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Easy Protein Chili - A Hearty, Weeknight-Friendly Classic

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–1.25 pounds lean ground turkey or chicken (93% lean works well)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (no-salt-added if possible)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/3 cup rinsed quinoa (optional for extra protein and texture)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lime juice
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced green onion, shredded cheese, Greek yogurt, avocado, jalapeño, crushed tortilla chips

Method
 

  1. Warm the pot: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring, until softened.
  2. Add garlic and turkey: Stir in garlic for 30 seconds. Add the ground turkey, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.
  3. Season well: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Tomato base: Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute, then pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Beans and quinoa: Add black beans, kidney beans, and rinsed quinoa. Stir. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
  6. Simmer: Cover partially and simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the quinoa is tender and the chili thickens. Add a splash of water if it gets too thick.
  7. Finish and taste: Stir in apple cider vinegar or lime juice. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or heat as needed.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy hot.