Name: Healthy Turkey Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground turkey; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Hey y’all! Craving a cozy, comforting meal that’s both nourishing and packed with flavor? This Healthy Turkey Chili is your new go-to for busy weeknights, tailgates, or anytime you need a hearty bowl of goodness. Tender ground turkey, colorful veggies, and a blend of spices come together for a Chili that’s low in fat but high on taste. It’s a crowd-pleaser for the whole family that reheats beautifully! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

It’s packed with lean protein and fiber for a satisfying, wholesome meal.
Quick prep and one-pot simplicity make this chili perfect for busy days.
Mild, zesty flavor appeals to all ages and is easy to customize for spice lovers.
Hearty, chunky texture pairs perfectly with all your favorite toppings.
Leftovers taste even better, making it unbeatable for meal prep!

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground turkey (at least 93% lean)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained (optional)
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Directions

Prep and Sauté

Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat (about 1-2 minutes).
Add diced onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Brown the Turkey

Add ground turkey to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook for 5-6 minutes until no longer pink. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Spice and Simmer

Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Mix well to coat the turkey and veggies, cooking for 1 minute.
Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, black beans, kidney beans, and corn (if using). Stir thoroughly to combine.
Bring chili to a simmer, lower heat to medium-low, and cover. Allow to cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors are blended.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings!

Notes

If chili is too thick after simmering, add more chicken broth for your desired consistency.
For extra depth, squeeze in a splash of lime juice before serving.
Prepare ingredients ahead of time for smooth and speedy cooking.

Variations

Vegetarian Chili: Swap turkey for two extra cans of beans or cooked lentils.
Spicy Southwest: Add diced jalapeño and a chipotle pepper in adobo for a smoky kick.
Chunky Veggie: Stir in diced zucchini or carrots with the peppers for more texture and fiber.

Required Equipment

Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Cutting board & chef’s knife
Measuring spoons and cups
Can opener

Storage Instructions

Let chili cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Top your bowl with diced avocado, fresh cilantro, shredded cheddar, Greek yogurt, or sliced jalapeños.
Serve with warm cornbread, whole-wheat rolls, or a crisp green salad.
Enjoy with tortilla chips for a fun and crunchy side.

Pro Tips

Let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving to enhance the melded flavors.
Taste and adjust spices before simmering to match your preference for heat and smokiness.
Double the batch and freeze portions for quick, healthy lunches later in the week!

FAQ

Can I make this Healthy Turkey Chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the turkey and sauté veggies first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works great and maintains the chili’s lighter, protein-packed profile.

How do I make it less spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and chili powder. You can always offer hot sauce on the side for anyone who wants more heat.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

35 minutes

Total Time:

45 minutes

Healthy Turkey Chili

Why You’ll Love This

Ingredients