October 30, 2026
Football season is in full swing, and if you’re hosting game day, you probably have wings and pizza on the mind.
But why not switch things up with a pot of chili? It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd and with the right ingredients, can be surprisingly healthy.
“Chili is a great way to combine lean protein, beans and vegetables into one delicious meal,” says Samantha Oldman, RD, with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group. “The protein and fiber help keep you full, while the vegetables add important vitamins and minerals. You can pack a lot of nutrition into one bowl.”
And you don’t need to sacrifice flavor to make it healthier.
“Adding more beans, vegetables and spices makes chili healthy and even more flavorful,” Oldman adds. “You can also use leaner meats or replace some of the meat with beans to reduce saturated fat without losing that hearty texture.”
Try one of these four healthy recipes for your next game day.
1. Classic turkey chili
You don’t need to drastically change your favorite chili recipe to make it healthier.
Switching out higher fat ground beef for lean ground turkey is an easy place to start. Throw in some kidney and black beans, diced tomatoes, onions, bell peppers then season with chili powder, cumin and garlic.
“Using lean cuts of meat reduces saturated fat while still giving you plenty of protein,” says Oldman. “Chili doesn’t have to be vegetarian to be healthy.”
But done right, the vegetables can contribute flavor and nutrients.
“Bell peppers, onions and tomatoes contribute fiber, vitamins and antioxidants,” Oldman adds. “If you dice them small enough, even picky eaters usually won’t notice they’re eating extra vegetables. It’s an easy win for your health and your taste buds.”
Want to try something different? Add a can of pumpkin puree, cinnamon and one or two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder for richer, deeper flavor.
> Related: 7 Healthier Football Snacks You’ll Actually Want to Eat
2. Three bean vegetarian chili
If you’ve never made chili without meat, this one might surprise you.
A combination of black beans, kidney beans and pinto beans make a filling base, especially when you add some tomatoes, corn, peppers and sweet potatoes.
“Beans are one of the best ingredients to build a meal around,” says Oldman. “They provide both fiber and plant-based protein, which work together to keep you feeling full. And if you’re new to eating vegetables, chili is a great place to hide them.
The trick is to give everything enough time to simmer so the spices can work their way into the beans and vegetables.
“The spices and slow cooking create so much flavor that most people don’t miss the meat,” Oldman adds. “You can also experiment with mushrooms or lentils if you want an even heartier texture.”
3. White chicken chili
Tired of the usual tomato-based chili? Try making it with chicken instead.
White chicken chili uses shredded chicken, white beans, green chiles and spices for a completely different flavor. It’s usually a little milder than traditional chili, and you can make it as thick and creamy as you like.
“Using shredded chicken and white beans also gives you an extra boost of protein, helping you stay full longer,” says Oldman.
And the creaminess doesn’t have to come from heavy cream or cheese.
“If you stir in plain Greek yogurt after the chili finishes cooking, you’ll get a rich texture while adding even more protein,” Oldman adds. “It’s one of my favorite healthy substitutions because it’s almost impossible to tell the difference.”
> Related: A Dietitian’s Favorite Healthy Foods to Bring to a Tailgate
4. Smoky beef and vegetable chili
Sure, turkey and beans are great. But sometimes you just want beef, and luckily, it can still be a healthy option.
“You can absolutely include beef in a balanced diet,” says Oldman. “Choosing a leaner cut (90/10) and balancing it with plenty of vegetables allows you to enjoy the flavor while keeping the overall meal more nutritious.”
Those vegetables are the secret ingredient for a hearty, but healthy chili.
“Mushrooms, zucchini and peppers absorb the spices beautifully and stretch the recipe naturally,” Oldman adds. “That means you can use less meat while still serving a filling chili that tastes rich and satisfying.”
