A Whiff of Comfort in a Bowl
Ever walked into a kitchen and felt instantly cozy just from the smell of cooking chili? High Protein Chili fills your home with an irresistible aroma that practically begs you to dig in. Quick, hearty, and simply satisfying, this one-pot wonder combines lean ground beef with a medley of spices, beans, and tomatoes, making it a protein-packed powerhouse that’ll warm you to your core.
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you whip up this chili recipe tonight? Here are a few reasons:
- Easy Cleanup: One pot means less fuss and more time to relax. Who wants to spend their evening washing dishes?
- Affordable and Filling: You can make a big batch without breaking the bank, and it keeps you full longer—perfect for those late-night snack attacks!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour it. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies if you want to be sneaky (we won’t tell!).
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
Directions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps and you’ll have a bubbling pot of deliciousness in no time:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers, cooking until they begin to soften.
- Stir in the garlic, cooking for 1 minute—feel that aroma?
- Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Drain any excess fat if needed. Now it’s time to spice things up—literally!
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes to intensify those flavors.
- Add diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot in bowls with toppings like cheese, sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños.
How to Make High Protein Chili (Overview)
Making this High Protein Chili is super straightforward and fun! Start by sautéing your veggies, then brown the beef and add spices to take it from blah to “wow”!
- Pro Tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic—it makes ALL the difference; go big or go home, right?
- Simmer away and let the flavors meld. The aroma will pull everyone into the kitchen.
How to Serve High Protein Chili
Once it’s done simmering, get ready for a flavor explosion! Serve it up in deep bowls to really show off that vibrant red color. The beautiful contrast between the chili and your toppings—think shredded cheese, crisp green onions, or spicy jalapeños—will be a feast for the eyes and your taste buds. The warmth and heartiness make it the perfect dish for those chilly nights; your dinner guests will thank you!
How to Store High Protein Chili
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your chili in the fridge for up to 4–5 days or in the freezer for about 3 months. For that fresh taste, let it cool, then portion it into airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, just heat it up either on the stove or in the microwave—easy peasy!
Tips to Make High Protein Chili
Here are some insider tricks to elevate your chili game:
- Black bean substitute: If you’re not a fan of black beans, feel free to swap them for pinto beans or even lentils!
- Heat level: Want a kick? Toss in some jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce right at the end.
- Texture lovers: For a chunkier chili, don’t mash the beans too much when you stir them in.
Variation
Feel like getting creative? You can totally make this chili more vibrant or even vegan! Swap out the beef for quinoa or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Spruce it up with extra veggies like zucchini or sweet corn!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great for a leaner option.Can I make this chili in advance?
You bet! It actually tastes even better the next day after all the flavors have mingled.How do I adjust the spiciness?
Start with less chili powder if you’re sensitive to heat, and add more to taste as it cooks. Nobody wants a “fire alarm” chili experience!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
High Protein Chili
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers, cooking until they begin to soften.
- Stir in the garlic, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Drain any excess fat if needed. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and cook for 2 minutes to intensify the flavors.
- Add diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot in bowls with toppings.