Healthy Turkey Chili

Are you ready to warm up your kitchen and delight your taste buds with a bowl of Healthy Turkey Chili? This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl that works wonders on chilly nights. With its hearty blend of spices and lean turkey, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying family gathering. Plus, this recipe lets you enjoy all the richness of traditional chili without the guilt.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Imagine diving into a steaming bowl of chili that’s not only bursting with flavor but also packed with wholesome ingredients. This Healthy Turkey Chili is budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and is guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you still want a home-cooked meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a dish to impress at game night, this one’s got you covered.

"This chili is an absolute game-changer! It’s rich, flavorful, and the kids loved it. Will definitely be making it again!" – A happy home cook.

Preparing Healthy Turkey Chili

Making Healthy Turkey Chili is a simple yet rewarding process that comes together in just a few steps. You’ll start by sautéing onions and garlic to create a base that’s aromatic and inviting, followed by browning the turkey. After that, all the magical spices and ingredients come together in a pot, bubbling away to create a warm, hearty meal. The best part? The entire process can be wrapped up in about an hour, making it perfectly manageable even on the busiest of days.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll gather to create this delicious chili:

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion; diced
• 4 tsp. garlic; minced
• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 28 ounce can fire roasted crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounce can kidney beans; rinsed and drained
• 15 ounce can black beans; rinsed and drained
• 15 ounce can pinto beans; rinsed and drained
• Sour cream for topping
• Jalapenos; sliced for garnish
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Lime wedges for serving

Feel free to substitute the ground turkey with lean beef or even a plant-based protein for a delicious twist!

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften.
3. Stir in the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until completely browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Now add the brown sugar, chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste. Stir until well combined.
5. Pour in the beef broth, fire roasted crushed tomatoes, and all the beans. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
6. Cover the pot and bring the chili to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, uncover, and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid sticking. If the chili gets too thick, feel free to add a splash of water to loosen it up.
7. Serve hot, topped with your favorite garnishes, and enjoy!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

When it comes to serving Healthy Turkey Chili, the possibilities are endless! Consider pairing it with a side of crusty whole grain bread or tortilla chips for that added crunch. You could serve it in deep bowls with toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, and shredded cheddar cheese piled high. Don’t forget to squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice over the top to brighten the flavors!

How to Store & Freeze

If you have leftovers, you’re in luck! This chili keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Helpful Cooking Tips

For those looking to elevate their chili game, here are some insider tips:

• Flavor Boost: Toast your spices in the oil before adding the onions; this brings out more depth.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the chili a day in advance. The flavors deepen and meld beautifully overnight.
• Beans Variance: Feel free to mix and match different varieties of beans for a unique flavor profile.

Creative Twists

Get adventurous by changing up the spices or adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. For a smokier flavor, try adding smoked paprika or chipotle peppers in adobo. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, you can swap the turkey for quinoa or tempeh.

FAQs

How long does it take to cook Healthy Turkey Chili?
This chili can be prepared in about 45-60 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Can I substitute ground turkey?
Absolutely! You can use lean beef, chicken, or even vegetarian protein like lentils or crumbled tempeh for a delicious alternative.

How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for a longer shelf life of up to 3 months.

Now that you have the full scoop on this Healthy Turkey Chili, why not grab your ingredients and start cooking? Your taste buds will thank you!

Healthy Turkey Chili

A comforting and flavorful turkey chili that's perfect for chilly nights, packed with wholesome ingredients and spices. Quick to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Chili Base

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil For sautéing
• 1 medium yellow onion; diced Adds sweetness and flavor
• 4 tsp. garlic; minced For aromatic depth
• 1 lb. ground turkey Lean protein source
• 1 Tbsp. brown sugar Balances flavors
• 2 Tbsp. chili powder Provides heat
• 1 Tbsp. ground cumin For earthy flavor
• 1 tsp. dried oregano Adds freshness
• 1/2 tsp. salt To taste
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper To taste
• 1/4 cup tomato paste For richness
• 4 cups beef broth For liquid
• 28 ounce can fire roasted crushed tomatoes Adds depth of flavor
• 15 ounce can kidney beans; rinsed and drained For texture and protein
• 15 ounce can black beans; rinsed and drained For texture and protein
• 15 ounce can pinto beans; rinsed and drained For texture and protein

Toppings

• Sour cream for topping Adds creaminess
• Jalapenos; sliced for garnish Adds heat
• Shredded cheddar cheese Adds richness
• Lime wedges for serving Brightens flavors

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften.
3. Stir in the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until completely browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Cooking

1. Now add the brown sugar, chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste. Stir until well combined.
2. Pour in the beef broth, fire roasted crushed tomatoes, and all the beans. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
3. Cover the pot and bring the chili to a boil, stirring occasionally.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, uncover, and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid sticking. If the chili gets too thick, feel free to add a splash of water to loosen it up.

Serving

1. Serve hot, topped with your favorite garnishes, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5g

Notes

This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Toast spices before adding onions for deeper flavor. Consider making a day in advance for enhanced flavors.

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