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Ultimate High Protein Turkey and Bean Chili

Close-up of a hearty bowl of high protein chili featuring ground meat, kidney beans, and tomatoes in a rich sauce.

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Welcome! This hearty, high protein chili recipe uses lean ground turkey and two types of beans to deliver a filling, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or batch cooking. It is simple to make and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground turkey
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot with the turkey. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor, simmer for 1 hour.
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.

Notes

  • This chili is excellent for meal prep; it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Serve this protein-packed chili with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or chopped avocado.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 15 minutes of simmering to allow some liquid to evaporate.

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