Feeling a little chilly? Warm up with this delicious and hearty 1 Portion Beef Chili With Lemon Feta. Packed full of bold flavors and nutritious ingredients, this chili is the perfect meal for any occasion. And with 736 calories per serving, it's a meal that definitely won't leave you feeling hungry.

In addition to being filling, this chili is also nutrient-dense, with a healthy dose of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. The beef provides a great source of protein, while the beans and veggies bring in plenty of fiber and other essential nutrients. And let's not forget about the sour cream and tortilla chips – while these may not be the healthiest ingredients, they do add some indulgent flavor and texture to this spicy dish.

In this article, we'll explore different ways to customize this chili recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs. From switching up the meat to making it a low-carb option, there are plenty of ways to make this recipe work for you. So without further ado, let's get cooking!

Spice it up with peppers

One of the best things about chili is its versatility. While this recipe calls for some basic veggies like onion and garlic, you can easily customize it to include your favorite ingredients. If you're a fan of spicy food, consider adding some peppers to this dish. There are plenty of different types of peppers you can use, depending on your heat tolerance and flavor preferences. Jalapenos are a classic option that pair well with beef, while habaneros can really bring the heat (proceed with caution!). You can also experiment with other types of peppers, like poblano or Anaheim, for a milder flavor profile. Whether you go for hot and spicy or just a hint of heat, adding peppers to this chili is a great way to bring some extra flavor and nutrition to the table.

Make it hearty with beans

Beans are a classic ingredient in chili recipes for a reason. They bring a hearty texture and plenty of fiber to the dish, making it more filling and satisfying. If you're looking for a way to bulk up this chili recipe without adding more meat, beans are a great option. You can use any type of beans you like, depending on what's available and your personal preferences. Kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans all work well in chili, and you can even mix and match for some added variety. Just make sure to drain and rinse your beans before adding them to the pot to reduce excess sodium. By adding beans to this chili, you'll not only make it more filling, but also increase the overall nutritional quality of the dish.

Add a cooling touch with sour cream

While chili is typically known for its spicy flavor profile, adding sour cream to the dish can help to balance out the heat and add a cooling touch. Sour cream is also a great source of healthy fats and can help to make the dish more filling. You can also use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative if you prefer. Just be mindful of portion sizes – while sour cream can add some great flavor and nutrition to this chili, it's also high in calories and fat. A little goes a long way!

Top it off with crunchy tortilla chips

Crunchy, salty, and oh-so delicious – tortilla chips are the perfect topping for this chili recipe. Not only do they add some satisfying texture to the dish, but they also bring in some extra carbs and healthy fats. When choosing tortilla chips, look for options that are made from whole grains and have minimal added ingredients. You can also opt for baked chips rather than fried to reduce the overall calorie and fat content of the dish. Just be mindful of portion sizes – it's easy to go overboard on the chips and end up with a meal that's way higher in calories than you intended.

Make it a low-carb option with cauliflower rice

If you're following a low-carb diet or just want to reduce your intake of refined grains, consider swapping out the rice in this recipe for cauliflower rice. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb substitute that can be used in a variety of dishes, including chili. It's also a good source of fiber and other essential nutrients. To make cauliflower rice, simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains. You can then cook it the same way you would regular rice, either by boiling or steaming it.

Switch up the meat with ground turkey or chicken

While beef is a classic option for chili, you can easily switch up the protein source to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Ground turkey or chicken are both leaner options that can provide plenty of flavor and nutrition. They're also lower in calories and fat than beef, making them a great choice for those looking to reduce their intake of saturated fat. Just be mindful of cooking times – turkey and chicken cook faster than beef, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature to ensure that the meat is properly cooked through.

Create a vegan option with plant-based meat

If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, you can still enjoy the bold flavors and hearty texture of chili by using plant-based meat substitutes. There are plenty of options available on the market, from soy-based crumbles to pea protein crumbles to jackfruit. These options can provide a great source of protein and texture to the dish, and can be seasoned and cooked just like traditional ground meat. Just be mindful of the sodium content in some of these meat substitutes – some brands can be quite high in sodium, which can be problematic if you're watching your salt intake.

Serve it with a side of avocado salsa

Want to really take this chili recipe to the next level? Serve it alongside some fresh and flavorful avocado salsa! Avocado salsa is a simple and delicious accompaniment that can provide some extra healthy fats, fiber, and vitamin C to this meal. You can make it by combining diced avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and some salt and pepper to taste. The bright and fresh flavors of the salsa can help to balance out the richness of the chili, and it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies and nutrients.

Make it a Mexican-style meal with cornbread

If you really want to get into the Tex-Mex spirit, add some cornbread to your chili feast! Cornbread is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with chili. It can add some extra carbs and flavor to the meal, and it's a great way to soak up all of the delicious broth and toppings. There are plenty of different cornbread recipes out there, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and styles until you find your favorite. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as cornbread can be quite high in calories and carbs.

Pack it on the go with meal prep containers

If you're someone who likes to meal prep for the week or take your lunch to work, this chili is a great option for packing and transporting. You can make a big batch at the beginning of the week and portion it out into meal prep containers, along with some toppings like sour cream, tortilla chips, and avocado salsa. Just be sure to let the chili cool down before packing it up to avoid any food safety issues. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can enjoy a flavorful and nutritious meal wherever you go!