Hearty Turkey Chili (Printable Version)

A comforting dish with lean turkey, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices for bold, hearty flavor.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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)
16 - 1 1/2 tsp salt
17 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

18 - Chopped fresh cilantro
19 - Sliced green onions
20 - Shredded cheese
21 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
22 - Lime wedges

# How-To Steps:

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 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and chopped jalapeño; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
04 - Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the turkey mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat evenly.
05 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance flavor.
06 - Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, drained beans, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
07 - Bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
09 - Ladle chili into bowls and top with optional fresh cilantro, green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and lime wedges as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's lean and protein-packed without sacrificing that deep, satisfying chili flavor you crave.
  • Ready in just an hour from start to table, making it perfect for weeknights when you need comfort without the fuss.
  • The spice blend builds warmth gradually rather than hitting you all at once, letting you taste each layer.
02 -
  • Don't skip browning the turkey properly; rushing this step means it won't develop that savory depth that makes people ask for the recipe.
  • If your chili tastes watery after 30 minutes, remove the lid and let it simmer another 10 minutes—evaporation is your friend here.
  • Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually; it's easier to add more spice than to fix an over-seasoned pot.
03 -
  • Bloom your spices in the hot turkey for 30 seconds before adding the wet ingredients—this wakes them up and prevents that raw spice taste.
  • Use canned tomatoes with their juices rather than draining them; that liquid builds a silky, cohesive base that tastes like the chili has been simmering for hours.
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