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Ultimate Lean Turkey and Black Bean High Protein Chili

Close-up of a steaming dark bowl filled with rich, thick high protein chili featuring ground meat and kidney beans.
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This hearty, high protein chili uses lean ground turkey and black beans for a filling, nutritious meal. You can make this recipe on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.

Ingredients

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  • 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
  • 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)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

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. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together well.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor, simmer for 1 hour.
  6. If using a slow cooker: After browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables (Steps 1-3), transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
  7. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper if you want more heat.
  8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For meal prep, divide the chili into individual containers. This recipe freezes well for up to three months.
  • To make this a low carb protein chili, omit the beans and increase the ground turkey amount slightly.
  • If you prefer ground beef, substitute 1.5 pounds of 93% lean ground beef for the turkey.

Nutrition

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