Description
This kid-friendly High Protein Chili is a hearty and nutritious slow cooker meal packed with lean meat, beans, and vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it’s flavorful without being too spicy for little ones.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (mild)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup water or low-sodium broth
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey or beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked meat to a slow cooker. Add black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, corn, bell pepper, onion, and garlic.
- Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add water or broth and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir well before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm with kid-friendly toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.
Notes
- For picky eaters, you can blend part of the chili for a smoother texture.
- This chili freezes well for up to 3 months—perfect for batch cooking.
- Use low-sodium canned ingredients to better control the salt content.