Turkey Chili: Easy and Healthy Recipe

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Healthy and Flavorful Ground Turkey Chili Recipe

This rich, flavorful, easy turkey chili makes for the perfect cold-weather dish. While turkey is leaner than pork or beef, this dish is still just as thick and tasty. I add plenty of spices, including cumin, paprika, and dried oregano, to make every bite burst with flavors. 

This is by far my favoriet and  easy turkey chili recipe that’s both healthy and flavorful? Perfect for feeding a crowd, this ground turkey chili is precisely what you’ve been searching for! With succulent ground turkey, a medley of veggies, and a rich blend of spices, this dish is not only low in fat but also high in protein. What makes this turkey chili even better? It’s simple to prepare and can be tailored to your spice preferences, whether you like mild or zesty flavors. Pair it with fresh homemade corn muffins for a complete meal that’s sure to be a hit. This recipe offers ample servings, but adjustments are a breeze if catering to fewer people. And for those times when you have some leftover chili, remember it freezes beautifully, ready to be reheated for a future, fuss-free dinner.

Ingredients for Your Hearty Turkey Chili

Preparing a hearty turkey chili is like crafting a symphony of flavors. Each ingredient plays a unique role, adding depth and character to the dish. Let’s explore this flavorful ensemble that comes together in a delicious harmony.

  • Olive Oil: Provides a mild, fruity undertone to the dish while preventing sticking.
  • Ground Turkey: A lean source of protein that absorbs the flavors of the spices and contributes to the heartiness of the chili.
  • Spices (Dry Oregano, Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika): These spices add earthy, smoky, and slightly spicy notes to the chili, creating a depth of flavor.
  • Chipotle Chiles in Adobo, Tomato Paste: Chipotle chiles offer smoky heat, while tomato paste adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor that enhances the overall profile.
  • Vegetables (Onion, Celery Stalks, Red Bell Peppers, Jalapeno, Garlic): This mix of veggies provides sweetness, crunch, and a hint of spiciness, elevating the chili’s texture and taste.
  • Roasted Tomatoes or Canned Tomatoes: Whether roasted or canned, tomatoes form the chili’s base, lending acidity and a balanced sweetness.
  • Dark Beer: Adds a deep, malty flavor that complements the spices and enriches the sauce.
  • Cannellini Beans or Your Choice of Beans: These beans contribute creaminess and a nutty taste, as well as protein and fiber.
  • Fresh Oregano, Chopped: Fresh oregano provides a fragrant, earthy, and slightly peppery herbal note, enhancing the overall aroma and taste of the chili.

Ultimate Chili Toppings

Chili, with its rich and hearty base, truly shines when adorned with the right toppings. Elevate each bowl to gourmet status with these must-try add-ons:

  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This creamy, savory choice melts beautifully into the chili, making each bite cheesy.
  • Jalapeños: For those who crave a touch of heat with a crunchy twist, these are your go-to.
  • Avocado: Offering an excellent, creamy contrast, this healthy fat adds a layer of freshness.
  • Scallions: Their vibrant, oniony flavor gives a fresh punch, brightening the chili’s deep notes.
  • Cilantro: An aromatic herb that provides a refreshing, herbaceous zest.
  • Crushed Tortilla Chips: Perfect for adding a salty, crunchy dimension.
  • Sour Cream: An ideal way to introduce a tangy creaminess, especially for those who wish to tame the chili’s fieriness.
  • Red Onions: Their sharp, crisp bite complements the chili’s richness.
  • Diced Tomatoes: A touch of acidity and natural sweetness, these juicy bites enhance the overall palate.

With these toppings, you can craft the perfect bowl tailored to any taste preference or occasion. Dive in and let your creativity run wild!

Quantity and Perfect Pairings

Curious about how much this delightful turkey chili will yield? Whether prepping for a family meal or planning a potluck dish, this recipe has you covered, easily satisfying eight hungry guests. If you’re expecting a larger crowd, don’t fret! Doubling or even tripling the recipe works wonders, and any leftovers are prime for freezing. Save a portion for a hassle-free, delicious meal in the future.

Now, when thinking of the ideal side to accompany this hearty turkey chili, our golden-yellow corn biscuits stand out. These light, fluffy muffins not only elevate the chili’s spicy and savory notes but are also a breeze to prepare. Whether you’re gunning for a quick weeknight treat or need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, pairing this easy turkey chili with corn muffins is a culinary match made in heaven. Dive into our recipe and experience this flavorful duo firsthand!

How to Make Turkey Chili: Easy and Healthy Recipe

Preparation

1.
Cooking the Turkey: In a deep stock pot over medium-high heat, add the ground turkey. Using a wooden spoon, break the meat apart until it no longer sticks together.
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2.
When the meat is fully cooked, stir in the tomato paste, dry oregano, half of the fresh oregano, smoked paprika, chipotle pepper, and one tablespoon of cumin. Mix well and let simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes.
Mark as complete
3.
Preparing the Vegetables: In a separate large skillet, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the onion and sauté for 3 minutes.
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4.
Follow with the celery, red bell peppers, and jalapeno, continuing to sauté until vegetables start to soften (about 3 more minutes). Add the minced garlic, the remaining tablespoon of cumin, salt, and smoked paprika. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
Mark as complete
5.
Combining and Final Cooking: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the ground turkey and mix well.
Mark as complete
6.
Add the roasted tomatoes (or the canned tomatoes with broth) and the dark beer. Stir everything together and let it cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Incorporate the beans and cook for another 5 minutes.
Mark as complete
7.
Serving: Ladle the chili into bowls. Top with options like green pepper slices, cilantro, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Enjoy!
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Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
Adjust Servings
2 tablespoons of olive oil
3 lbs ground turkey
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon dry oregano
2 tablespoons of ground cumin, separated
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
2 chipotle chiles in adobo, chopped
3 tablespoons tomatoes paste
1 large onion, chopped
4 celery stalks, chopped small
2 red bell peppers, chopped
1 jalapeno, chopped
6 cloves minced garlic
6 cups roasted tomatoes, chopped and juiced OR 3 cans of tomatoes, peeled and chopped, cooked with 2 cups of either turkey or chicken broth
24 oz dark beer
3 cans of cannellini beans or your choice of beans , rinsed and washed
2 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped

Preparation

1
Cooking the Turkey: In a deep stock pot over medium-high heat, add the ground turkey. Using a wooden spoon, break the meat apart until it no longer sticks together.
2
When the meat is fully cooked, stir in the tomato paste, dry oregano, half of the fresh oregano, smoked paprika, chipotle pepper, and one tablespoon of cumin. Mix well and let simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes.
3
Preparing the Vegetables: In a separate large skillet, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the onion and sauté for 3 minutes.
4
Follow with the celery, red bell peppers, and jalapeno, continuing to sauté until vegetables start to soften (about 3 more minutes). Add the minced garlic, the remaining tablespoon of cumin, salt, and smoked paprika. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
5
Combining and Final Cooking: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the ground turkey and mix well.
6
Add the roasted tomatoes (or the canned tomatoes with broth) and the dark beer. Stir everything together and let it cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Incorporate the beans and cook for another 5 minutes.
7
Serving: Ladle the chili into bowls. Top with options like green pepper slices, cilantro, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

rana

By Rana

Thanks for visiting my Mediterranean food blog and welcome to my virtual kitchen! Here, you’ll find mouth-watering, wholesome, and nutritious Mediterranean recipes that will change the way you view cooking.

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