Hearty Turkey Chili (Printable)

Lean ground turkey, beans, and tomatoes simmered with warming spices for a lighter comfort food classic.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped

→ Beans & Tomatoes

06 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with juices
09 - 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

→ Liquids

10 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 2 tbsp chili powder
12 - 1 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
15 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
16 - 1 1/2 tsp salt
17 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper; sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and chopped jalapeño; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
04 - Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat turkey and vegetables.
05 - Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
06 - Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, drained beans, and chicken broth. Stir to combine thoroughly.
07 - Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover partially, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with optional toppings of your choice.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Healthier Comfort Food: Enjoy all the hearty flavor of classic chili using lean ground turkey for a high-protein, lighter meal.
  • Simple and Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep time and a total time of one hour, it's an ideal dish for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
  • Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to suit your taste. It's a versatile recipe that's great for using what you have on hand.
02 -
  • Bloom the Spices: Toasting the spices with the meat and vegetables for a minute before adding liquids enhances their aromatic oils and deepens the overall flavor of the chili.
  • Don't Skip the Tomato Paste: Cooking the tomato paste for a minute helps caramelize it, adding a rich, savory umami flavor that you can't get from just simmering it with the other ingredients.
  • Let it Rest: If you have time, let the chili rest for a few minutes after cooking. Like many stews, the flavors will continue to meld and develop as it sits.
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