Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe
This Healthy Turkey Chili is a flavorful and nutritious twist on a classic comfort food, using lean ground turkey and a colorful mix of vegetables and spices to create a hearty, low-fat meal. Packed with protein, fiber, and a blend of bold seasonings, this chili is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner that warms you up without the guilt.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
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
- Heat the oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped yellow onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and jalapeños to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
- Add garlic and cook: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, enhancing the aromatic base.
- Brown the turkey: Add the 2 lbs of lean ground turkey to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.
- Add canned ingredients and broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and 1 cup of low sodium beef broth. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Season the chili: Add the chili powder, dried oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, and the packet of Stevia. Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly throughout the chili.
- Simmer the chili: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking, allowing flavors to meld and chili to thicken.
- Add beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and continue simmering for an additional 10-15 minutes to heat through and combine flavors fully.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve the chili hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add more jalapeños or increase the cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- To make this chili gluten-free, ensure all canned goods and spices are labeled gluten-free.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Serve with whole grain bread or over brown rice for a complete meal.
Keywords: Healthy turkey chili, lean turkey recipe, low fat chili, ground turkey chili, hearty chili recipe, easy chili, dinner recipe, healthy comfort food