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High protein chili meal prep simmering in a large pot with beans, ground turkey, and spices.

High Protein Chili Meal Prep (Freezer-Friendly)

A high protein chili made with lean ground turkey, kidney beans and black beans that delivers 28 grams of protein per serving. This freezer-friendly recipe is ready in 40 minutes and tastes better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep rotation.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 310 kcal

Equipment

  • large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground turkey (93/7 blend)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bell peppers (red or orange), diced
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with green chiles
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • Cracked black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, diced red onion, plain Greek yogurt, jalapeño slices

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey in chunks and let sit for 1 minute to develop a golden crust, then break into smaller pieces. Cook 5-7 minutes total.
  • Step 2: Push turkey to the side, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, then add diced onion and bell peppers. Cook 3 minutes until onion turns translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  • Step 3: Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and cocoa powder. Stir for 1 minute until spices release their oils.
  • Step 4: Pour in both cans of diced tomatoes with juice and beef broth. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  • Step 5: Add both cans of drained beans. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  • Step 6: Cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes before dividing into containers for freezing.

Notes

Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Can substitute 90/10 ground beef for turkey (protein will be around 26g). Freeze in individual quart-sized containers for faster thawing or in a gallon bag laid flat. Add fresh toppings right before eating to keep them crisp. Plain Greek yogurt topping adds 5g additional protein per serving. Nutrition: 28g protein, 22g carbs, 9g fat, 6g fiber per serving.