Healthy Make-Ahead Family Chili | High Protein, Veggie Loaded & Kid Friendly

This healthy, high-protein chili is one of my go-to make-ahead dinners for busy weeknights! 🍲
It’s loaded with lean ground beef, beans, and veggies, and it’s hearty enough to keep the whole family full — even the kids love it!

As a full-time working mom, I don’t have time to make chili from scratch after a long day. So I usually make it on the weekend or after work for the next day’s dinner. It reheats beautifully, and it’s perfect for meal prep!


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👩‍🍳 Ingredients:

1 kg lean ground beef

2 cans mixed beans (rinsed & drained)

2 carrots

1 onion

2–3 cloves garlic

1 bell pepper (any color)

1 zucchini

1½ cups diced tomatoes

500 ml tomato sauce

4 cups broth (or 4 tsp bouillon powder mixed with boiling water)

1 packet taco seasoning

1 tbsp chili powder

½ tbsp sweet paprika

¼ tbsp everything powder (I use Bulk Barn’s — or use Vegeta!)

Salt & pepper to taste

1 tbsp olive oil (divided: ½ for browning meat, ½ for sautéing veggies)



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🔥 Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef with ½ tbsp olive oil, then drain.


2. In the same pot, add the remaining ½ tbsp olive oil and sauté all chopped veggies (except the beans).


3. Stir in your spices and seasonings, then add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes.


4. Add the browned beef, beans, and broth. Stir well.


5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.



This makes about 8 hearty servings (1.5 cups each) and stores great in the fridge for up to 5 days — or freeze for later!


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🧮 Nutrition (per serving):

285 calories | 26g protein | 20g carbs | 10g fat | 6g fiber


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💡 Serving ideas:

Serve it over rice, quinoa, baked potatoes, or just as-is with a sprinkle of cheese or avocado on top!