Description
Comfort meets culinary excellence in this hearty Turkey Chili, blending rich spices and tender meat for a soul-warming meal. Packed with robust flavors and nutritious ingredients, you’ll savor each satisfying spoonful of this crowd-pleasing classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Meat:
- 1.5 pounds ground turkey
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1–2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado
- Lime wedges
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sear ground turkey in a spacious pot over medium-high heat until completely golden and crumbly, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer cooked meat to a separate dish.
- In the identical pot, sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, around 4-5 minutes.
- Reintroduce browned turkey to the pot, combining with kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and classic southwestern spices including chili powder, cumin, paprika, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Stream chicken broth into the mixture, allowing contents to reach a gentle bubbling state. Reduce temperature to low, covering pot and permitting chili to simmer for 35-40 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Allow chili to rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding.
- Garnish with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced green onions for additional texture and complexity.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños for extra kick without overwhelming the dish.
- Swap ground turkey with lean ground chicken or plant-based crumbles for dietary flexibility and varied protein options.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach during the sautéing stage for increased vitamins and fiber.
- Prepare a larger batch and freeze in portions for quick weeknight meals, as the flavors develop and improve after 24-48 hours of refrigeration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg