A Cozy, High-Protein Fall Meal Prep Idea. As the weather turns crisp and the days get shorter, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of chili to get you through fall. But this isn’t your typical chili—this Cherry Chipotle Beef Chili recipe brings a delightful twist by combining the smoky heat of chipotle peppers with the sweet burst of cherries. It’s not only hearty and flavorful, but also packed with protein, making it a perfect meal prep dish for busy weeks.
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Calories: 346kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 386mg | Potassium: 863mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 430IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 5mg
Why This Chili is the Ultimate Fall Meal Prep
- Protein Powerhouse: Lean ground beef provides an excellent source of protein, perfect for keeping you full and energized throughout the day. This chili is a high-protein option to fuel busy workdays or after-workout recovery.
- Unique Flavor Combo: The surprising sweetness from cherries pairs beautifully with the smoky, spicy chipotle peppers. It’s a fun, unexpected twist that elevates this chili far beyond the standard recipe.
- Meal Prep Hero: This chili stores wonderfully in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for meal prep. Make a large batch and portion it out for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinner during the week.
- Comfort in a Bowl: With hearty ingredients like beef, carrots, and tomatoes, it’s a warm and comforting dish perfect for those chilly fall nights. Pair it with cornbread or crackers for extra comfort-food vibes.
- Nutrient-Rich: Cherries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, while carrots and tomatoes add a wealth of fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the mix. This chili isn’t just tasty—it’s packed with health benefits.
- Satisfies Your Sweet & Spicy Cravings: The balance of sweet cherries and honey with the fiery kick of chipotle peppers creates a flavor profile that hits all the right notes. Every spoonful is a dance of bold, contrasting flavors that’ll make your tastebuds happy.
- Perfect for Fall Gatherings: This chili is great for more than just meal prep. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish to bring to potlucks, football watch parties, or family dinners, offering a unique and delicious alternative to classic chili.
Suprising Ingredients That Work Well Together
- Frozen Cherries: Cherries might seem like an unusual ingredient for chili, but they’re the secret star of this recipe. Their natural sweetness balances the smokiness and heat from the chipotle peppers, creating a beautiful contrast. As they simmer, the cherries break down and release their juices, adding a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor without being overpowering.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: These smoky, spicy peppers bring the heat to this chili. The rich, smoky flavor of the chipotle peppers works beautifully with the beef, giving the chili a deep, savory base. Their heat is balanced by the sweetness of the cherries and honey, ensuring that the chili has a complex flavor without being overwhelmingly spicy.
- Lean Ground Beef: The foundation of any chili, lean ground beef provides the dish with a hearty texture and rich flavor. Its meaty base allows it to carry the bold spices and sweetness of the other ingredients without being overwhelming. Lean beef is a great option because it gives you all the flavor of beef without excessive fat, making this a lighter yet satisfying chili.
- Carrots: Carrots add a subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch to balance the spiciness of the chipotle peppers. When cooked, they soften and absorb the smoky flavors, giving you a pleasant contrast to the heat in each bite. Their natural sugars also complement the cherries, creating a nice harmony between sweet and savory.
- Red Onions: Red onions are slightly sweeter and milder than yellow or white onions, which makes them ideal for this chili. When sautéed, they release a natural sweetness that enhances the flavor of the beef and adds depth to the dish. Their sweetness also complements the honey and cherries, providing a balanced backdrop to the spicy elements.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: The diced tomatoes add moisture and a slight acidity to the dish, which helps cut through the richness of the beef. The green chiles in the can introduce an additional mild heat that blends well with the chipotle peppers, creating layers of spicy, smoky, and tangy flavors. The tomatoes also help thicken the chili as it simmers, giving it a hearty texture.
- Honey: Honey serves as a natural sweetener to complement the cherries and soften the spice from the chipotle peppers. Just a tablespoon is enough to round out the bold flavors and bring harmony to the dish. It adds a smooth sweetness without making the chili overly sugary, creating a balanced flavor profile that makes the chili feel warm and comforting.
Basic Steps to Meal Prep Beef Chili
- Prep Your Ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure to dice the carrot and red onion into small pieces. If you’re using whole chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chop them or blend them into a smooth puree. Defrost the cherries by leaving them at room temperature or microwaving them for about 30 seconds.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you should see a slight shimmer), add the diced red onions and carrots. Stir the vegetables occasionally so they cook evenly, and let them cook for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and the onions become translucent (meaning you can almost see through them). This step helps bring out the sweetness and flavor of the vegetables.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef directly into the pan with the softened vegetables. As the beef starts to cook, use a spatula or spoon to break it into smaller pieces so it cooks evenly. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and salt. Stir the beef frequently to make sure all the pieces brown and cook thoroughly. This should take about 5-7 minutes, and the beef should be fully browned with no pink remaining.
- Add the Flavorful Ingredients: Once the beef is cooked, it’s time to add the bold flavors! Pour in the chopped chipotle peppers (or puree), the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (including the liquid), the water, honey, and the defrosted cherries. Stir everything together so the ingredients are well combined. The cherries will add a touch of sweetness, while the chipotle peppers bring a smoky heat to the dish.
- Simmer and Let the Flavors Meld: Turn the heat down to low or medium-low. You want the chili to gently simmer, not boil. Cover the pan with a lid (or partially cover if you want it to reduce a little). Let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. During this time, the flavors will blend together, and the chili will thicken slightly.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the chili is done simmering, taste it to check if it needs any more salt or seasoning. Spoon the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro for extra freshness. You can also serve it with cornbread or crackers on the side for a complete, cozy meal.
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Meal Prep Tips for Cherry Chipotle Beef Chili
- Make a Big Batch: Double or triple the recipe and store portions in individual containers. This way, you have ready-to-go lunches or dinners for the entire week. Chili stores well in both the fridge and freezer, so you can plan for multiple meals in advance.
- Freeze for Later: Chili freezes beautifully! Once cooled, divide the chili into airtight freezer containers or resealable freezer bags. Label and date them for easy grab-and-go meals. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
- Pair with Sides: Make your meal more complete by prepping sides like cornbread, crackers, or a simple green salad. You can even bake cornbread muffins ahead of time and store them in the freezer alongside your chili.
- Mix Up the Garnishes: Change up your chili by prepping a variety of garnishes like avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt. Have these on hand to add something fresh and fun to each serving.
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the lean ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Both options still pack plenty of protein while offering a slightly different flavor profile.
- Chili-Stuffed Baked Potatoes: For a fun twist, serve this chili over baked sweet potatoes or regular baked potatoes. It’s a filling and delicious way to enjoy your meal while adding extra fiber.
- Chili Tacos: Serve the chili inside soft tortillas or taco shells for a quick and easy taco night. Garnish with your favorite taco toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, or guacamole.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork as a substitute. For a vegetarian option, try plant-based crumbles, lentils, or black beans. All will work well in this recipe while maintaining the hearty feel of chili.
Can I add beans to this chili?
Absolutely! Adding a can of beans like kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans will increase the fiber content and make the chili even heartier. Simply drain and rinse the beans before stirring them in with the other ingredients.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries if they are in season. Just pit and chop them before adding to the chili. Fresh cherries will provide an even more intense sweetness compared to frozen ones.
Cherry Chipotle Beef Chili
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition