This chili skillet is one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want something cozy, filling, and really satisfying without a ton of effort. It’s a true one pan dinner that doubles as a crowd-friendly dip (highly recommend serving it with tortilla chips), and it’s packed with protein and fiber thanks to the combo of ground meat and beans.

It tastes so beyond good, comes together easily, and honestly might be the cheesiest, best chili you’ll ever have. Dare I say this rivals my OG Hearty Paleo Chili?! Either way, this one has been on heavy rotation in our house—and it was a hit with the whole fam.

Why You’ll Love This Chili Skillet

As a registered dietitian, I love fueling my body – and feeding my family – with nutrient-packed foods, so  

I built this recipe to be both comforting and balanced. You’re getting high-quality protein from both the beef and turkey to support muscle and keep you full. Plus, fiber from the beans to help with digestion and steady energy.

The tomatoes and spices add depth of flavor while also bringing in antioxidants, so it’s one of those healthy chili recipes that checks a lot of boxes without feeling like “health food.”

It’s also super flexible—if you’re cooking for a smaller group, you can easily scale it back and adjust to taste. Chili is forgiving like that!

An Easy, High-Protein One Pan Dinner

This easy chili skillet is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even game day when you want something warm and shareable. Everything comes together in one skillet, simmers until thick and rich, and then gets finished under the broiler with a layer of melty cheese.

From there, it’s all about toppings—Greek yogurt for extra protein, fresh herbs, maybe some jalapeños—and serving it straight from the pan. Simple, flavorful, and made to feed a crowd or carry you through leftovers during the week. Let me know what you think below and don’t forget to tag me on IG when you make it!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Olive oil
• Lean ground beef (90/10)
• Ground turkey
• Yellow onion
• Green bell pepper
• Garlic cloves
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Dried oregano
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Tomato paste
• Canned crushed tomatoes
• Beef or chicken bone broth (I like Kettle & Fire)
• Can of pinto beans or black beans (optional)
• Freshly shredded sharp cheddar or cheddar-jack cheese

To Serve:

• Tortilla chips
• Greek yogurt
• Chopped cilantro or green onions

How To Make Cheesy Chili Skillet

Looking for the full recipe?

Scroll down to the Recipe Card below for complete instructions & measurements.

This cheesy chili skillet comes together in one pan and is perfect for cozy dinners, game day dips, or easy high-protein meal prep.

1. Brown the meat.
   Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet, then add the ground beef and turkey. Let it cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Sauté the veggies.
   Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and let it get fragrant.
3. Build the flavor.
   Add all your spices and stir well to coat the meat, then mix in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor.
4. Simmer the chili.
   Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, add beans if using, and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook until thick and rich.
5. Make it cheesy.
   Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, then broil until melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
6. Finish and serve.
   Let it rest for a couple minutes, then top with cilantro or green onions and serve straight from the skillet with tortilla chips and a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Recipe Substitutions & Questions

These simple substitutions and swaps make it easy to customize this Cheesy Chili Skillet based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.

• Ground meat: You can use all ground beef or all ground turkey instead of a mix. Ground chicken also works for a slightly leaner option.
• Make it dairy-free: Skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.
• Beans: Use pinto or black beans as written, or swap in kidney beans—or leave them out entirely if you prefer a lower-carb version.
• Broth: Beef or chicken bone broth both work great—use whatever you have on hand. Regular broth will also work.
• Bell pepper: Swap green bell pepper for red, yellow, or orange for a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Spices: If you’re out of individual spices, you can use a store-bought chili seasoning blend and adjust to taste.
• Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be swapped for diced tomatoes (for more texture) or fire-roasted tomatoes for added depth.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar or cheddar-jack are great here, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack work well too for a little kick.
• Toppings: Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream, or keep it dairy-free with avocado. Use cilantro or green onions—or both.
• Serving style: Serve with tortilla chips as a dip, or over rice or baked potatoes to make it more of a full meal.

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Can I make chili skillet in a slow cooker?

Yes—this chili skillet can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Brown the meat first, then add everything (except the cheese and toppings) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until thick and flavorful. Stir in cheese at the end or sprinkle on top before serving. It’s a great hands-off option for busy days or meal prep.

Can I freeze chili skillet?

Yes, this recipe freezes really well. For best results, freeze it without the cheese topping and add fresh cheese when reheating. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat until warmed through. It’s a great option for meal prep or stocking the freezer with high-protein dinners.

Is this chili skillet high in protein?

Yes! This chili skillet is naturally high in protein from the combination of ground beef, ground turkey, and beans. It’s designed to be filling and satisfying while also supporting steady energy. The protein + fiber combo helps keep you full longer, making it a great balanced dinner option for busy weeknights.

What can I serve with chili skillet?

This chili skillet is super versatile. I love serving it with tortilla chips as a dip, but it also works really well over rice, baked potatoes, or spooned into bowls like classic chili. Add toppings like Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, cilantro, green onions, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.

How do I make a cheesy chili skillet thicker?

If you want an even thicker chili skillet, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered so some of the liquid cooks off naturally. You can also mash a small portion of the beans into the chili to help naturally thicken the texture. It will also continue to thicken slightly as it rests, especially after the cheese is added.

Can I make this with just one type of meat?

Of course! You can use all ground beef or all ground turkey instead of a mix, depending on what you have on hand. It still turns out really flavorful either way, and chili is very forgiving when it comes to protein swaps.

More High-Protein One Pan Meals You’ll Love

• One Pan Enchilada Skillet
• Marry Me Chicken Meatballs (Easy One-Pan Recipe)
• One-Pan Beef and Broccoli
• Healthy Turkey Taco Chili with Butternut Squash
• Chipotle Beef & Black Bean Soup   

Click here to watch the reel I made of this recipe 🙂