---
title: "High-Protein Turkey Chili for the Week"
url: https://save.cooking/@mealprepmike/high-protein-turkey-chili-for-the-week
author: Meal Prep Mike
author_profile: https://save.cooking/@mealprepmike
description: "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."
prep_time: 10 minutes
cook_time: 35 minutes
total_time: 45 minutes
servings: 6
tags: ["Main Dish", "Make Ahead", "Full Meal", "American", "Stovetop", "Dinner", "Lunch", "Turkey", "One Pot", "Meal Prep", "Beans", "High Protein"]
published: 2026-01-06
updated: 2026-01-14
---

# High-Protein Turkey Chili for the Week

*Recipe by [@mealprepmike](https://save.cooking/@mealprepmike)*

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 minutes | **Prep:** 10 minutes | **Cook:** 35 minutes | **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.

## Tags

`Main Dish`, `Make Ahead`, `Full Meal`, `American`, `Stovetop`, `Dinner`, `Lunch`, `Turkey`, `One Pot`, `Meal Prep`, `Beans`, `High Protein`

---

*This recipe is hosted on [Save.Cooking](https://save.cooking), a recipe organization platform.*
*View this recipe: [https://save.cooking/@mealprepmike/high-protein-turkey-chili-for-the-week](https://save.cooking/@mealprepmike/high-protein-turkey-chili-for-the-week)*