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Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

5.3 from 23 reviews

This Healthy Turkey Chili is a flavorful, protein-packed, and hearty dish perfect for a comforting meal any day. Combining lean ground turkey, a medley of beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices, this chili is both nutritious and satisfying. It’s an ideal low-fat alternative to traditional beef chili, rich in fiber and perfect for a wholesome dinner. Customize it with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, or a squeeze of lime for added zest.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 tsp. garlic, minced
  • 1 lb. ground turkey
  • 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 28 ounce can fire roasted crushed tomatoes
  • 15 ounce can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15 ounce can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Jalapeños, sliced
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Heat the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
  2. Cook the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot and stir to crumble the meat evenly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the turkey is fully browned and no longer pink in the center.
  3. Add spices and tomato paste: Mix in the brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste. Stir thoroughly to coat the turkey evenly with the spices and paste, enhancing the flavor base of the chili.
  4. Add liquids and beans: Pour in the beef broth and the can of fire-roasted crushed tomatoes. Then add the rinsed and drained kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. Scrape any browned bits off the bottom and sides of the pot to incorporate that rich flavor back into the chili.
  5. Simmer the chili: Cover the pot and bring the chili to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and remove the lid. Let the chili simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the chili thickens too much, add water to adjust consistency.
  6. Serve and garnish: Serve the chili hot with your choice of optional toppings like sour cream, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, or fresh lime wedges for added texture and flavor enhancements. Enjoy your healthy and hearty meal!

Notes

  • Use ground turkey breast for a leaner option with less fat.
  • The brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, but you can reduce it for less sweetness.
  • Adjust chili powder according to your spice tolerance.
  • Simmering uncovered intensifies the flavors and helps thicken the chili naturally.
  • Feel free to substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth for different flavor profiles or for a milder taste.
  • If you prefer no meat, substitute the turkey with extra beans or plant-based meat alternatives.
  • Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day after flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy turkey chili, ground turkey chili, low fat chili, bean chili recipe, fire roasted tomatoes chili, easy chili recipe, nutritious chili