Description
Hearty turkey chili blends lean protein with robust spices for a comforting meal. Simmered with beans, tomatoes, and a signature spice blend, this dish delivers rich flavors that satisfy hunger and warm the soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Beans:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Tomato Base:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 can (4 ounces / 113 grams) diced green chilies (optional)
Spices, Seasonings, and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauteing)
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Sliced jalapenos
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat, sautéing onions and bell peppers until they turn translucent and tender, approximately 5 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and allow it to release its aromatic essence for one minute.
- Incorporate ground turkey, methodically crumbling and stirring until the meat achieves a uniform golden-brown color and is completely cooked through, roughly 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper over the meat mixture, thoroughly coating and blending the spices for 2 minutes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chilies, kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. Add chicken broth and gently integrate all ingredients.
- Elevate the mixture to a robust boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low. Cover and allow the chili to simmer, occasionally stirring, for 20-30 minutes until flavors meld harmoniously.
- Ladle into serving bowls and personalize with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, spicy jalapeños, or crispy tortilla chips.
Notes
- Spice Level Flexibility: Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control heat intensity, making the chili milder or spicier based on personal preference.
- Bean Swap Option: Easily substitute different beans like cannellini or navy beans if kidney, black, or pinto beans aren’t available or preferred.
- Protein Alternatives: Replace ground turkey with ground chicken, lean beef, or plant-based crumbles for dietary variations.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop, making it perfect for batch cooking and freezing in portions.
- Prep Time: 13 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 243 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg