High-Protein Turkey Chili for the Week
Lean ground turkey chili with beans, veggies, and big flavor—built for meal prep. High-protein, one-pot, and reheats like a champ for quick lunches and dinners.
This is my default “set it and forget it” meal-prep chili: fast to cook, easy to portion, and reliable all week. Lean turkey keeps the protein high without feeling heavy. Make it once, portion it out, and you’ve got a consistent, no-excuses meal ready in minutes.
Total Time
45 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
35 min
Servings
6
Ingredients
Base
- •1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- •1 large yellow onion, diced
- •1 red bell pepper, diced
- •3 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 1/2 lb (680 g) lean ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
Spices
- •2 tbsp chili powder
- •2 tsp ground cumin
- •1 tsp smoked paprika
- •1 tsp dried oregano
- •1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- •1/4 tsp black pepper
- •1/4–1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Chili
- •2 tbsp tomato paste
- •1 can (28 oz / 794 g) crushed tomatoes
- •1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- •1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- •2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- •1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- •1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lime juice (for finishing)
Optional toppings (add when serving)
- •0% Greek yogurt or sour cream
- •Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
- •Chopped cilantro
- •Sliced jalapeño
- •Diced avocado
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper and cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
- 2
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 3
Add ground turkey. Break it up with a spoon and cook 6–8 minutes until no longer pink.
- 4
Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- 5
Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, beans, broth, and corn (if using).
- 6
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- 7
Turn off heat and stir in vinegar or lime juice. Taste and adjust salt/heat.
- 8
Meal prep: Cool 15–20 minutes, then portion into containers. Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat until piping hot.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition calculated automatically from ingredients.