Warm Recipes for Chili Weather
Pack tons of flavor in one pot
When it comes to delicious feel-good food, chili is a no-brainer. Whether you want a quick meal or are prepping lunch for the week, chili doesn't have to hurt your health.
VA has easy chili recipes that only take one pot and less than an hour to make. These recipes will help you enjoy chili on any day, without worrying too much about high sodium and fat:
3 bean chili
This simple recipe takes no more than 45 minutes to make and feeds six people. All you need are a few key ingredients like beans, no-salt-added diced potatoes, and some tasty seasonings.
Get the recipe for 3 bean chili
Walnut chili mac
Try something a little different this year by using walnuts in your chili. You'll win your family over with ingredients like ground beef, walnuts, and even macaroni and cheese in a one-pot meal. This one is healthy as well as tasty, with only 280 calories per serving.
Get the recipe for walnut chili mac
White chili
There's nothing like chili on a cool day, and this recipe is no different. With ingredients like poblano peppers, no-salt-added white cannellini beans, and a few limes, no one will go hungry. Give yourself up to an hour to create this yummy chili.
Get the recipe for white chili
With these hearty nutritious meals, you won't have to tell your family that you're serving up “healthy food”, because they won't even notice. By changing just a few simple recipes with one from above, your health will be the real winner.
Find more recipes and cooking tips on VA's nutrition website
You can also reach out to your local VA's registered dietitian nutritionist for help developing a personalized nutrition plan. The can help you review your personal eating habits and make healthy eating plans geared towards your specific health concerns and goals. Send a secure message to your health care team to get connected with a VA dietitian.
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Read more
One-Pot Meal Cookbook (PDF)
VA's Healthy Teaching Kitchen YouTube Channel
MOVE! Weight Management Program
Updated February 4, 2025