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Embrace the joy of cozy, hearty meals that nourish both body and soul. This healthy ground turkey chili recipe is your ticket to a satisfying, flavorful dish without the guilt. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for family dinners. Get ready to discover your new go-to comfort food that’s quick enough for any night!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Chili
You’ll quickly understand why this ground turkey chili recipe earns rave reviews!
- Lean and Flavorful: Ground turkey offers a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional beef chili, making this a lighter option. According to nutritional comparisons, lean ground turkey can be a healthier choice compared to some ground beef options, especially when focusing on saturated fat content.
- Quick Weeknight Meal: It comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings when you need a hearty dinner fast.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite vegetables to perfectly suit any palate in your household.
- Wholesome & Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, accessible ingredients, this chili is both nutritious and kind to your wallet.
- Excellent for Meal Prep: Cook a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze portions for convenient future meals.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh and pantry staples to create your flavorful ground turkey chili recipe:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound extra lean ground turkey (99%)
- 4 tablespoons chili powder* (I used McCormick chili powder, which is very mild. Do not use spicy chili powder, and if using a different brand, start with 2 tablespoons)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15 oz) cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, rinsed and drained
- For topping: cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, sour cream
Notes & Substitutions
For the ground turkey, you can choose 93/7 for a bit more moisture and flavor, or stick with 99% lean for the healthiest option. Chili powder brands vary greatly in heat; if yours is potent, start with less and taste as you go. Feel free to swap the red bell pepper for green, yellow, or orange. Other bean varieties like pinto or black beans work wonderfully if you prefer. Consider boosting the veggies with diced zucchini, sweet potatoes, or even spinach added during the last 15 minutes of simmering. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be dairy-free by omitting cheese and sour cream.
Equipment
You’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this fantastic ground turkey chili recipe:
- A large Dutch oven or a sturdy, heavy-bottomed pot.
- A wooden spoon or a spatula for stirring.
- A chef’s knife and a cutting board for chopping.
- A can opener for canned ingredients.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your comforting ground turkey chili recipe from scratch:
Prep Ingredients: Start by chopping your onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Measure out all your spices and open your cans of tomatoes, beans, and corn. This streamlines the cooking process for your easy ground turkey chili recipe.
Sauté Aromatics: Place the olive oil in your large pot and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they soften and become fragrant.
Brown Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot. Use your wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat into small pieces. Cook the turkey until it is no longer pink, ensuring it is thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary, though lean turkey produces very little.
Toast Spices: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and the initial 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 20 seconds. This step helps to bloom the spices, intensifying their flavor in your ground turkey chili recipe.
Combine Remaining Ingredients: Next, pour in the diced or crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, rinsed and drained kidney beans, and rinsed and drained sweet corn. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer and Thicken: Bring the chili mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the chili to thicken to your desired consistency. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste of this hearty ground turkey chili recipe.
Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the chili. Adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a pinch more cayenne if you prefer more heat.
Serve Warm: Ladle the delicious chili into bowls. Garnish with your favorite toppings and enjoy your homemade, comforting meal immediately! This ground turkey chili recipe is sure to be a hit.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Deepening Flavor: Don’t rush sautéing the aromatics. Cooking the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft and fragrant builds a crucial flavor base for your chili.
Spice Level Control: The amount of cayenne pepper directly impacts heat. Start with 1/4 teaspoon for a mild chili, or omit it entirely. For more heat, gradually add more after simmering and tasting.
Thickening Chili: If your chili is thinner than desired, simply let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering chili.
Preventing Dry Turkey: Using 93/7 ground turkey (7% fat) instead of 99% lean can help ensure a more moist chili. If using extra lean, be careful not to overcook the turkey during browning.
Batch Cooking: This ground turkey chili recipe doubles easily. Prepare a larger batch for weekly meal prep or to freeze for future quick dinners.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions: This ground turkey chili recipe is fantastic on its own, but toppings elevate it! Popular choices include shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, or even a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with cornbread for a complete meal.
Storage: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This chili freezes exceptionally well. Once cooled, portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Gently warm individual portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Recipe Variations:
- Spicier Chili: For extra heat, sauté a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper with the aromatics, or add a pinch more cayenne.
- Smoky Chili: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground turkey for plant-based ground meat or an additional can of beans and vegetables.
- Add Sweetness: A pinch of brown sugar or 1 teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder can deepen the flavor and add richness.
Nutrition
This ground turkey chili recipe is a healthy choice, packed with lean protein from the turkey and plenty of fiber from the beans and vegetables. It’s a satisfying meal that supports a balanced diet without excess calories or saturated fat. The tomatoes provide antioxidants, while the beans offer complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. For precise calorie and macronutrient values per serving, use an online nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving, estimated) |
|---|
| Calories: 350-400 |
| Protein: 30-35g |
| Fat: 8-12g |
| Carbs: 40-45g |
| Fiber: 10-12g |
FAQ
Can I make this chili ahead of time? Absolutely! Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
Is this chili spicy? The base ground turkey chili recipe is designed to be mild. You can easily adjust the cayenne pepper to increase or decrease the heat to your preference.
Can I use frozen corn or beans? Yes, you can use frozen corn or beans. Add them directly to the pot during the simmering stage, as they don’t need to be thawed first.
How do I make this chili thicker? Simply simmer the chili uncovered for a longer period until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it in.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, brown the turkey and sauté the aromatics first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this ground turkey chili recipe is naturally gluten-free as written.
Conclusion
This healthy ground turkey chili recipe truly delivers on both flavor and convenience. It’s a hearty, wholesome meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors and the satisfaction of a home-cooked dish that’s easy to customize and delicious to eat. We encourage you to try this simple recipe and share your favorite toppings and variations in the comments!
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or pot
- chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Can opener
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 lb extra lean ground turkey (99%)
- 4 Tbsp chili powder (mild, like McCormick)
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 28 oz can diced or crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 2 15 oz cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 15 oz can sweet corn, rinsed and drained
- cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, sour cream, cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Chop the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Open all canned ingredients and measure out spices to prepare for cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add ground turkey. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and salt. Cook for 20 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans, and corn. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 30–45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt or cayenne if desired. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 more minutes to thicken, if needed.
- Serve hot in bowls. Garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or tortilla chips.
