High-Protein Chili
Per serving (about 1.5 cups)
How I calculate this → Calculate your protein target →
I brown the beef and vegetables in a skillet before they go into the slow cooker, rather than dumping everything in raw. That browning step builds real flavor the slow cooker's gentle heat can't create on its own. From there it's hands-off: six hours on low and it's done, thick, and ready to portion out.
Why you'll love this
- 26g of protein per serving from lean ground beef and beans together
- Mostly hands-off after a quick browning step
- Makes 6 servings, ready to portion for the week
Recipe
High-Protein Chili
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, for 5 to 6 minutes until no longer pink.
- Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, chili powder, and cumin and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Slow cooker
Notes
- I brown the beef and vegetables in a skillet first rather than skipping straight to the slow cooker. That step builds real depth of flavor a slow cooker's steady, gentle heat can't produce on its own.
- This thickens more the longer it sits, so leftovers the next day are often even better than the first bowl.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 305 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 26g |
| Carbs | 16g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Storage
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze in portions for up to 3 months. This is one of the few recipes here that genuinely tastes better the next day, once the flavors have had time to sit.
FAQ
Can I use a leaner ground beef?
Yes, 93/7 works fine and lowers the fat a bit further. Very lean ground beef can turn slightly drier over the long cook time, so 90/10 is a reasonable middle ground.
Can I use a different bean?
Black beans or pinto beans both work as a direct swap for the kidney beans in the same amount.
How spicy is this?
Mild to moderate, depending on your chili powder blend. Add a diced jalapeno with the onion and pepper, or a pinch of cayenne, if you want more heat.
Looking for more slow cooker dinners: the turkey chili is a leaner variation on the same idea.