High-Protein Turkey Chili Meal Prep

As a busy home cook, I’ve always been on the lookout for recipes that are both nutritious and budget-friendly. My family’s favourite go-to meal is undoubtedly my high-protein turkey chili, which I’ve perfected over the years. I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it perfect for meal prep, and I’m excited to share it with you today. Not only is this dish packed with protein and fibre, but it’s also incredibly affordable – making it a staple in our household.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Turkey Chili Meal Prep

• Packed with protein and fibre to keep you full and satisfied
• Customisable to suit your taste preferences (add your favourite spices or toppings!)
• Perfect for meal prep – cook once, devour all week
• Affordable and budget-friendly, making it a staple in our household
• My kids absolutely devour this every time I make it

High-Protein Turkey Chili Meal Prep

15 min prep  ·  30 min cook  ·  4 servings

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 500g lean ground turkey
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cans of diced tomatoes
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Tip: Make sure to use lean ground turkey to keep this dish low in fat and calories. You can also use ground chicken or beef as a substitute.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large frying pan or skillet
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula

How to Make High-Protein Turkey Chili Meal Prep

1. Heat a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s translucent and starting to caramelize, stirring occasionally (about 5-7 minutes). You’ll know it’s ready when it’s golden brown and fragrant.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for a further 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aroma of garlic will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water!
3. Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender and slightly charred. The bell pepper will start to break down and release its natural sweetness.
4. Add the lean ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink and is fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). You’ll notice the turkey start to brown and develop a rich, meaty flavour.
5. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and stir to combine. The spices will start to release their aromas and infuse the turkey with a smoky flavour.
6. Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavours have melded together and the sauce has thickened (about 10-15 minutes). You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce has reduced slightly and the flavours are deep and rich.
7. Add the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for a further 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavours have melded together and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
8. Stir in the chopped cilantro (if using) and serve hot. You can also let the chili cool and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use – perfect for meal prep!

Tips From My Kitchen

• Customise to your taste: Add your favourite spices or toppings to make this dish your own. Some ideas include diced jalapenos, chopped fresh cilantro, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• Use a slow cooker: If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can cook the chili in a slow cooker. Simply brown the turkey and cook the vegetables in a pan, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Freeze for later: This chili freezes beautifully, making it a great meal prep option. Simply divide the cooked chili into portions, transfer them to airtight containers or freezer bags, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat as needed.
• Make it a one-pot wonder: If you prefer to cook everything in one pot, you can cook the chili in a large Dutch oven or stockpot. Simply brown the turkey and cook the vegetables in the pot, then add the remaining ingredients and cook until the flavours have melded together.
• Get creative with toppings: Serve the chili with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, diced onions, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips. You can also serve it over rice, noodles, or with some crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

What to Serve With High-Protein Turkey Chili Meal Prep

• Crusty bread or cornbread for dipping
• Shredded cheese or sour cream for topping
• Rice or noodles for serving
• Crushed tortilla chips or crispy bacon for added crunch

Frequently Asked Questions

High-Protein Turkey Chili Meal Prep

A hearty, protein-packed turkey chili with black beans and kidney beans, perfect for meal prep. Smoky and slightly spicy, it's easy to make in bulk and stores well.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 500 g lean ground turkey
• 1 large onion diced
• 3 cloves of garlic minced
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 2 cans of diced tomatoes
• 1 can of black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can of kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro optional

Method

 

1. Heat a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, stirring occasionally (about 5-7 minutes). You'll know it's ready when it's golden brown and fragrant.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for a further 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aroma of garlic will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water!
3. Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's tender and slightly charred. The bell pepper will start to break down and release its natural sweetness.
4. Add the lean ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it's no longer pink and is fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). You'll notice the turkey start to brown and develop a rich, meaty flavour.
5. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and stir to combine. The spices will start to release their aromas and infuse the turkey with a smoky flavour.
6. Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavours have melded together and the sauce has thickened (about 10-15 minutes). You'll know it's ready when the sauce has reduced slightly and the flavours are deep and rich.
7. Add the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for a further 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavours have melded together and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
8. Stir in the chopped cilantro (if using) and serve hot. You can also let the chili cool and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use – perfect for meal prep!

Notes

Cayenne pepper and cilantro are optional. For meal prep, let chili cool completely before storing in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

As a busy home cook, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both nutritious and budget-friendly. My high-protein turkey chili meal prep is a staple in our household, and I’m excited to share it with you today. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or simply a health-conscious individual, this recipe is perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy dinner. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!