Best Classic Low Sodium Chili Recipe - Tasty, Healthy Heart Recipes (2024)

Recipe

This Low Sodium Chili recipe can be easily made in an hour for a weeknight meal. Though I like to do mine on the weekend and let it simmer longer to really develop its flavor. But don’t let that stop you. It really is so easy to make, just brown the beef while gathering the other ingredients, the only thing to chop is some onion and green pepper. Then mix it all together and your hands on time should be done in less time than it takes to brown the beef.

Table of Contents

Sodium per serving for this recipe94 mg
Typical sodium amount per serving400-1000+ mg
Calories per serving261

If you buy chili mix in a packet and follow the recipe on the back, sodium levels can be easily 400+ mg by the time you add the other ingredients. I’ve seen homemade recipes hit as high as 1300mg per serving, probably the range I used to be in before I changed to a low sodium diet. With this recipe you see significant savings down to 94mg per serving. Most of the savings comes from not using salt as a spice obviously, but also using no salt added canned products easily found at the store. All the convenience but minimal sodium!

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WHEN MAKING CHILI GO LARGE

This recipe makes a pretty good size pot of chili. Making chili is an event for me and it’s inevitable that people come over when they find out I’m making it. The size of this recipe is based on the amount of ground beef that’s used. But I love chili, and when I make it, I splurge on it for several meals. Then I portion out what is left and freeze it for those spur of the moment meals that always seem to pop up when you don’t have time. So you can still maintain awesome low sodium belly filling meal. You can always use this recipe and scale down.

SPICES RULE FOR LOW SODIUM CHILI

When making chili, spices rule and salt not being present really makes very little difference. Spices are what makes good chili develop that complex mouthwatering flavor. There are four spices that are essential to make a chili pot with: chili powder, cumin, garlic and paprika. So make sure you have plenty on hand, other spices you can always mix and match and experiment. (Within reason, haha!)

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WHAT TYPE OF MEAT TO USE WITH LOW SODIUM CHILI?

Ground beef isn’t the only meat you can use. It can be replaced with steak bits or even ground pork. If you want to eat less beef, ground turkey or chicken will work with this hearty recipe also.

BEAN OR NO BEAN CHILI?

I like beans so this has lots of big dark red kidney beans. It is not Texas chili, where they adamantly say chili has no place for beans. I use dark red kidney beans as I think they give the best flavor. But you could use any type of bean really, like: black beans, navy beans, pinto beans. I have been finding many more types of beans lately in the canned no salt added version, so use what is available to you or not.

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Best Classic Low Sodium Chili Recipe - Tasty, Healthy Heart Recipes (4)

WHAT TO TOP LOW SODIUM CHILI WITH?

In addition to just a plain bowl of chili, you will probably want to also add these things as toppings or to serve over.

shredded cheese (lowest sodium)
sour cream
sliced green onions (chives) or regular
reduced or unsalted sodium oyster crackers
over spaghetti noodles
over a bed of lettuce

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WHAT TO SERVE WITH CHILI

Easy Low Sodium Cornbread
Low Sodium Coleslaw

Be sure to try my Low Sodium Cincinnati Style Chili too!

As always, please let me know how you like this recipe in the comments! I get motivated when I hear from you and am interested to learn about how you liked and served your Low Sodium Chili. And please leave a comment or rating and share any tips you might have.

Best Classic Low Sodium Chili

Author: Bill

December 12, 2019

The Best Classic Low Sodium Chili – This hearty chili recipe made with ground beef, lots of beans, onion and a simple homemade blend of chili seasoning.

4.59 from 43 votes

Print RecipeLeave a Comment

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 18 cups

Calories 261 kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 pound 90% lean ground beef (or meat of choice)
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large green pepper
  • 3 medium yellow onion -diced
  • 6 Tbs chili powder
  • 4 tsp ground cumin
  • 4 Tbs dark brown sugar (or white sugar)
  • 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1.5 tsp ground black pepper
  • 0.75 tsp ground cayenne pepper
  • 2 tsp roasted cinnamon (McCormick spices)
  • 3 Tbs pre-minced garlic
  • 6 Tbs tomato paste no salt added
  • 3.5 cups beef broth no salt added
  • 1 28 oz. Muir Glen fire roasted tomatoes no salt added
  • 3 15.5 oz. can red kidney beans no salt added (drained)
  • 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes no salt added
  • 1 15 oz. can sweet corn no salt added
  • 1 10 oz. can Ro*Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies no salt added

Preparation

  • Add the olive oil to a large soup pot and preheat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pot. Allow to cook then start to break it apart to smaller bits. Cook for 6-7 minutes, until the beef is mostly browned, stirring occasionally. Add onion, green pepper when beef is about 3/4 done and stir to mix.

  • Add the broth or water, and the remaining canned ingredients. Stir well.

  • Add the chili powder, cumin, sugar, pre-minced garlic, smoked paprika, cinammon, pepper, and optional cayenne. Stir until well combined.

  • Bring the mix to a low boil for about 5 minutes. Then, reduce the heat (low to medium-low) to gently simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • To really let the flavor develop and make a far superior chili, let simmer for two hours, stirring occasionally.

