Description
This Healthy Turkey Chili is a flavorful and nutritious meal perfect for a wholesome dinner. Made with lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, beans, and a blend of spices, it offers a hearty and satisfying experience while being low in fat and calories. The recipe is easy to prepare and is customizable with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and avocado, making it a great choice for a family-friendly meal that is both delicious and health-conscious.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Avocado
Instructions
- Brown the Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Remove excess fat by draining or spooning it out to keep the chili lean.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and chopped zucchini to the pot with the turkey. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their flavors.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to allow the spices to bloom and intensify their aromas.
- Add Beans and Liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, kidney beans, black beans, and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything together, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Chili: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasonings if needed. If a thicker chili is desired, simmer for a few more minutes. Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or avocado before serving.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey to keep the chili low in fat and calories.
- Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content.
- Adjust the chili powder amount according to your preferred spice level.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey with plant-based ground meat or additional beans and vegetables.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the chili can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
