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Ultimate High Protein Turkey and Bean Chili

Close-up of a white bowl filled with rich, thick high protein chili featuring ground meat and kidney beans.
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Make this hearty, high-protein chili using lean ground turkey and beans. It is simple to prepare on the stovetop and excellent for 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 (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)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 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, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Add the rinsed beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  6. Bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Longer simmering time (up to 1 hour) deepens the flavor.
  7. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Notes

  • For slow cooker preparation, brown the turkey and sauté vegetables on the stove first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  • This chili freezes well. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • Add 1 cup of frozen corn during the last 15 minutes of cooking for extra texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/high-protein-chili-recipe/