Do you want to enjoy a delicious and filling meal without compromising your calorie count? Look no further than a hearty bowl of 1 Cup Chili Con Carne with Beans, which contains just 264 calories. With its rich flavor and nutritious ingredients, this classic dish is a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy your hunger while also providing essential vitamins and minerals.

In addition to being low in calories, Chili Con Carne with Beans is also high in protein, fiber, and iron, making it a great choice for athletes, vegetarians, and anyone looking to improve their diet. With its hearty combination of beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, this dish is a true delight for the senses.

In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies for making the perfect bowl of Chili Con Carne with Beans, as well as provide some variations on the classic recipe that you can experiment with in your own kitchen.

Calories in Chili Con Carne with Beans

A 1-cup serving of Chili Con Carne with Beans contains approximately 264 calories. This serving size also provides 20 grams of protein, 23 grams of carbohydrates, and 9 grams of fat. Additionally, Chili Con Carne with Beans is a good source of fiber, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals.

Chili Con Carne with Beans Ingredients

The basic ingredients for Chili Con Carne with Beans include ground beef, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and a variety of spices, such as chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. To make the dish, you'll need to brown the beef in a skillet, then add in the spices and other ingredients and let everything simmer for several hours until the flavors have fully melded together. You can also add in additional ingredients to suit your preferences, such as bell peppers, onions, or jalapenos.

How to Make Chili Con Carne with Beans

To make Chili Con Carne with Beans, start by browning 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat. Add in 1 can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed), 1 can of tomato sauce, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and your choice of spices, such as 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer on low heat for several hours, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have fully melded together and the sauce has thickened. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced onions.

Chili Con Carne with Beans Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Chili Con Carne: Swap out the ground beef for a vegetarian meat substitute, such as soy crumbles or crumbled tempeh. White Bean Chili: Use white beans instead of kidney beans for a milder flavor, and add in some diced green chiles for an extra kick. Slow Cooker Chili: Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and let it cook for several hours on low heat.

Benefits of Chili Con Carne with Beans

Protein: The beef and beans in Chili Con Carne with Beans provide a hefty dose of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. Fiber: Beans are a great source of fiber, which can help promote digestive health, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Vitamins and minerals: Chili Con Carne with Beans is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and vitamins A and C.

Is Chili Con Carne with Beans Healthy?

While Chili Con Carne with Beans can be high in calories and sodium, it's also a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. To make this dish even healthier, opt for lean ground beef or a vegetarian substitute, and use low-sodium beef broth or water instead of canned tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. You can also add in more vegetables, such as bell peppers, to increase the nutritional content of the dish. If you're watching your calorie intake, try serving your Chili Con Carne with Beans over a bed of lettuce instead of rice, and top it with fresh salsa or diced avocado instead of sour cream and cheese.

Chili Con Carne with Beans vs. Chili Sin Carne

As the name suggests, Chili Sin Carne (which means 'chili without meat' in Spanish) is made without beef or other meat products. Instead, it typically uses a variety of vegetables and legumes, such as beans, lentils, and corn. While both dishes can be quite flavorful and nutritious, Chili Sin Carne is typically lower in fat and calories than Chili Con Carne with Beans, since it doesn't contain any meat. However, it may also be lower in protein, which is an essential nutrient for building and repairing muscle tissue. Ultimately, the choice between Chili Con Carne with Beans and Chili Sin Carne comes down to personal preference and dietary needs. Both dishes can be delicious and filling, and both can be customized to suit your tastes and nutritional goals.

Chili Con Carne with Beans and Weight Loss

Protein: The high protein content of Chili Con Carne with Beans can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, which can prevent overeating and snacking on high-calorie foods. Fiber: The fiber in beans can also help promote feelings of fullness and reduce cravings, while also aiding in digestion and supporting healthy blood sugar levels. Reduce calories: Using lean ground beef or a vegetarian meat substitute, limiting high-calorie toppings, such as cheese and sour cream, and serving the dish over a bed of lettuce instead of rice can all help reduce the calorie count of a serving of Chili Con Carne with Beans.

How to Store Chili Con Carne with Beans

To store Chili Con Carne with Beans, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4-5 days, or freeze it for up to 4-6 months. When you're ready to eat it, simply reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding in a splash of water or beef broth if it's too thick. To prevent leftover chili from spoiling or developing an off flavor, be sure to refrigerate or freeze it promptly after cooking, and always use a clean utensil to portion it out.

Chili Con Carne with Beans Serving Suggestions

Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheese, diced onions, or fresh cilantro over your bowl of chili for some extra flavor and texture. Side dishes: Serve your chili with a side of cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. Leftovers: Use leftover chili as a filling for burritos or tacos, or stir it into a pot of cooked quinoa or brown rice for a high-protein, high-fiber meal.