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Mexican Chili
ChiliDinnerHealthy Eating

Mexican 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
★★★★★ 4.8 (49 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Mexican 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 33g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 498 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Mexican 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 Mexican 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 Mexican Chili, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • Crockpot Main Dish
  • Beef
  • Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

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

-------- ------------ -------------------------------- 1 pound Ground beef 15 1/2 ounces Chili beans -- hot and spicy 15 1/2 ounces Chili beans -- hot 28 ounces Tomatoes -- cut up 1 1/2 cups Celery -- chopped 1 cup Onion -- chopped 1/2 cup Pepper, green -- chopped 4 ounces Chili peppers; drained -- seeded and chopped 2 tablespoons Sugar 1 Bay leaf 1 teaspoon Salt 1 teaspoon Marjoram, dried -- crushed 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder 1 Pepper In crockpot combine beans, undrained tomatoes, celery, onion, tomato paste, green pepper, green chilies, sugar, bay leaf, salt, marjoram, garlic powder and pepper

Step 2: Technique & Execution

In skillet brown ground beef; drain and stir into tomato mixture

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours

Step 4: Technique & Execution

Skim off excess fat

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Remov bay leaf; stir before serving

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Posted by: Jo Merrill (ECGJ65B) - Prodigy

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories498 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein33gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates25gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat10gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Mexican Chili

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

★★★★★4.8 from 49 votes
Mexican Chili
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories25% DV
498 kcal
Protein66% DV
33g
Fat13% DV
10g
Carbs9% DV
25g
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: -------- ------------ -------------------------------- 1 pound Ground beef 15 1/2 ounces Chili beans -- hot and spicy 15 1/2 ounces Chili beans -- hot 28 ounces Tomatoes -- cut up 1 1/2 cups Celery -- chopped 1 cup Onion -- chopped 1/2 cup Pepper, green -- chopped 4 ounces Chili peppers; drained -- seeded and chopped 2 tablespoons Sugar 1 Bay leaf 1 teaspoon Salt 1 teaspoon Marjoram, dried -- crushed 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder 1 Pepper In crockpot combine beans, undrained tomatoes, celery, onion, tomato paste, green pepper, green chilies, sugar, bay leaf, salt, marjoram, garlic powder and pepper

2

Technique & Execution: In skillet brown ground beef; drain and stir into tomato mixture

3

Technique & Execution: Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours

4

Technique & Execution: Skim off excess fat

5

Technique & Execution: Remov bay leaf; stir before serving

6

Technique & Execution: Posted by: Jo Merrill (ECGJ65B) - Prodigy

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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