healthy staple.

Butternut squash is our secret: it adds a natural sweetness and creamy texture without extra fat or sugar.

Brown the beef first, then combine all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

More Heart-Healthy Chili Favorites

Change up your chili game with these recipes that use a variety of fiber-rich beans and lean proteins to create flavorful, satisfying dishes.

Heart Healthy Black Bean and Hominy Chili
Heart Healthy Turkey Chili
Heart Healthy White Bean Chicken Chili

Cozy Fall Soups & Stews

There’s no better autumn comfort food than a warming bowl of velvety soup or hearty stew! Try one of these healthy recipes that are rich with the flavors of fall.

Heart Healthy Butternut Squash Soup
Heart Healthy Beef Stew
Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Ingredients

Recipe yields 24 servings

Helpful How-To Video

Directions

  1. Step 1

    In a large saucepan, brown the beef over medium heat. In a colander, drain the beef over a bowl and discard the fat. Set the beef aside.

  2. Step 2

    Lightly coat the same saucepan with nonstick cooking spray. Add onion, celery, squash and garlic and sauté over medium heat until onion is translucent. Add the reserved beef, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and paprika and stir.

  3. Step 3

    Add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with their liquid and stir. Add the crushed beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar and stir. Simmer on low, covered, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 30 minutes, or until the squash is almost tender. Add the zucchini and stir.Continue to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until zucchini is tender. Serve with the cheddar, raw onions and crackers, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
3/4 cup

169
Calories
7
g
Fat
50
mg
Cholesterol
289
mg
Sodium
8
g
Carbs
3
g
Sat. Fat
2
g
Fiber
17
g
Protein

Alternative Cooking Methods: Slow Cooker/Crockpot

To make this in a Slow Cooker (Crockpot), brown the lean beef in a skillet first and drain the fat. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker along with all ingredients except the zucchini. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours; add the zucchini during the final 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Serve this chili warm, topped with a sprinkle of low-fat cheddar or fresh chopped onions. 
  • Serve it with a slice of Heart-Healthy Corn Bread or whole wheat crackers for added crunch. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a Greek Yogurt Dressing.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 
  • Because this recipe serves 24, it is excellent for meal prep; freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute 90% lean ground turkey or chicken for an even leaner profile.

If butternut squash is unavailable, diced sweet potatoes or pumpkin chunks work beautifully.

While this is a bean-free recipe, you can add 15 oz of rinsed kidney beans for extra fiber.

Add a diced jalapeño or an extra tablespoon of chili powder for a bolder kick.

Omit the beef and double the amount of squash, zucchini, and celery; use vegetable bouillon instead of beef; use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce or replace with soy sauce.

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