Description
A hearty and flavorful high protein chili made with lean ground beef or turkey, a blend of spices, colorful bell peppers, beans, and tomatoes. This comforting dish is perfect for a nutritious meal, packed with protein and rich in taste, simmered slowly to develop deep flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Meat and Spices
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Tomato and Beans
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
Optional Toppings
- Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its flavor.
- Cook Meat: Add ground beef or turkey to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Once browned, drain the excess fat to keep the chili lean.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly, toasting the spices for 1-2 minutes to enhance their aroma and depth.
- Add Tomato Base: Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes, blending everything together. Pour in the broth and bring the chili mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld.
- Add Beans and Simmer: Mix in the kidney beans and black beans. Reduce heat to low and simmer the chili uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to develop rich flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed—add more salt, chili powder, or even a splash of hot sauce to achieve desired heat and flavor balance.
- Serve: Serve the chili hot, topped with your choice of optional toppings such as Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a leaner option, choose ground turkey over beef.
- Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor or sweet paprika for milder taste.
- Simmering longer enhances flavor but be careful not to reduce the chili too much; add extra broth if needed.
- Kidney and black beans add protein and fiber, but you can substitute with pinto beans if desired.
- Optional toppings like Greek yogurt add creaminess without the fat of sour cream.
