Beef Stew vs Chili Con Carne: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

A direct comparison of Beef Stew and Chili Con Carne.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Chili con carne has higher protein at 5.8 g compared to Beef stew's 4.4 g. Beef stew is lower in calories with 99 calories versus 107 calories in Chili con carne.

Beef stew and chili con carne are both hearty dishes, but they differ in nutritional content. This comparison will highlight their calories, protein, carbohydrates, and other key nutrients.

What Is the Difference Between Beef Stew and Chili Con Carne?

Beef stew is a savory dish made by simmering beef with vegetables and broth. It is often enjoyed for its rich flavor and tender meat. Chili con carne is a spicy stew made with ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and chili spices. It is known for its bold flavors and hearty texture.

Beef Stew vs Chili Con Carne: Nutrition Side by Side

Below is a side-by-side comparison of Beef stew and Chili con carne, focusing on their nutritional profiles.

Nutrient (per 100 g) Beef stew Chili con carne
Calories 99 kcal 107 kcal
Protein 4.4 g 5.8 g
Carbs 7.8 g 13.1 g
Sugar 1.8 g 1.9 g
Fat 5.5 g 3.5 g
Fiber 0.9 g 3.3 g
Sodium 388 mg 449 mg

Which Is Better, Beef Stew or Chili Con Carne?

For weight loss: Beef stew is lower in calories at 99 calories compared to 107 calories in chili con carne.

For muscle and protein: Chili con carne provides more protein at 5.8 g, while beef stew has 4.4 g.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Beef stew has 7.8 g of carbohydrates and 1.8 g of sugar, while chili con carne has 13.1 g of carbohydrates and 1.9 g of sugar.

How to Track Beef stew and Chili con carne Accurately

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How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers provided are rounded reference values for educational use, not medical advice. Always consider individual dietary needs when evaluating nutritional information. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

Chili con carne has more protein at 5.8 g compared to beef stew's 4.4 g.

Which has fewer calories?

Beef stew has fewer calories at 99 compared to chili con carne's 107.

What are the carbohydrate contents?

Beef stew contains 7.8 g of carbohydrates, while chili con carne has 13.1 g.

How much fat is in each dish?

Beef stew has 5.5 g of fat, while chili con carne has 3.5 g.

What is the sodium content of each?

Beef stew contains 388 mg of sodium, while chili con carne has 449 mg.

What is the fiber content?

Beef stew has 0.9 g of fiber, while chili con carne contains 3.3 g.

Key Takeaways

  • Beef stew has 99 calories per 100 g.
  • Chili con carne has 107 calories per 100 g.
  • Beef stew contains 4.4 g of protein.
  • Chili con carne contains 5.8 g of protein.
  • Beef stew has 7.8 g of carbohydrates.
  • Chili con carne has 13.1 g of carbohydrates.

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