Description
Warm, hearty, and packed with nutrients, this High Protein Chili is the ultimate comfort food that doubles as a nutritious meal. With lean ground beef, kidney and black beans, tomatoes, corn, and a blend of spices, it’s perfect for a quick dinner, easy recipe lovers, or those in search of high-protein meal prep options. Whether you’re cooking up easy dinner ideas, healthy lunch, or craving bold flavors in a cozy one-pot meal, this chili checks every box. Ideal for families, fitness-focused eaters, or anyone looking for flavorful food ideas that satisfy and nourish.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb lean ground beef
15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz corn kernels, drained
15 oz diced tomatoes with juice
6 oz tomato paste
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and green bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef, break it up, and cook until browned, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat and cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom spices.
5. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Stir well.
6. Pour in beef broth and mix thoroughly. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
7. Simmer on low, partially covered, for at least 30 minutes to develop flavors.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Browning the meat properly builds essential flavor. Don’t skip this step.
You can easily make it vegetarian by using lentils or extra beans instead of meat.
For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered longer or add more tomato paste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: high protein chili, easy chili recipe, quick dinner, one pot meal, meal prep, comfort food