Turkey Chili
A hearty and healthy bowl of chili made with lean ground turkey, kidney beans, and colorful bell peppers. This comforting classic is packed with flavor and ready in under an hour, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
For 8 servings
4 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté the vegetables
- b.Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown the turkey and add spices
- b.Add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it's no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- c.Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
- d.Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the chili
- b.Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the rinsed kidney beans, and the chicken broth.
- c.Add the salt and black pepper. Stir everything together well.
- d.Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 25 minutes for the flavors to meld. For a richer flavor, simmer for up to an hour.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- c.Ladle into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a deeper flavor, let the chili simmer longer. The flavors will continue to develop and become richer.
- 2Don't skip rinsing the canned beans. This removes excess sodium and starchy liquid.
- 3This chili is great for meal prep. It tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
- 4Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or carrots along with the bell peppers.
- 5If the chili is too thick for your liking, add a splash more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- 6Customize your toppings! Try avocado, crushed tortilla chips, or a squeeze of lime for extra freshness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the ground turkey with an extra can of black beans and 1 cup of frozen corn for a hearty vegetarian version.
low carbLow carb
Omit the kidney beans and serve the chili over cauliflower rice or with a side of steamed green beans.
healthyHealthy
Use 99% lean ground turkey and add a cup of chopped spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of simmering for extra nutrients.
quickQuick
Use pre-chopped onions and peppers to save on prep time. Simmer for the minimum 25 minutes for a faster meal.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Lean Protein
Ground turkey provides a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Fiber
Kidney beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, and supports heart health.
Packed with Vitamins
Tomatoes and bell peppers contribute vitamins A and C, which are powerful antioxidants that support immune function and skin health.
Supports Weight Management
The combination of high protein and high fiber makes this chili a very satiating meal, which can help with weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Turkey Chili is a very healthy meal. It's high in lean protein from the turkey, rich in fiber from the beans, and packed with vitamins from the tomatoes and peppers. Using low-sodium broth and rinsing the beans helps control the sodium content.