Description
This Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe is a flavorful, nutritious dish perfect for a hearty meal. Made with lean ground turkey, a variety of beans, and a blend of spices, it’s a wholesome, protein-packed chili that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, this chili is gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be customized to be spicier to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
Liquids and Spices
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the lean ground turkey and cook it thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season the Chili: Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, and salt and black pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to blend the spices throughout the chili.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with optional toppings such as avocado slices, Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, or green onions for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- To make the chili spicier, add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
- This chili can be made in advance and freezes well for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Serve with cornbread or a side salad to complete the meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
