More benefits? The game-day classic tends to be heartier than most soups, freezes well, and is one of the easiest, most adaptable dishes you can whip up. Don’t like ground beef and tomatoes? Use ground chicken, chicken stock, and white beans to make a flavorful helping of white chili instead. Worried that the kale you bought last week is slowly withering away in your refrigerator? Toss it in your next pot of chili so you can use it before it’s too late.

Is Chili Healthy?

While chili is relatively healthy—it’s packed with protein, fiber (thanks, beans!), and iron—remember not to get too carried away with high-fat toppings like sour cream and cheddar cheese. And in the chili itself, there are easy tweaks to make it even more nutritious and beneficial. We talked to sisters Tammy Lakatos Shames, RD, CDN, CFT, and Lyssie Lakatos, RD, CDN, CFT—aka The Nutrition Twins—for advice on how to make your favorite chili recipe a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor or quality.