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High Protein Chili

Packed with lean ground beef, ground turkey, hearty beans, and bold spices, this high protein chili delivers over 40 grams of protein per serving without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner that actually keeps you full.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Meat Base
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef 93% lean or higher
  • 1 pound ground turkey breast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 bell peppers any color, diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
Beans and Tomatoes
  • 2 cans 15 oz each kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups low sodium beef broth
Spices
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot (at least 6 quart capacity)
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Dice the onion, bell peppers, and celery into uniform pieces about half an inch in size. Mince the garlic finely and drain and rinse all your beans.
  2. Heat the olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium high heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces with your wooden spoon. Cook for about 6 minutes until no pink remains, creating some browned bits on the bottom of the pot.
  3. Push the beef to one side and add the ground turkey to the empty space. Break it apart and cook for another 5 minutes until fully cooked through. Mix the meats together once both are fully cooked.
  4. Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and celery to the pot with the meat. Stir everything together and cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add all the spices directly to the pot and stir them into the meat and vegetable mixture. Cook for about 1 minute while stirring constantly to toast the spices.
  6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Add all three types of beans and stir everything together thoroughly. Scrape the bottom of the pot to incorporate any remaining browned bits into the liquid.
  7. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking on the bottom.
  8. Taste your chili and adjust salt, pepper, and cayenne to your preference. Let it rest for 5 minutes off heat before serving.

Notes

Make this chili a day ahead and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavors. Stores in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freezes for up to 3 months. Serve over baked sweet potato, with Greek yogurt, or topped with shredded cheese, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro.