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Ultimate High Protein Turkey Chili for Quick Weeknight Dinners

A close-up of a white mug filled with rich, hearty high protein chili, featuring ground meat, kidney beans, and vegetables.
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Make this hearty, high protein chili using lean ground turkey and beans. It is a satisfying, gluten-free comfort food perfect for easy meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground turkey (93% lean or higher)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced 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)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium 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, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Bring the chili mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Longer simmering deepens the flavor.
  6. Taste the chili and season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, if using.
  7. Serve hot. This chili is excellent for meal prep and freezes well.

Notes

  • For an even higher protein boost, add 1/2 cup of cooked lentils along with the beans.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten free.
  • For a slow cooker method, brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/high-protein-chili-recipe-quick-meal-prep/