  • Remove the pot from the heat. Let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

  • Let cool completely before storing in airtight containers in the fridge.

Notes

For more heat spiciness add more cayenne pepper a bit at time till desired level.

*For superior flavor simmer for a minimum of 2 hours!

I use, own and recommend these products and ingredients used in this recipe.

Amazon Links (Details>>)

Nutrition

Calories: 261kcal (13%)

https://tastyhealthyheartrecipes.com/main-dishes/entrees/best-classic-low-sodium-chili-recipe/

Did you enjoy this recipe?Leave a comment and let me know how it was!

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Nutrition InformationThe information shown is provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be substituted for a doctor’s or nutritionist’s advice. Please understand that not everyone’s sodium requirements are the same, therefore some recipes may be higher than you’re allowed. Always consult with your doctor for your recommended daily sodium allowance.

Best Classic Low Sodium Chili Recipe - Tasty, Healthy Heart Recipes (8)

Similar low sodium recipes you should try!

  • Low Sodium Beef Stew
  • Low Sodium Cincinnati Style Chili
  • Low Sodium Pepper Chicken Stir Fry
Best Classic Low Sodium Chili Recipe - Tasty, Healthy Heart Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Can chili be heart healthy? ›

Chili peppers have shown some blood-thinning capabilities for treating high blood pressure and heart disease. The chemical that makes chili peppers hot, capsaicin, is even used as an ingredient in topical remedies to reduce pain and swelling and serve as an antiseptic.

How can I make my chili less salty? ›

Add an acid.

You can add lemon juice, lime juice, or apple cider vinegar to salty food to help neutralize the saltiness. A tomato product, such as tomato sauce or tomato paste, will also work since tomatoes are acidic.

What is the secret to amazing chili? ›

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

What can I add to chili to make it healthier? ›

Stir in Some Beans

Instead, use beans in your healthy chili to add fiber and stretch your dish healthfully and inexpensively. You can use one type of beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, or mix several types for a variety.

Which chilli is best for the heart? ›

04/6Benefits of red chilli

Prevents heart ailments: There are very powerful antioxidants in red chilli that help in clearing blockages in blood vessels and arteries.

Does chilli clear the arteries? ›

Chili peppers get their heat from a compound called capsaicin, which may help dampen inflammation and other harmful processes involved in the buildup of fatty plaque in arteries, according to the authors.

What neutralizes the taste of salt? ›

Add an Acidic Ingredient

It won't reduce the sodium level of your dish, but adding an acidic ingredient, such as lemon juice, vinegar, or even a tomato product, can neutralize the saltiness of a dish. Start with a dash or a squeeze, stir well to combine, and give it a taste before adding any more.

How do you make food taste better with less salt? ›

Explore other flavors when you are cooking.
  1. Add a splash of lemon and other citrus fruits, or wine, to soups and other dishes. ...
  2. Avoid onion or garlic salt. ...
  3. Try different types of pepper, including black, white, green, and red.
  4. Experiment with vinegars (white and red wine, rice wine, balsamic, and others).
Jun 22, 2022

Does lemon neutralize salt? ›

Lemon Juice

The juice has a strong presence of acidity that allows it to cut through the saltiness of most meals and as such, a balance is created. This method of reduction works best when the meal does not have too much sodium.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What chili does Bobby Flay always use? ›

Calabrian chilis

There's one spicy ingredient that pops up more often than not in Bobby Flay's recipes. Calabrian chilis are the unique red chili Bobby Flay constantly uses on "Beat Bobby Flay."

Why do you put brown sugar in chili? ›

The brown sugar gave it a sweet/tangy flavor that reminded me of BBQ-sauce! Th chili was so good - it was hard to stop eating it! I did had some extra veggies (1 cl. garlic, 1 celery stalk, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper, 1 hot pepper) and used a can of diced tomatoes rather than tomato juice.

What brings out the flavor in chili? ›

Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What is the best bean to use in chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

Does sugar make chili taste better? ›

Now for the piece de resistance: 1-2 heaping Tablespoons brown sugar. The chili tastes completely different without the brown sugar so if you like a subtle sweetness in your chili then you've just got to go for it! Trust me, it will not make your chili taste like candy.

Is chili good or bad for cholesterol? ›

Research has shown that cultures that consume the most chili peppers have a lower incidence of heart attacks and strokes. That's because these pungent peppers can lower your LDL cholesterol levels, which is known as the “bad” cholesterol, while raising your “good” HDL cholesterol levels.

Is chili sauce good for the heart? ›

Hot Sauce Can Improve Heart Health

Heart rate. A study also found that chili peppers can lower your blood pressure as well. They also increase blood flow, which in turn improves heart and other organ functions.

Is red chili good for heart patients? ›

Red chillies may benefit heart health as capsaicin has been linked to improved blood circulation, lower blood pressure and reduced cholesterol levels. However, a balanced diet and an overall healthy lifestyle are crucial for heart health.

Can Chilli raise your heart rate? ›

Spicy foods can cause a physiologic response that can present as a high heart rate (tachycardia). A high heart rate can cause discomfort in someone who is already predisposed to experience heart palpitations. You don't need to remove everything spicy from your diet.

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