Beefy BBQ Chili

Flavorful & Protein-Packed Beefy BBQ Chili

February 20, 2026

I am all about chili when it comes to weight loss surgery meals. They pack the ultimate protein punch! Plus flavor! Plus, you can freeze and reheat later! I mean…so many great things about chili. If you feel as strongly about chili as I do, you must trust this Beefy BBQ Chili.

I’ve actually made this recipe a handful of times. The first time the seasoning was way too much. The second time it was devoured by my family. The third time I remembered to take a picture so I could share it with you.

Pressure Cooker or Slow Cooker

I love the pressure cooker for the recipe. I find the stew meat comes out very moist, and it is always so fascinating to see a stew come together so quickly!

I purchased my stew meat and ground beef from Aldi. For the barbecue rub, I just picked what I had on hand, which in my case was some rub my Mom bought my Husband for Christmas. It was some local barbecue shop rub, and it was tasty!

Questions often come up about what barbecue sauce a post-op patient should buy because of the sugar content. Truth be told, I just turn around all the bottles until I find the lowest sugar option. Anything that has maple or Kansas City (where I live, humorously) will be higher in sugar. The more ‘vinegar’ sauces like Carolina sauces will be lower in sugar. Just look at labels until the lowest one wins!

If you can find an Annie’s Organic® sauce, that one is about 4 grams of carbs per serving. You can also make your own at home if you’re really feeling creative!

Beefy BBQ Chili

Recipe by: Steph Wagner (Bariatric Food Coach)
Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 mins; Cook Time: 30 mins; Total Time: 35 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean stew meat
  • 1 lb 93% lean ground beef
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp barbecue rub
  • 1 can kidney beans rinsed
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes canned
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce lowest sugar available
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese optional, shredded, 2%

Directions

Pressure Cooker

  1. Select sauté function. Spray generously with cooking spray and add stew ground beef. When mostly browned, add stew meat and brown edges slightly. Turn off the cooker.
  2. Add seasonings, tomatoes, beans, and barbecue sauce. Place lid on pressure cooker and select "Meat/Stew" setting for 15 minutes. Allow 8 minutes of natural release, then release any remaining pressure. Serve with a tbsp of cheese per serving if desired.

Slow Cooker

  1. Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat and brown ground beef. Add to bottom of slow cooker. Return skillet to heat and add stew meat, lightly browning the sides. Add to slow cooker.
  2. Add seasonings, tomatoes, beans, and barbecue sauce to the slow cooker. Place lid on the cooker and select low heat for 7 hours.
  3. Serve with a tbsp of cheese per serving if desired.

Nutritional Info

Calories 260; Carbohydrates 16 grams; Fat 8 grams; Protein 29 grams

Check out more from Steph of Bariatric Food Coach on ObesityHelp!

Beefy BBQ Chili
steph-wagner

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steph Wagner MS, RDN has worked as a dietitian and food coach to bariatric patients since 2009. She is the co-founder Bariatricfoodcoach.com with her husband Kevin, a web developer. Together they've built an extensive, user-friendly website and community for post-op patients. Steph also has a published cookbook “Best Fork Forward: Everyday Dinners After Weight-Loss Surgery.” Read more articles by Steph!
Recipe Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated and may vary depending on the brands and quantities of ingredients used. If you have food allergies, dietary restrictions, or follow a specific nutrition plan, please review the ingredient list before consuming. All information on ObesityHelp.com is provided for general informational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a qualified medical professional. Please contact your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns related to your nutrition.