Hearty Turkey Chili (Printer-Friendly)

Lean ground turkey simmered with beans, tomatoes, and aromatic spices for a satisfying bowl of comfort.

# What You'll 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 (optional)

→ 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 (optional, adjust to taste)
16 - 1 1/2 tsp salt
17 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

# How to Prepare:

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, about 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 flavor.
06 - Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, drained beans, and chicken broth. Stir to combine thoroughly.
07 - Bring chili 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 such as chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, or lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get all the hearty satisfaction of traditional beef chili but with leaner meat that won't weigh you down
  • The smoked paprika and cumin create such depth of flavor that nobody ever guesses it's the lighter version
  • It freezes beautifully so you can make a big batch and suddenly have dinner ready on hectic nights
02 -
  • The chili will thicken as it cools, so if you prefer it thinner, add a splash more broth or water toward the end of cooking
  • Tomato paste can burn easily and turn bitter, so keep it moving in the pan during that one minute cook time
  • Ground turkey releases more moisture than beef, so don't worry if the pan looks a bit watery when you first add the spices
03 -
  • Toast your chili powder and cumin in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding them to the pot, it adds such incredible depth
  • A splash of vinegar or coffee near the end of cooking brightens all the flavors in ways you wouldn't expect
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