Turkey Chili Baked Potato
A hearty and healthy meal featuring lean ground turkey chili spooned over a fluffy baked potato. Topped with creamy avocado and Greek yogurt, it's a satisfying dinner that's both delicious and balanced.
For 4 servings
Cook the kidney beans.
Drain the soaked kidney beans. Place them in a pressure cooker with 3 cups of fresh water. Cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
TIPCooking beans from dry gives a better texture and avoids the sodium in canned versions.Bake the potatoes.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prick the scrubbed potatoes all over with a fork.
- Rub them lightly with a tiny bit of oil and a pinch of salt for a crispier skin.
- Place directly on the oven rack and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife.
Brown the turkey.
While the potatoes bake, heat 1 tsp of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned all over, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the turkey aside.
Sauté the aromatics.
In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tsp of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
TIPToasting the spices in oil helps to bloom their flavor, making the chili more aromatic.Simmer the chili.
- Return the browned turkey to the pot.
- Stir in the pureed tomatoes, cooked kidney beans, 1 cup of water, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir occasionally. If it gets too thick, add a splash more water.
Prepare the toppings.
In a small bowl, mix the mashed avocado with the Greek yogurt and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Prepare the shredded cheddar and sliced scallions.
Assemble the loaded potatoes.
- Once the potatoes are baked, slice them open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Ladle a generous amount of turkey chili over each potato.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of the avocado-yogurt cream, and a sprinkle of sliced scallions.
TIPLet the cheese melt slightly from the heat of the chili before adding the cool yogurt topping.Serve immediately.
Serve the loaded baked potatoes while they are hot.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a faster potato, microwave it for 5-6 minutes before baking for 20-25 minutes in the oven to crisp up the skin.
- 2The chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch for easy meal prep.
- 3Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini along with the onions for extra nutrients.
- 4Ensure your chili powder and other spices are fresh for the best flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the ground turkey with 1.5 cups of cooked lentils or a mix of chopped mushrooms and walnuts for a hearty vegetarian version.
dairy freeDairy free
Use a dairy-free cheddar alternative and a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt (like almond or coconut) for the topping.
low carbLow carb
Serve the turkey chili over roasted cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles instead of the baked potato.
quickQuick
To save time, use one 15-ounce can of kidney beans (rinsed and drained) instead of cooking from dry, and one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Lean Protein
Ground turkey and kidney beans provide a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and keeping you feeling full.
Rich in Fiber
The combination of kidney beans and the potato skin offers a great source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and stable blood sugar levels.
Complex Carbohydrates for Energy
Russet potatoes are a source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy without a rapid spike in blood sugar.
Source of Healthy Fats
Avocado provides monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this is a very healthy and balanced meal. It provides lean protein from turkey, complex carbohydrates and fiber from the potato and beans, and healthy fats from the avocado. Using low-fat yogurt and minimal oil keeps it heart-healthy.