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protein chili in bowl with toppings showing ground beef and beans

High Protein Chili: The Ultimate Recipe for Muscle Building

Hearty, flavorful, high-protein chili with ground beef, turkey, beans, and spices. Perfect for a satisfying meal that supports your fitness goals with 40-50 grams of protein per serving!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef 90/10
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey 93/7
  • 2 cans black beans 15-ounce, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cans kidney beans 15-ounce, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can pinto beans 15-ounce, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes 28-ounce, undrained
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 2 medium onions chopped
  • 2 bell peppers 1 red, 1 green, chopped
  • 2 jalapeño peppers seeded and minced, optional
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 2 cups low sodium beef broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and turkey. Break apart with spoon and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
  2. Add chopped onion and bell peppers to pot with browned meat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and jalapeño peppers to pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  5. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper to pot. Stir well to coat meat and vegetables. Cook for 1 minute to bloom spices.
  6. Pour in beef broth, scraping bottom of pot to loosen browned bits.
  7. Stir in diced tomatoes (undrained), black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Bring mixture to a simmer.
  8. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  9. After simmering, taste chili and season with salt and black pepper. Adjust chili powder or cayenne pepper as needed. If too thick, add more beef broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered longer to reduce liquid.
  10. Ladle into bowls and serve with desired toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado, or cilantro.

Notes

Spice Level: Adjust jalapeño and cayenne pepper to control heat level. Slow Cooker Method: Brown meat first, then cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours. Storage: Refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months.