Looking for a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare? Our Healthy Turkey Chili is the perfect choice! This flavorful chili is loaded with lean protein, beans, vegetables, and a blend of spices that create a deliciously hearty dish. Ideal for cozy dinners or meal prepping for the week, this turkey chili will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 pound ground turkey
4 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Cook the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the turkey is browned, about 5-6 minutes.
Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Cook for an additional minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, and water or chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the chili to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
Adjust and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Serving Tips:
Toppings: Enhance the flavor and texture of your chili with various toppings. Consider adding shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Sides: Serve the chili with a side of cornbread, whole-grain crackers, or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For extra heat, add more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.
Garnishes: Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a squeeze of lime juice can brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing touch.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow the chili to cool to room temperature before sealing the container.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chili in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label the containers with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight if needed. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.
Texture Adjustment: After freezing and reheating, the chili might be a bit thicker. If desired, add a splash of water or chicken broth to reach your preferred consistency.
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FAQs:
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground turkey if you prefer. For a healthier option, choose lean ground beef to keep the chili lower in fat. Keep in mind that ground beef will add a different flavor profile and may be a bit richer than turkey.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! To make this chili in a slow cooker, brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to cook the turkey and vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes and use the quick release method to release the pressure.
Can I add other vegetables to this chili?
Yes, you can customize the chili with additional vegetables. Try adding diced carrots, celery, zucchini, or corn. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure all the vegetables are tender.
How can I make this chili spicier or milder?
To adjust the spice level, you can modify the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper used. For extra heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce. To make the chili milder, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. Taste the chili as it cooks to find the perfect balance of spice for your preference.
Conclusion:
Healthy Turkey Chili is a nourishing and flavorful meal, perfect for satisfying your cravings while keeping things light and nutritious. Packed with lean protein, beans, and veggies, it’s a great option for a wholesome family dinner or meal prep. Enjoy a bowl of this easy-to-make chili for a comforting and healthful treat!
📖 Recipe:
Print
Healthy Turkey Chili
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Enjoy a comforting and nutritious bowl of Healthy Turkey Chili, packed with lean protein from ground turkey, fiber-rich beans, and a blend of savory spices. This hearty chili is perfect for a satisfying meal that’s both wholesome and easy to prepare. Ideal for family dinners and meal prep, this recipe offers a delicious way to stay healthy and warm.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 pound ground turkey
4 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, and water or chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
Adjust the spice level to your preference by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper and chili powder.
For a thicker chili, simmer longer. For a thinner consistency, add a bit more water or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
