The Ultimate Low Calorie Chili
The Ultimate Low Calorie Chili (Low Calorie, High Protein & Meal Prep Friendly)
If you’ve ever thought chili had to be a calorie bomb, this recipe is about to change your mind. The Ultimate Low Calorie Chili is inspired by the comforting flavors of Steak ‘n Shake’s Cincinnati-style chili, but it’s my own lighter, protein-packed version that’s rich, velvety, and loaded with bold flavor.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is that it isn’t just dinner. It’s one of my favorite foundation recipes because one pot turns into several completely different meals throughout the week. From Low Calorie Chili Mac (Steak ‘n Shake Inspired) to Chili ‘s-Inspired Low Calorie Chili Queso Dip, Chili Egg Bake, loaded baked potatoes, chili dogs, and more, this recipe works just as hard as you do. Cook once and enjoy it five different ways.
On paper, this recipe sounds a little unconventional. It combines 93% lean ground beef, a custom blend of steakhouse seasonings, a generous drizzle of chili oil, protein-packed beef bone broth, and even a hidden scoop of unflavored protein powder. The result is a rich, savory chili with incredible depth of flavor, fewer calories, and enough protein to keep you full and satisfied.
One of my favorite comfort foods has always been Steak ‘n Shake’s Chili 5-Way, and that’s exactly where the inspiration began. My daughter has always loved bold, spicy flavors, so over the years I kept layering in extra seasonings until this recipe developed a personality all its own. It still reminds me of the chili that inspired it, but it’s richer, bolder, higher in protein, and unmistakably ours.
Honestly? I wouldn’t change a thing.
One Pot, Five Ways
One batch of this chili becomes so much more than dinner. Be sure to try it in my:
- Low Calorie Chili Mac (Steak ‘n Shake Inspired)
- Chili’s-Inspired High-Protein Chili Queso Dip
- Chili Egg Bake
- Low Calorie Chili Dogs
- Low Calorie Loaded Chili Potatoes
Why This Chili Works for
93% Lean Ground Beef
Provides plenty of protein while keeping the fat and calories lower than traditional chili recipes.
Chili Oil Sear
Searing the beef in chili oil blooms the spices and builds rich, bold flavor while helping keep the meat juicy.
Protein-Packed Bone Broth
Cooking with beef bone broth adds even more protein while creating a rich, savory base that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
The Hidden Protein Boost
A scoop of unflavored protein powder disappears right into the chili, adding extra protein without changing the flavor or texture.
The Best High-Protein Chili Recipe: Easy, Hearty & Healthy
The best high-protein chili recipe that's easy to make, hearty enough to satisfy, and healthy enough to fit your goals. Packed with lean protein, bold chili flavor, and wholesome ingredients, this one-pot comfort food is perfect for meal prep, game day, or a cozy family dinner. Best of all, each generous 1 1/2 cup serving is just 221 calories and 25 grams of protein.
Why You'll Love This High-Protein ChiliIf you're craving a warm, comforting bowl of chili without blowing your nutrition goals, this recipe delivers on every level. It's thick, hearty, packed with protein, and tastes like it's been simmering all day, even though it's simple enough for a busy weeknight.
You'll love this recipe because it:
- Packs a serious protein punch to help keep you full.
- Delivers classic, rich chili flavor with simple ingredients.
- Comes together easily in one pot with minimal cleanup.
- Makes fantastic leftovers for meal prep.
- Freezes beautifully for future busy nights.
- Is family-friendly and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
- Fits a high-protein lifestyle without sacrificing comfort food.
Every ingredient in this chili has a purpose, creating layers of flavor while keeping protein high and calories reasonable.
- Lean ground beef provides rich, meaty flavor while keeping the fat content lower than traditional chili.
- Beans add fiber, texture, and even more protein to help make every bowl satisfying.
- Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce create the rich, hearty chili base.
- Onion and garlic build deep savory flavor from the very first bite.
- Chili seasoning and spices bring warmth, smokiness, and just the right amount of kick.
- Broth helps everything simmer together into a thick, flavorful chili.
- Optional protein boosters (if using in your recipe) increase protein without changing the classic taste.
One of the best things about this chili is how versatile it is. It isn't just dinner. It becomes multiple meals throughout the week.
Serve it:
- Loaded with shredded cheese, Greek yogurt or light sour cream, and green onions.
- With protein cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Over a baked potato or sweet potato.
- Spooned over rice or cauliflower rice.
- On top of hot dogs for protein chili dogs.
- Over air fryer fries for homemade chili cheese fries.
- Inside burritos, wraps, or tacos.
- Over protein spaghetti for an easy chili 3- Way
- Topped with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.
- With sliced avocado, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor and crunch.
No matter how you serve it, this high-protein chili is one of those recipes that somehow tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers and meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 Scoop of Isopure unflavored protein powder
- 1 pound 93% lean ground beef
- 1 package already diced onions (yes, I'm a wuss. It's tough these days with a bum shoulder), but you can dice your own
- 3 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans with the liquid
- 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans with the liquid
- 1 1/3 ounce) containers of (Kettle & Fire Organic Turmeric Ginger Chicken Bone Broth)
- 2 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Roasted Beef Base
- 1 packet chili seasoning
- Guy Fieri Flavortown Ultimate Steak Butter Rub, Garlic Herb
- Cumin about 4 shakes
- Crushed Red Pepper, about 2 shakes
- Steak 'n Shake Seasoning, to taste
- Cajun Seasoning, to taste
- 4 tbsp Private Selection Chili Crisp Oil
- 1/2 a can of no sugar added Manwich
- Chipotle Seasoning (about 3-4 shakes)
- Cowboy Butter Seasoning (about 3-4 shakes)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- While the beef cooks, season it generously with the Guy Fieri Flavortown Ultimate Steak Butter Rub, Steak 'n Shake Seasoning, Cajun Seasoning, and chili oil. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
- Do not drain the beef. The seasoned drippings become part of the chili, adding incredible flavor.
- Add the diced onions, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, kidney beans (with the liquid), black beans (with the liquid), beef bone broth, Better Than Bouillon, chili seasoning packet, and one scoop of unflavored beef protein powder directly to your crockpot.
- Stir everything together until the protein powder is completely dissolved.
Add the seasoned ground beef and all of the drippings to the crockpot, then stir once more. - Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours (or High for 3 to 4 hours).
- Taste before serving and adjust the seasonings if needed.
Notes
Andi's Tips
Don't drain the ground beef. I season the beef while it cooks, so those flavorful drippings become part of the chili instead of getting poured down the sink.
Don't drain or rinse the beans. The bean liquid adds flavor and body to the chili, creating a richer, heartier broth as everything simmers together.
This chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Leftovers are fantastic on baked potatoes, hot dogs, or as the base for my High-Protein Chili Mac.
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