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Big Bowl Chili
ChiliDinnerHealthy Eating

Big Bowl Chili

Stewart Lucas
By Stewart Lucas, Chief Culinary Specialist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Evans, RDN, LDNPublished: September 1, 2024Last Updated: June 15, 2026
30 mins
Easy
4 Servings
★★★★★ 4.9 (34 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Big Bowl Chili offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • ✓Delivers 40g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 400 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Big Bowl Chili offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Big Bowl Chili to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Big Bowl Chili, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
  • 4 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 medium sized onions -- chopped
  • 2 red bell peppers -- diced into 1/2" piec
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 3 pounds chuck or sirloin beef -- cut into 1 1/2" cube
  • 2 (28 oz.) cans plum tomatoes crushed with j
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1 (16 oz.) can garbanzo beans -- drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • cup cooked rice (optional)
  • 8 scallions -- sliced thin for garn
  • 1 cup plain yogurt for garnish (optional)

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

  • Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
  • Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

Place oil in large heavy casserole over low heat, wilt the onions, red peppers and garlic for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Remove vegetables with a slotted spoon; set aside

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Raise heat to medium and brown meat in small batches

Step 4: Technique & Execution

Then add meat back to casserole, along with onions, peppers and garlic

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Add tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, wine, chili powder, cumin, basil, oregano, salt and pepper

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Cook partially covered for 1 1/2 hours

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories400 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein40gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates26gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat22gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Big Bowl Chili

This chef-curated Big Bowl Chili offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

★★★★★4.9 from 34 votes
Big Bowl Chili
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories20% DV
400 kcal
Protein80% DV
40g
Fat28% DV
22g
Carbs9% DV
26g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Animal proteinFirm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas
Cooking fatExtra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter

Instructions

1

Technique & Execution: Place oil in large heavy casserole over low heat, wilt the onions, red peppers and garlic for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally

5:00
2

Technique & Execution: Remove vegetables with a slotted spoon; set aside

3

Technique & Execution: Raise heat to medium and brown meat in small batches

4

Technique & Execution: Then add meat back to casserole, along with onions, peppers and garlic

5

Technique & Execution: Add tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, wine, chili powder, cumin, basil, oregano, salt and pepper

6

Technique & Execution: Cook partially covered for 1 1/2 hours

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Heat in a saucepan or skillet on medium heat until hot throughout.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼

Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?▼

All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

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Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Chief Culinary Specialist

Stewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.

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