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Healthy High Protein Turkey Chili Meals - Simple, Satisfying, and Meal-Prep Friendly

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds lean ground turkey (93% lean or leaner)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans beans, drained and rinsed (kidney, black, or pinto)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
  • 1/2–1 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Juice of 1/2 lime (optional, for brightness)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Toppings: Greek yogurt or light sour cream, shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, avocado

Method
 

  1. Prep your aromatics. Dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the jalapeño and garlic. Open and rinse the beans. Keep everything nearby to make cooking smoother.
  2. Brown the turkey. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add the ground turkey, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. Let it get a little browned for extra flavor.
  3. Soften the veggies. Add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño to the pot. Cook 4–5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  4. Build the base. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes to caramelize it slightly. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and coriander. Toast the spices for 30 seconds to wake them up.
  5. Add liquids and beans. Pour in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juice, and broth. Stir in the rinsed beans. Bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Simmer low and slow. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili should thicken and flavors will meld. If it gets too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
  7. Final seasoning. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Stir in lime juice for brightness and cilantro if you like.
  8. Serve. Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings—Greek yogurt for creaminess, a sprinkle of cheddar, green onions, or avocado slices.