Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground turkey, crumbling it with a spoon as it cooks. You want to cook it until it's nicely browned, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so that it cooks evenly. Once browned, carefully drain off any excess liquid and transfer the turkey to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb more fat, if needed.
- Next, drizzle a little more olive oil in the same pot. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and jalapeños. Cook this delicious medley for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and the peppers soften. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and to allow the flavors to meld.
- Once the vegetables are softened, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds. You’ll start to smell that lovely garlic aroma rising from the pot, which is a sign that you’re on the right track!
- Now it’s time to add the cooked ground turkey back into the pot. Stir well to combine everything before adding the rest of the ingredients. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, petite diced tomatoes, and low sodium beef broth. Follow with the tomato paste, hot sauce, kidney beans, and all the spices: chili powder, dried oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once you see bubbles forming, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. If you have the time, letting it simmer for up to an hour improves the flavor even more. Just be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the chili from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- After the chili has finished simmering, give it a taste. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or hot sauce at this point to suit your preferences. The flavors should be deep and well-balanced.
- When you’re ready to serve, ladle the Healthy Turkey Chili into bowls. You can top it with your favorite garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. Enjoy every warm, hearty bite of this comforting dish!
Notes
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are numerous ways to customize your Healthy Turkey Chili. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Add different beans: Incorporate black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas for added variety and protein.
- Experiment with spices: Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or experimenting with different types of chili powders.
- Try sweet potatoes: Add diced sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness and extra nutrition.
- Make it a chili bar: Serve your chili with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro for a fun, interactive meal.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground turkey with lentils or textured vegetable protein for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Slow cooker version: You can also prepare this chili in a slow cooker. Just brown the turkey and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.