Picture a bowl of steaming, aromatic turkey chili, with its rich, comforting scent wafting through your kitchen.
This dish isn’t only heartwarming and easy to make, but also a favorite for its cozy, satisfying goodness.
As the ground turkey browns and the spices meld with vibrant bell peppers and beans, a delightful transformation takes place, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Let’s bring this delicious chili to life in your own home!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Cook & Prep Time
To manage your time efficiently while preparing and cooking Healthy Turkey Chili, follow this timeline:
- Reading the Recipe (5 minutes)
- Before starting, take a few minutes to read through the recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
- Prep Work (15 minutes)
- 0-5 minutes: Gather all the equipment and ingredients.
- 5-10 minutes: Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- 10-13 minutes: Chop the red and green bell peppers.
- 13-15 minutes: Measure out the spices and other ingredients.
- Cooking Time (45 minutes)
- 0-5 minutes: Heat olive oil in the large pot over medium heat.
- 5-15 minutes: Brown the ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- 15-20 minutes: Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cook until the onion is translucent.
- 20-25 minutes: Stir in the chopped bell peppers.
- 25-30 minutes: Mix in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- 30-35 minutes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth.
- 35-40 minutes: Add the tomato paste, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (optional), stir well.
- 40-45 minutes: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer.
- Simmering and Resting (35 minutes)
- 0-30 minutes: Simmer the chili on low heat, stirring occasionally.
- 30-35 minutes: Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion is translucent.
Stir in the chopped red and green bell peppers and cook for a few more minutes.
Mix in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth.
Add the tomato paste, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper, if using.
Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Cornbread: A classic pairing that adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory chili.
- Rice: Serve the chili over a bed of rice for a hearty and filling meal.
- Tortilla Chips: Use tortilla chips to scoop up the chili for a crunchy texture and fun eating experience.
- Sour Cream and Cheese: Top the chili with sour cream and shredded cheese for added creaminess and flavor.
- Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado slices provide a cool and creamy contrast to the warm and spicy chili.
Storage
Store leftover Healthy Turkey Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
For longer storage, freeze portions for up to three months.
Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing
To freeze Healthy Turkey Chili, let it cool completely.
Then divide it into airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat Healthy Turkey Chili, use a stovetop or microwave.
Heat until steaming, stirring occasionally for even warmth.
Add a splash of chicken broth if it appears too thick.
Final Thoughts
Preparing a delicious and healthy turkey chili is a great way to enjoy a hearty meal while keeping it nutritious.
It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and can be easily adjusted to suit your spice preferences.
By following the step-by-step instructions, you can create a flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
For an even richer taste, consider making it a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your taste preference.
This chili can also be made in a slow cooker by browning the turkey and sautéing the veggies first.
Then transfer everything to the slow cooker to cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Enjoy your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Yes, you can use ground chicken instead of turkey. Both are lean proteins, offering similar nutrient profiles. Just guarantee portion control for balanced nutrition. Adjust cooking time if needed, as chicken might cook quicker. Enjoy your healthier chili!
Are There Any Vegan Substitutions for This Chili?
You can substitute ground turkey with lentils or chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Make sure to increase spices to maintain flavor. This keeps the chili nutrient-rich and suitable for portion-controlled vegan diets.
How Can I Thicken the Chili if It’s Too Watery?
To thicken your chili, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water, stir it in, and let it simmer. Alternatively, mash some beans to release their starches, which naturally thickens without extra calories.
What Toppings Pair Well With Turkey Chili?
Top your turkey chili with avocado slices for healthy fats, Greek yogurt for protein, and chopped cilantro for flavor. Add a sprinkle of cheese for calcium. Control portions by measuring toppings to maintain a balanced meal.
Is This Recipe Suitable for a Gluten-Free Diet?
Yes, you can enjoy this recipe on a gluten-free diet. All ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Make sure to check the labels on canned products, as some may contain additives that aren’t gluten-free. Adjust portions as needed.
Healthy Turkey Chili
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 ounces
- 1 can kidney beans rinsed and drained
- 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the chopped red and green bell peppers and cook for a few more minutes.
- Mix in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth.
- Add the tomato paste, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper, if using.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
