EASY HIGH PROTEIN CHILI

EASY HIGH PROTEIN CHILI is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by Cal Reynolds on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr 23 min | Total: 1 hr 53 min

Cost: $13.99 total, $2.33 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, fresh)
  • 2 medium Bell Peppers (any color, diced)
  • 1 large Onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 14.5 oz cans Diced Tomatoes (undrained)
  • 1 15 oz can Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 15 oz can Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 2 cups Beef Bone Broth (low‑sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin)
  • 2 tablespoons Chili Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Vegetables

    Dice the bell peppers and onion into 1/2‑inch pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat the large pot over medium heat, add olive oil, then add the diced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  3. Brown the Ground Beef

    Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with the wooden spoon and cook until fully browned, about 8 minutes, and no pink remains.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: medium

  4. Add Remaining Ingredients

    Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), drained beans, beef bone broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Bring to a Boil and Simmer

    Increase heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with the lid and let it simmer for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT1H

  6. Final Taste Check

    After simmering, taste the chili and adjust salt or spices as needed. If the chili is too thick, add a splash of water or extra broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
420
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
9 g

Dietary info: High protein, Gluten‑free, Dairy‑free

Allergens: None

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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EASY HIGH PROTEIN CHILI

Recipe by Cal Reynolds

A protein‑packed, one‑pot beef chili perfect for chilly days. Ground beef is browned with onions and peppers, then simmered with tomatoes, beans, beef bone broth, and a blend of classic chili spices for about an hour. Easy, comforting, and full of flavor.

EasyAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
1h 18m
Cook
11m
Cleanup
1h 44m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.99
Total cost
$2.33
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop flavor.
  • Simmer the chili for at least one hour to allow beans and spices to meld.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Safety Warnings

  • Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
  • Handle hot pot with a pot holder; the handle becomes very hot during simmering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of beef chili in American cuisine?

A

Beef chili, often called "chili con carne," originated in the American Southwest and Texas in the 19th century, blending Mexican spices with locally available beef. It became a staple at community gatherings, fairs, and later as a comforting home‑cooked meal during cold weather.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chili in the United States?

A

Texas chili typically omits beans and focuses on beef and spices, while Cincinnati chili adds cinnamon, allspice, and is served over spaghetti. New Mexico chili often incorporates green chilies, and many home cooks add beans for a heartier version like this recipe.

cultural
Q

How is authentic beef chili traditionally served in Texas cuisine?

A

In Texas, chili is traditionally served hot in a bowl, often topped with chopped onions, shredded cheese, and a side of cornbread or crusty bread. It is usually eaten without beans, but beans are a common modern adaptation.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is beef chili traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Beef chili is popular at game‑day parties, tailgate gatherings, winter potlucks, and community fundraisers because it can be made in large batches and keeps warm for hours.

cultural
Q

How does beef chili fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?

A

Beef chili embodies the American comfort food ethos: hearty, protein‑rich, easy to scale, and adaptable to personal taste. Its one‑pot nature makes it a go‑to dish for busy families and casual gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for beef chili versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include ground beef, dried chili peppers or chili powder, cumin, garlic, onions, and sometimes beef broth. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey for a leaner version, vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist, and canned beans for added texture.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with beef chili?

A

Serve beef chili alongside cornbread, warm tortillas, baked potatoes, or a simple green salad. It also pairs nicely with a side of coleslaw or pickled jalapeños for contrast.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making beef chili?

A

Common mistakes include over‑cooking the garlic, not browning the beef enough, simmering for too short a time, and adding too much liquid at the start. Each of these can lead to flat flavor or a watery texture.

technical
Q

Why does this beef chili recipe simmer for an hour instead of a shorter cook time?

A

A long, gentle simmer allows the beans to soften, the spices to meld, and the beef to become tender, resulting in a deeper, richer flavor that quick‑cook methods can't achieve.

technical
Q

Can I make this beef chili ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the chili improves after resting. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cal Reynolds specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cal Reynolds focuses on straightforward, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials, often highlighting protein‑rich meals, quick weeknight dishes, and practical kitchen hacks for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cal Reynolds' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Cal Reynolds emphasizes minimal equipment, clear step‑by‑step narration, and cost‑effective ingredient choices, making classic American comfort foods like this beef chili accessible without fancy gadgets or hard‑to‑find items.

channel

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