Description
A lean and flavorful turkey chili packed with vegetables and savory spices, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that's both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1.5 lbs lean ground turkey (93% or leaner)
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
0.5 tsp dried oregano
0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and set the browned turkey aside in a bowl.
Step 2: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Return the browned turkey to the pot. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (including their liquid), rinsed and drained kidney beans, and black beans. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
Step 4: Add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if desired for a bit of heat). Stir everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients and spices are well combined.
Step 5: Bring the chili mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully. For an even richer flavor, you can simmer it longer, up to an hour or more.
Step 6: Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed, adding salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Serve hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy your healthy and hearty meal!
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a tablespoon of cocoa powder or a square of dark chocolate during the simmering stage. This chili is fantastic for meal prep as flavors deepen overnight. Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg