High Protein Chili for Dinner & Easy Meal Prep (Print Version)
High protein chili recipe packed with flavor, ideal for a satisfying dinner or efficient meal prep. Fuel your body with this hearty, easy-to-make dish.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
02 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
03 -
1 green bell pepper, diced
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 tbsp olive oil
→ The Rich & Robust Base
06 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
07 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
08 -
1 1/2 cups beef broth, low sodium
09 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
→ The Signature Spice Blend
10 -
3 tbsp chili powder
11 -
1 tbsp ground cumin
12 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
1 tsp dried oregano
14 -
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
15 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ The Protein Powerhouse Beans
16 -
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
17 -
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in 1 large yellow onion, diced, and 1 green bell pepper, diced. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened, forming the base for your Best High Protein Chili: Dinner & Meal Prep Perfect.
02 -
Add 4 cloves garlic, minced, to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 3 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
03 -
Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste with the beef and spice mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, allowing the tomato paste to deepen in color and flavor. This step enhances the richness of your chili.
04 -
Pour in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained), and 1 1/2 cups low sodium beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This creates the robust foundation for your Best High Protein Chili: Dinner & Meal Prep Perfect.
05 -
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and develop, creating a truly rich and satisfying chili.
06 -
Uncover the pot. Stir in 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained, and 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chili has thickened to your desired consistency. This completes your Best High Protein Chili: Dinner & Meal Prep Perfect.
07 -
Taste the chili and season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the flavors to settle, ensuring the best Best High Protein Chili: Dinner & Meal Prep Perfect experience.
# Notes:
01 -
This chili is fantastic for meal prep! Divide cooled chili into individual airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
02 -
Elevate your chili with your favorite toppings! Consider shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra zest.
03 -
Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For an extra veggie boost, consider adding diced carrots or zucchini along with the onion and bell pepper.
04 -
For an even deeper, more complex flavor, prepare this chili a day in advance. The flavors will continue to meld and intensify overnight in the refrigerator, making it even more delicious the next day.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large Dutch oven or pot
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Measuring cups
05 -
Measuring spoons
06 -
Wooden spoon or spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 259 kcal
Total Fat: 8 g
Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
Protein: 23 g