Description
This healthy turkey chili recipe is a flavorful and hearty dish made with lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, beans, and a blend of spices. It’s perfect for a warming meal that’s nutritious and satisfying, combining protein-packed turkey with fiber-rich beans and a kick of heat from jalapeños and chili powder.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 lbs lean ground turkey
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 jalapeños, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Canned Goods and Liquids
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 cup low sodium beef broth
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (Texas Pete recommended)
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 packet Stevia
Instructions
- Cook the turkey: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the lean ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess liquid and transfer the cooked turkey to a plate lined with a paper towel.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add a little olive oil to the same pot and heat. Add the chopped onion, red and green bell peppers, and jalapeños. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions become translucent and the peppers soften. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Combine ingredients and simmer: Return the browned turkey to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, petite diced tomatoes, low sodium beef broth, tomato paste, hot sauce, kidney beans, chili powder, dried oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and the packet of Stevia. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 30 minutes up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Once simmered, ladle the chili into bowls. Add your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro and enjoy a hearty, healthy turkey chili.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey for a healthier option and to reduce fat content.
- If you prefer a milder chili, reduce or omit the jalapeños and cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans if desired.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground turkey with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together, making it a great make-ahead meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
