Maybe you are wondering if Chilli Con Carne is healthy? I say absolutely heck yeah! And it’s a staple meal in our household for this exact reason. Not only is it healthy as it packs in a generous amount of protein but you can also bump it up with some hidden veggies, a side of healthy fats with some home made guacamole and some slow release carbs if you switch to brown rice or quinoa if you really want to boost your protein intake.
Another reason Chilli Con Carne makes for such a simple healthy meal is that it can be made ahead of time, you can even do it in the slow cooker as well as making big batches that freeze really well and can be used up at a later date. A healthy simple to make time saver, chilli is just an all round win.
Of course when it comes to a Chilli, it’s traditionally done with beef, but my husband doesn’t tolerate red meat so well these days so I often opt for this Turkey version. Not only to keep my husbands gut in better order, but turkey is also a much leaner meat. Meaning that you can save on calories without having to skimp on protein.
When it comes to creating change in your body in midlife, one of the most important foundations is getting enough protein. I always encourage my clients to aim for 30–40g of protein at each meal. This might sound like a lot at first, but it’s one of the most effective ways to feel satisfied, improve energy, and support a healthy metabolism.
And the good news? You don’t need complicated diets or fancy ingredients. With simple healthy recipes like this High Protein Turkey Chilli, you can enjoy delicious, family-friendly meals that tick all the boxes for both taste and nutrition.
Why Protein Matters in Midlife
Protein is more than just a “fitness” nutrient — it’s essential for women in their 40s and beyond:
- Supports lean muscle mass: As we age, we lose muscle unless we actively protect it. Protein plus strength training is the best combination.
- Boosts metabolism: More muscle means burning more calories, even at rest.
- Keeps you full: High-protein meals reduce snacking and energy crashes.
- Balances hormones: Protein helps regulate insulin and supports steady energy throughout the day.
That’s why focusing on simple healthy recipes with plenty of protein can be such a game-changer.
High Protein Turkey Chilli (Simple & Healthy)
This recipe is hearty, warming, and perfect for meal prep. Plus, it’s quick to make — ideal for busy midlife women who want meals that are both simple and healthy.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 16 oz. (450g) turkey mince
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 yellow pepper, chopped
- 1 cup (100g) celery, chopped
- 1 cup (130g) carrots, chopped
- 19 oz. (650ml) can of kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 28 oz. (828ml) can of fire-roasted or chopped tomatoes
- 3 cups (700ml) chicken stock
- ⅔ cup (160ml) tomato paste
- 1 tbsp. chili powder
- 1 ½ tsp. ground cumin
- ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ⅛ tsp. pepper
- ⅛–¼ tsp. cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ⅛ cup fresh chopped coriander
Method
- Drain and rinse the kidney beans, set aside.
- Chop all the vegetables into small, even pieces, keeping the onion separate.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the onion with a pinch of salt and pepper for 2 minutes. Add the turkey mince and cook until browned.
- Add the rest of the vegetables and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken stock, canned tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato paste, and spices. Mix well, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook gently for 20 minutes.
- With 5 minutes left, stir through the chopped coriander.
Tips
- Cook ahead — the flavour deepens overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches.
- Freeze into portions for quick grab-and-go meals on busy weekdays.
More Simple Healthy Recipes for Midlife Women
If you loved this High Protein Turkey Chili, you’ll find plenty more ideas in my cookbooks. Each one is designed to help you hit your protein targets while keeping meals quick, tasty, and family-friendly.
👉 Better Body High Protein Cookbook
👉 Better Body Batch Cooking Cookbook
These collections are packed with simple healthy recipes that make eating well in midlife easy and enjoyable.
Save this recipe for your next meal prep, and let me know — do you find it easy to get 30–40g of protein at each meal?
Also check out these recipes next for more simple healthy recipes at dinner time:
Turkey Chilli
Ingredients
- 450 g turkey mince
- 1 onion medium, chopped
- 1 yellow pepper chopped
- 100 g celery chopped
- 130g g carrots chopped
- 650 ml kidney beans
- 1 can chopped tomatoes
- 700 ml chicken stock
- 1 tbsp chilli powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1/8-1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 1/8 cup fresh chopped corriander
Instructions
- Drain the can of kidney beans and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- Chop all the vegetables into small even sized pieces. Keep the onions separate.
- Place a non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Sauté the onions in 1 tablespoon of oil and season with salt and pepper for 2 minutes. Now add in the turkey, mince and cook until the mince has browned. Now add in the rest of the vegetables and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add in the chicken stock, canned tomatoes, garlic, chili powder, kidney beans, ground cumin, tomato paste, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to combine, bring to a boil then turn down to simmer and simmer gently for 20 minutes.
- With 5 minutes of cooking time left, add in freshly chopped coriander and stir through.
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