LEAN TURKEY CHILI PERFECT EASY

Imagine sinking your spoon into a bowl brimming with hearty ground turkey, tender beans, and a symphony of spices that warm you from the inside out; that’s exactly what you’ll get with this Lean Turkey Chili. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you crave something comforting and healthy, without sacrificing flavor. I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create a chili that’s both satisfying and good for you!

Ingredients

For the Chili:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1.25 lbs lean ground turkey (93% lean or higher)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained (optional)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped green onions
• Avocado, diced
• Tortilla chips
• Hot sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

   Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and bell peppers and cook for another 3 minutes, until fragrant.

2. Brown the Turkey:

   Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Don’t skip draining the grease – it’s key to keeping this chili lean!

3. Add the Remaining Ingredients:

   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, corn (if using), chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

4. Simmer:

   Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Trust me, patience pays off here!

5. Adjust Seasoning:

   Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more chili powder for a deeper flavor, more cumin for earthiness, or a pinch more salt and pepper to bring everything together. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

6. Serve:

   Ladle the Lean Turkey Chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, avocado, or tortilla chips. A dash of hot sauce is always a welcome addition for those who like a little kick.

Why This Lean Turkey Chili is a Game-Changer

Okay, let’s talk about why this recipe is about to become your new go-to. Beyond the incredible flavor, this Lean Turkey Chili is packed with protein and fiber, thanks to the lean ground turkey and the variety of beans. This means it’s incredibly filling and will keep you satisfied for hours. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in extra vegetables, making it a healthy and balanced meal. Plus, it’s so easy to customize – you can adjust the spices to your liking, add different vegetables, or even swap out the beans for your favorites.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Turkey Chili Ever

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the chili. Opt for good-quality canned tomatoes and fresh vegetables for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Turkey: Ground turkey can dry out easily, so be careful not to overcook it when browning. Cook it just until it’s no longer pink.
• Simmer, Simmer, Simmer: I can’t stress this enough – simmering the chili for a longer period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you have the time, let it simmer for a couple of hours for an even richer taste.
• Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to your liking. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a small amount of cayenne pepper and add more to taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Make it Ahead: Chili is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to develop even further. Make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, then simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
• Freeze for Later: This Lean Turkey Chili freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Variations to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about chili is how versatile it is! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your perfect bowl of Lean Turkey Chili. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add More Vegetables: Stir in other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or celery for added nutrients and flavor.
• Swap the Beans: Use different types of beans, such as great northern beans, cannellini beans, or even lentils.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ground turkey and add more beans or vegetables to make a vegetarian version. You can also add a plant-based ground meat substitute.
• Add a Touch of Sweetness: Stir in a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness.
• Smoked Flavor: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for a deeper, smokier flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for the Ultimate Chili Experience

While Lean Turkey Chili is delicious on its own, here are some serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

• Serve with Cornbread: A warm piece of cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of chili.
• Make Chili Dogs: Top hot dogs with chili, cheese, and onions for a fun and easy meal.
• Stuff Bell Peppers: Fill bell peppers with chili and bake them for a hearty and healthy dinner.
• Top Baked Potatoes: Spoon chili over baked potatoes for a satisfying and comforting meal.
• Chili Cheese Fries: Load up fries with chili and cheese for a decadent treat.

Chili Beyond the Bowl: Related Recipes to Explore

Once you’ve mastered this Lean Turkey Chili, why not explore other delicious chili variations? You might enjoy a classic Red Chili for a bolder, spicier flavor. Or, if you’re looking for a creamy and comforting option, try High Protein White Chicken Chili. For a lower-carb option, Keto White Chicken Chili will hit the spot. And if you love lasagna and soup, be sure to check out High Protein Lasagna Soup. Don’t forget White Chicken Chili Cream Cheese as an appetizer or snack! If you are looking for a more traditional, yet easy recipe, give this White Chicken Chili a try.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
• Protein: 30-35 grams per serving
• Fat: 10-15 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams per serving
• Fiber: 10-12 grams per serving

Conclusion

So, are you ready to whip up a batch of this incredible Lean Turkey Chili? I know you are! It’s easy, it’s healthy, and it’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep staple, or a crowd-pleasing dish for game day, this recipe has got you covered. Get in the kitchen and start cooking – you won’t regret it!

Lean Turkey Chili: Perfect & Easy

This Lean Turkey Chili is a comforting and healthy dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with lean ground turkey, beans, and flavorful spices, it’s a satisfying and customizable meal that’s both easy to make and good for you.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 375

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1.25 lbs lean ground turkey 93% lean or higher
• 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, diced avocado, tortilla chips, hot sauce

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Can opener
• Ladle
• Spoon for stirring

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and bell peppers and cook for another 3 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, corn (if using), chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
7. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. Ladle the Lean Turkey Chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Don’t overcook the turkey. Simmer the chili for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust the spices to your liking. Chili is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to develop even further. This Lean Turkey Chili freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping. For a vegetarian version, omit the ground turkey and add more beans or vegetables. Add a touch of sweetness with a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup. Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for a deeper, smokier flavor profile.