Healthy Crockpot Quinoa Chili

Name: Healthy Crockpot Quinoa Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love this Healthy Crockpot Quinoa Chili for its vibrant flavor and wholesome ingredients. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in or meal prep for a busy week. The combination of quinoa and beans creates a hearty texture, while the spices add a delicious warmth that just makes you feel good. Plus, I can throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do all the work. It’s satisfying and incredibly nutritious, making it a go-to favorite in our household!

Created by

Jenna Rowland

Last updated on 2026-01-06T00:52:14.030Z

When I first decided to make this Healthy Crockpot Quinoa Chili, I was in search of something fulfilling yet nutritious. As I tossed in fresh vegetables, spices, quinoa, and beans, my kitchen filled with irresistible aromas. I realized that the best part of this meal is not just how easy it is, but also how flavorful it becomes after simmering for hours in the crockpot.

One tip I learned is to sauté the onions and garlic briefly before adding them to the slow cooker. This small step enhances their flavors and provides an aromatic base that elevates the entire dish. It’s a simple trick, but it made all the difference in my chili experience!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Nutritious and filling with every spoonful
Packed with protein and fiber for a healthy meal
Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and spices

      

Understanding Quinoa in Chili

Quinoa adds not just a great texture but also boosts the protein content of this chili. It absorbs the flavors of the spices and broth beautifully, making each bite satisfying. To achieve the perfect consistency, ensure you rinse the quinoa before adding it to the crockpot; this removes any bitterness and ensures a clean flavor. Using one cup yields a nice balance with the beans, making it filling without overpowering the other ingredients.

Keep an eye on the liquid levels during the cooking process. Quinoa can absorb a surprising amount of liquid, especially if you cook it on high. If the chili starts to look too thick before the cooking time is up, you can add a little more vegetable broth to keep it from drying out. Aim for a dish that is hearty but not too soupy.

Perfecting Your Spice Blend

The spice blend is crucial to the overall flavor profile of this chili. Using fresh spices is key; check the freshness of your chili powder and cumin, as they lose potency over time. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños. This dish allows for easy customization based on your heat tolerance. Start with a moderate amount and adjust according to your taste preference after cooking.

If you're looking to experiment, don't hesitate to try other spices like oregano or coriander. Adding these spices can introduce new dimensions to the dish. Remember to taste your chili before serving; if it lacks depth, a squeeze of lime juice or a touch of vinegar can help brighten the flavors beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients to make the cooking process smoother!

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 bell pepper, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Remember to check your seasoning before serving!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious chili!

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water. Chop the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and gather the canned ingredients.

Load the Crockpot

In the crockpot, combine the rinsed quinoa, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Stir well to combine.

Add Broth and Spices

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir.

Cook

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the quinoa is tender, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious chili!

Enjoy with your favorite toppings like avocado or fresh cilantro!

Pro Tips

For even more flavor, consider adding corn or jalapeños! Adjust the spices to fit your taste preference.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This Healthy Crockpot Quinoa Chili is excellent for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing individual portions. Simply let the chili cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

For those busy weeks, this chili serves wonderfully as a hearty lunch or quick dinner option. You can bulk it up with toppings like avocado, cilantro, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. And for a fun variation, serve it over rice or with crusty bread, turning a simple chili into a satisfying meal.

Variations to Try

Feel free to make this chili your own by incorporating seasonal vegetables. Adding corn during the summer or sweet potatoes in the fall can enhance both texture and flavor. You can also swap out the beans; lentils or garbanzos would work wonderfully. Just remember to adjust cooking times – lentils may require less time than the beans used here, so add them midway through the cooking process if using a slow cooker.

If you're looking for a leaner protein option, consider adding ground turkey or chicken. Sauté it beforehand to brown and add depth to the flavor, then mix it into the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. This variation would still pair seamlessly with the quinoa and provide an even heartier meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this chili vegan?

Yes, all the ingredients are plant-based, making it a perfect vegan meal!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for later use.

→ Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?

Absolutely! You can substitute with bulgur or farro, but adjust the broth quantity accordingly.

→ Is this chili spicy?

The chili has a mild flavor due to the spices; you can add more chilies for extra heat if you prefer.