When the weather cools off, there’s nothing I crave more than warm soups and stews. This high protein beef chili really hits the spot when you’re craving a big bowl of comfort.
To make this a “high protein” chili, I use a lean ground beef and add in black beans. To add in even MORE protein, you can top your beef chili with cheese, or a dollop of nonfat Greek yogurt (in place of sour cream).
High Protein Chili Ingredients
Lean Ground Beef
I used a 90% lean, grass-fed ground beef for this protein chili. I love getting my meat from Butcher Box because they make eating higher-quality poultry, fish and beef so much more affordable than getting it from the grocery store.
If you’d like to sign up to try it for yourself, you can use my affiliate link to get a discount AND free meat! To check the latest Butcher Box deals – click here.
Beef Chili Spices
This protein chili with beef uses just a few ingredients to really kick up the flavor. For the seasoning, I love using smoked paprika. The smokey flavor is so delicious in chili, but you can substitute regular paprika if that’s all you have on hand. In addition to cumin and chili powder, I also like to sprinkle in some oregano. I find oregano add such a nice flavor to my Tex-Mex dishes, and always add it to my tacos, enchiladas, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.
Diced Green Chiles
I also love adding in a can of diced green chiles. I don’t find them to be particularly spicy, but they add such a lovely flavor as they simmer that I always try to have a few cans on hand in my pantry.
Beans
I know adding beans to chili can be quite the controversy, but I love adding in black beans to help kick up the protein. Feel free to substitute with kidney beans if you prefer.
Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic and Tomato Sauce
Whenever I make chili, I love to add in some bell peppers to make it heartier. And instead of diced tomatoes, I prefer using a tomato sauce to simmer along with beef and beans. Add in a little onion and garlic, and you’re good to go.
How to Make High Protein Chili
This high protein chili is super simple to make. Simply brown your ground beef, add in your onion, garlic and bell peppers and cook for a few minutes to soften, and then add in the rest of your chili ingredients, a couple cups of water, and simmer for 25 minutes. Once you’ve simmered it down to your preference, taste and add in additional salt if desired.
Favorite Toppings
The best part of eating chili is getting to customize your bowl.
Here are some of our favorite high protein chili toppings:
- Pickled jalapeños
- Shredded cheddar
- Nonfat Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Scallions or diced red onion
If you loved this recipe, please check out my high protein lasagna.
High Protein Chili (Beef)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454g) 90% lean ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (185) red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup (130g) white onion, chopped
- 15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4oz can green chilis
- 8oz can tomato sauce
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
Optional Garnishes
- Shredded cheddar cheese, optional
- pickled jalapeños, optional
- scallions, optional
- sour cream or plain greek yogurt, optional
Instructions
- Place a large skillet or pot over medium – high heat. Add 90% lean ground beef and cook, until browned. I didn't have any grease to drain off, but if you use a fattier ground beef, drain extra fat.
- Add in the minced garlic, chopped onions and bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add in the spices, diced green chili (along with the juices), rinsed black beans, and tomato sauce.
- Mix well, and add 2 cups of water
- Simmer for 25 minutes or until chili has cooked down and thickened to your preference. Taste and add additional salt if needed.
- Serve with your favorite toppings – we love pickled jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of nonfat plain Greek yogurt.
NOTE
Nutrition information for this recipe is provided below. For more information on the nutrition facts provided on this site, please visit our nutrition disclaimer.
Your recipe was fantastic,