Description
Craving a hearty, healthy, and easy recipe for dinner? This high protein chili is the ultimate comfort food—packed with lean ground turkey or beef, two kinds of beans, bold spices, and a rich tomato base. It’s the perfect option for a quick dinner, easy meal prep, or nutritious family meal. Great for anyone seeking healthy recipes, high protein meals, or simple food ideas for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground turkey or lean ground beef
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (optional)
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup low-sodium chicken or beef broth
Toppings (optional): shredded cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, sliced scallions, chopped cilantro
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the ground turkey or beef. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6–7 minutes.
3. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the spices toast for 1 minute.
4. Add kidney beans, black beans, corn (if using), diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and broth. Stir until well combined.
5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Ladle chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings before serving.
Notes
For a thicker chili, simmer longer uncovered or mash a few beans into the chili while cooking.
Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne.
This chili freezes well—just cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: high protein chili, easy dinner, quick meal prep, healthy chili, dinner ideas, comfort food