Weight Watchers-friendly 4-point chili
Servings: 8
WW Points: ~4 points per serving (based on Weight Watchers Blue and Purple plans; points may vary depending on specific ingredients and plan)

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs extra-lean ground beef (96% lean, 4% fat) – (12 points total for all servings)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (4 points)
  • 2 cups bell peppers, diced (0 points)
  • 1.5 cups red onions, diced (0 points)
  • 3 garlic cloves, chopped (0 points)
  • 2 cups diced tomatoes (0 points)
  • 2 cups tomato paste (1 point)
  • 12 oz black beans, drained and rinsed (0 points on Blue and Purple plans)
  • 12 oz pinto beans, drained and rinsed (0 points on Blue and Purple plans)
  • 3 bay leaves (0 points)
  • 2 tbsp Frank’s Hot Sauce (0 points)
  • 1 tbsp chili powder (0 points)
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (0 points)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (0 points)
  • 1/2 tsp cumin (0 points)
  • 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper (0 points)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced bell peppers, red onions, and garlic, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef:
    • Add the extra-lean ground beef to the pot. Cook and break it up with a spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add the Tomatoes and Beans:
    • Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, black beans, and pinto beans. Mix until well combined.
  4. Season the Chili:
    • Add the bay leaves, hot sauce, chili powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, cumin, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
  5. Simmer the Chili:
    • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together.
  6. Final Touches:
    • Remove the bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed (you can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your taste preference).
  7. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Serve the chili hot with your favorite low-point toppings, such as fat-free Greek yogurt (as a substitute for sour cream), chopped cilantro, or diced onions.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: ~220
  • Protein: ~22g
  • Carbs: ~28g
  • Fat: ~6g
  • Fiber: ~8g
  • Sugars: ~6g

Tips & Benefits:

  • High in Protein and Fiber: With the combination of lean beef and beans, this chili is loaded with protein and fiber, helping to keep you full and satisfied for longer.
  • Customizable: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper or hot sauce. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra volume without adding points.
  • Beans for Bulk: Beans are a great way to add bulk to your chili without adding many points. They are also high in fiber, which supports digestion and keeps you full.
  • Meal Prep-Friendly: This chili makes great leftovers and can be frozen for future meals. Just portion it out into single servings and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Low in Fat: Using extra-lean ground beef and cooking the chili with minimal oil helps keep the fat content low while maintaining the rich flavor.
  • Weight Watchers Toppings: Stick to low-point toppings such as fat-free shredded cheese, non-fat Greek yogurt, or chopped fresh veggies to add texture and flavor without increasing the points too much.

This Weight Watchers Chili is a delicious, hearty meal that’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep. It’s ideal for keeping you on track with your weight loss goals while enjoying a flavorful and comforting dish.