High-Protein Turkey & Bean Chilli
By Georgina Taylor (ANutr)
Registered associate nutritionist
Prep Time
20 mins
Servings
6 Servings
Cook Time
50 mins
Difficulty
Easy
A simple, one-pot turkey & bean chilli that’s high in protein, rich in fibre, and full of warming spices. Ideal for batch cooking, busy weeknights, or serving with a baked sweet potato.
Ingredients
500g Turkey mince (for vegetarian, use quorn or vegan alternative to mince, or omit altogether)
1 White onion, diced
1 Yellow or red pepper, diced
2 tins Chopped tomatoes
1 tin Black beans, drained
1 tin Kidney beans, drained
1 tin Sweetcorn, drained
1tsp Garlic granules
1tsp Oregano
2tsp Chilli powder
1tsp Cinnamon
1tsp Smoked paprika
1tsp Ground cumin
Method
Step 1
Cut pepper & onion and fry in a deep frying pan until soft.
Step 2
Add in turkey and fry until pale/ no longer pink.
Step 3
Add in 2 x tinned tomatoes, 1 tin drained red kidney beans, 1 tin drained black beans and spices and stir well until combined.
Step 4
Add in 1 tin drained sweetcorn.
Step 5
If cooking on the hob, simmer on low for 40-50 mins. If finishing it in the slow cooker or oven, transfer to the slow cooker or oven proof dish and cook on low for 1.5 hours.
Step 6
If having with a jacket or sweet potato, pierce a few holes in the potato microwave for 10-15 mins until soft, then transfer to a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt to crisp up the skin and finish cooking the potato in the oven (around 10-15 minutes or until a knife runs through the potato easily all the way through). Top with some grated cheese for the perfect finishing touch!
Nutritional Information
Per serving:
Energy - 336kcal
Protein - 32g
Carbohydrates - 27g
Fat - 6g
Fibre - 7g
This nutritional information is provided as a helpful estimate. Values may vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes you use.
Recipe Notes
- Build flavour early: Cook the onion and pepper until properly soft (5–8 mins) before adding the mince. It makes a big difference.
- Brown the turkey properly: Let it sit in the pan for a minute or two before stirring so you get a bit of colour (more flavour).
- Control the heat: Start with 2 tsp chilli powder, then taste near the end and add more if you want it hotter.
- Richer chilli: Add a small square of dark chocolate or 1 tsp cocoa powder at the end (optional, but amazing).
- Additional veggies: Stir in spinach, courgette, or grated carrots in the last 10 minutes to boost veg without changing the vibe.
- Slow cooker friendly: Cook onion/pepper and brown the turkey first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker.
- Freezer win: Freeze in portions once cooled. Defrost overnight in the fridge, then reheat until piping hot.
- Serving ideas: Baked sweet potato, rice, tortilla chips, or a simple yoghurt/lime drizzle on top.
- Diet swaps: Vegetarian? Swap turkey for a plant-based mince, or double the beans and add chopped mushrooms for bite.
