High Protein Chili

High Protein Chili

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High Protein Chili is the kind of comforting meal that satisfies hunger while still supporting your nutrition goals. It is rich, hearty, and layered with bold spices that warm you from the inside out. Every spoonful delivers a satisfying mix of tender beans, savory meat, and slow simmered tomatoes that create deep flavor without feeling heavy.

What makes this dish stand out is how effortlessly it balances taste and nourishment. It is filling enough for busy weeknights, meal prep friendly for the week ahead, and flexible enough to adapt to whatever ingredients you already have in your kitchen. Once you try it, this chili easily becomes a regular rotation meal.

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Chili

This High Protein Chili is packed with satisfying texture and bold flavor while delivering a strong protein boost that keeps you full longer. It cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner. The flavors deepen as it simmers, making leftovers even better the next day. It is also easy to customize whether you want it spicier, thicker, or loaded with toppings.

What Makes High Protein Chili So Filling?

The secret behind how filling High Protein Chili feels comes from the combination of lean protein, fiber rich beans, and slow cooked vegetables. Protein helps sustain energy while fiber slows digestion so you stay satisfied longer. The slow simmering process also allows spices and aromatics to fully develop, creating a richer taste that feels indulgent without needing excess fat.

Ingredients for the High Protein Chili

The ingredients for High Protein Chili are simple but each one plays an important role in building flavor, texture, and nutrition. Together they create a balanced dish that feels hearty and comforting while staying protein focused.

  • Lean ground beef brings strong protein content and savory richness.
  • Black beans add fiber and plant based protein while thickening the chili.
  • Kidney beans contribute texture and help make the dish more filling.
  • Diced tomatoes form the flavorful base and add natural sweetness.
  • Tomato paste deepens color and intensifies the tomato flavor.
  • Onion builds aromatic depth that anchors the chili.
  • Garlic enhances savoriness and warmth.
  • Bell peppers add subtle sweetness and texture.
  • Chili powder delivers classic chili flavor.
  • Cumin adds earthy warmth.
  • Paprika rounds out the spice blend with mild smokiness.
  • Salt and pepper balance and sharpen all flavors.
  • Olive oil helps sauté aromatics smoothly.
  • Beef broth loosens the texture while boosting savory notes.
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How To Make the High Protein Chili

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell peppers, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until aromatic.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Add lean ground beef to the pot and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks so the texture stays even throughout the chili.

Step 3: Add Spices

Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the meat mixture. Stir well so the spices coat everything evenly and release their aroma.

Step 4: Stir in Tomatoes and Beans

Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, black beans, kidney beans, and beef broth. Mix thoroughly so everything is well combined.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and let it cook uncovered for about 25 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. Let it rest a few minutes before serving so the texture settles.

Serving and Storing High Protein Chili

This High Protein Chili feeds about 6 people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or weekly meal prep. Serve it hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, Greek yogurt, green onions, or avocado for added richness.

Leftovers store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days and the flavor becomes even deeper over time. It also freezes well for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

What to Serve With High Protein Chili?

Cornbread

Soft cornbread pairs perfectly with chili by soaking up the rich sauce and balancing the spice with a hint of sweetness.

Rice

Serving chili over rice stretches portions and adds extra comfort to the meal.

Baked Potatoes

Split baked potatoes topped with chili create a filling and satisfying dinner option.

Tortilla Chips

Crunchy chips add texture and work great for scooping every bite.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad balances the richness with freshness.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables add color and extra nutrition to round out the plate.

Garlic Bread

Warm garlic bread makes the meal feel extra cozy and indulgent.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you love hearty meals like this High Protein Chili, you might also enjoy these favorites:

Crispy and comforting flavors come together in https://lunameals.com/easy-chicken-fried-rice/ which makes a great quick dinner option.

For something creamy and cozy, try https://lunameals.com/creamy-kielbasa-gnocchi-soup/ that delivers rich flavor in every spoonful.

If you enjoy skillet meals packed with protein, https://lunameals.com/ground-beef-zucchini-sweet-potato-skillet/ is another satisfying choice.

Bold seasoning lovers will appreciate https://lunameals.com/sheet-pan-steak-fajitas-recipe/ for a vibrant and easy dinner.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make it extra spicy or keep it mild? Did you add extra beans or swap the protein?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health boosting meals on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go to for feeling great https://www.pinterest.com/lunamealshomemaderecipes/.

Conclusion

High Protein Chili proves that comfort food can still support balanced eating. It is bold, hearty, and incredibly satisfying while remaining simple enough for everyday cooking. With flexible ingredients, easy preparation, and strong nutritional value, this dish easily becomes a dependable favorite you will return to again and again.

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High Protein Chili

High Protein Chili


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  • Author: Luna Bailey
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

High Protein Chili is a hearty, protein packed dinner made with lean ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices. This easy one pot chili recipe is perfect for meal prep, healthy dinners, high protein meals, and comforting weeknight recipes that keep you full longer.


Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion chopped

3 cloves garlic minced

1 medium bell pepper chopped

1 can black beans drained and rinsed

1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed

1 can diced tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup beef broth

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté onion and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.

2. Add lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, black beans, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir well.

5. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 25 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

You can swap ground turkey for a leaner option.

Add cayenne pepper for extra heat if desired.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg
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