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Hearty High Protein Chili with Lean Turkey and Beans

Close-up of a white bowl filled with rich, thick high protein chili featuring ground meat and dark red kidney beans.
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This hearty chili recipe uses lean ground turkey and beans to create a filling, high protein meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground turkey (or ground beef)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned completely. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, rinsed beans, and chicken broth. Stir everything together well.
  6. Season with salt and black pepper.
  7. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the chili cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor, simmer for 1 hour.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.

Notes

  • This recipe is excellent for meal prep; the flavor improves after refrigeration.
  • For a slow cooker option, combine all ingredients (except broth) in the slow cooker. Add the broth. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
  • Serve this protein packed chili with toppings like shredded cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or chopped avocado.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishsymphony.com/high-protein-chili-lean-turkey-beans/