Description
A hearty, healthy turkey chili packed with lean protein, vegetables, and warming spices. This easy-to-make chili combines ground turkey, beans, and fresh veggies simmered to perfection, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal ideal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
Vegetables
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
Canned Goods
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Oils
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Avocado
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Remove any excess fat from the pot before proceeding.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and chopped zucchini to the pot. Cook them for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add the Seasonings: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for 1 minute to allow the spices to release their full aroma and flavor.
- Simmer the Chili: Pour in the diced tomatoes, drained kidney beans, black beans, and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir to combine everything evenly, then bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors together.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the chili and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired. If you prefer the chili thicker, continue to simmer until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the chili into bowls and serve hot. Top with optional shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or avocado slices for extra flavor and creaminess. Enjoy your healthy turkey chili!
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño when adding the spices.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Using low-sodium broth and rinsing canned beans helps control the salt content.
- Leftover chili can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Add corn or other vegetables for added texture and flavor variations.
- Serve with brown rice, quinoa, or crusty whole grain bread for a complete meal.
