Description
A budget-friendly, high-protein turkey chili packed with black beans and cheddar cheese. This easy, one-pot meal is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, and feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2–3 stalks green onions, sliced
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Chop onion, mince garlic, and measure spices.
- Brown the turkey: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil if using. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté aromatics: Push turkey to the side or remove if pot is small. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Bloom spices: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for 1 minute to release oils.
- Build the chili: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes (with juices), rinsed black beans, and 1 cup of water or low-sodium chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Turn off heat and stir in half of the cheddar cheese. Serve hot, topped with remaining cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
Notes
For best results, simmer for the full 30 minutes to thicken the chili. If meal prepping, add cheese when reheating rather than before freezing to prevent graininess. Can be made in an Instant Pot (pressure cook 10 mins) or Slow Cooker (low 6-8 hours).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 10
- Protein: 35
Keywords: turkey chili, high protein, black bean chili, budget meals, meal prep, one pot dinner, family friendly, cheddar cheese chili