Description
This High Protein Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish packed with lean ground beef or turkey, kidney beans, and black beans, simmered with a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and tomato ingredients. Perfect for a protein-rich meal, it combines tender vegetables and spices for a comforting and nutritious bowl, ideal for chilly days or a filling family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Protein & Spices
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Tomato & Broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
Beans
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
Optional Toppings
- Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Cook it until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the chili lean.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices and toast them for 1-2 minutes to deepen their flavors.
- Incorporate Tomato Elements and Broth: Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes until evenly combined. Pour in the beef or chicken broth and bring the chili to a gentle simmer to combine all the flavors.
- Add Beans and Simmer: Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans to the pot. Stir everything together, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the chili to thicken.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce to suit your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot with optional toppings like Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro to enhance flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with crumbled tofu or extra beans.
- You can prepare this chili a day ahead; the flavors deepen after resting.
- Use low-sodium broth and beans to reduce the overall sodium content.
- Leftover chili freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of chili powder or adding cayenne pepper.
