Description
A hearty, comforting turkey chili that’s lighter than traditional beef chili. Perfect for chilly evenings and packed with flavor, protein, and warming spices.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (about 450 g) ground turkey
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, diced avocado
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and green bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, and oregano. Let the spices toast for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
- Add the kidney beans and black beans, stir gently.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, or additional chili powder or cayenne if desired.
- Serve hot, and add optional garnishes of choice.
Notes
- Add diced zucchini, carrot, or corn for a veggie boost.
- Use ancho or chipotle chili powder for a smoky flavor twist.
- Ground chicken or turkey sausage can be substituted.
- Omit beans and add more vegetables if preferred.
- For slow cooker: transfer browned ingredients and cook on low for 4–5 hours.
- Store in fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat on stove or in microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
