Every warm, cozy home deserves a bowl of hearty chili, and this healthy turkey chili is just what you need to warm up your family this season. Packed with lean turkey, colorful veggies, and a medley of spices, it’s a comfort food classic that won’t weigh you down. Not only is this chili a delicious choice for dinner, but it’s also quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights , or whenever you need a little cozy nourishment.
Healthy Turkey Chili
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Low-Calorie
Description
A warm and cozy bowl of hearty turkey chili packed with vegetables and spices for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 cup low sodium beef broth
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 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
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey until browned. Drain excess liquid and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Drizzle olive oil in the pot and sauté onion, bell peppers, and jalapeños for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
- Return the turkey to the pot, add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, hot sauce, kidney beans, and all spices. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes.
- Once thickened and flavorful, ladle the chili into bowls and garnish as desired.
Notes
For a thicker chili, reduce broth or simmer longer. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Chili
This turkey chili is a fantastic option for anyone looking to indulge in something satisfying without the guilt. With lean ground turkey, packed with protein, and a variety of vegetables, it’s a meal that nourishes both body and soul. Plus, you can whip it up in about an hour, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy!
How to Make Healthy Turkey Chili
Ingredients:
- 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)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 cup low sodium beef broth
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (I used Texas Pete)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 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
Directions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess liquid and transfer the turkey to a plate lined with a paper towel.
- Drizzle a little olive oil in the hot pot and toss in the onion, bell peppers, and jalapeños. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the peppers soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, letting the aroma fill your kitchen.
- Return the cooked ground turkey to the pot, add in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, hot sauce, kidney beans, and all your spices , chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and Stevia.
- Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once thickened and flavorful, ladle the chili into bowls, garnish with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the warmth that fills your home.
How to Serve This Hearty Chili
Serve this delicious turkey chili with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and perhaps some fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Pair it with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad to make it a complete meal.
How to Store This Recipe
Leftovers? You bet! This turkey chili keeps well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Perfect Your Turkey Chili
- For an extra kick, feel free to add more jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Like it thick? Reduce the amount of broth or let it simmer a bit longer.
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter chili, you can add a bit of brown sugar or maple syrup.
Variations to Try
- Swap out the turkey for lean ground beef or chicken for a different flavor.
- Adding corn gives a nice sweetness and texture to the chili.
- You can even make it vegetarian by using lentils or skipping the meat altogether!
FAQs
Can I freeze the turkey chili? Absolutely! This chili freezes beautifully. Just make sure it cools completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Is this turkey chili gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth, the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How can I make this chili spicier? You can add more jalapeños or even some red pepper flakes depending on your heat preference.
Now you’re all set to make this comforting and healthy turkey chili, a dish that feels like a warm hug with every bite! Happy cooking!