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Ultimate High Protein Turkey and Bean Chili (Meal Prep Friendly)

A close-up of a white bowl filled with rich, chunky high protein chili featuring ground meat and dark red kidney beans.

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Make this hearty chili using lean ground turkey and beans for a satisfying, high-protein meal perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground turkey (93% lean or higher)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, undrained
  • 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 the meat apart with a spoon and cook until it is fully browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, rinsed beans, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  6. 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.
  7. Stir in the salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  8. Serve hot. This chili is excellent for make ahead dinners and freezes well.

Notes

  • For a low carb chili option, omit the beans and add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
  • If you prefer beef chili protein packed, substitute the ground turkey with lean ground beef.
  • This recipe works well in a crockpot; cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours after browning the meat separately.

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