Healthy Turkey Chili
Try this recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this recipe, or contribute your own.
- shredded cheese
- optional toppings:
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- freshly ground black pepper
- ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- garlic
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1
- tablespoon
- 1/2
- 3
- 2
- cups
- water
- 1 1/2-2
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- paprika
- chili powder
- cayenne pepper
- ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- red pepper flakes
- tablespoons
- teaspoon
- extra-virgin olive oil
- cloves
- tomato sauce
- pinch red pepper flakes
- pounds
- pinch
- freshly chopped cilantro
- can
- bell peppers
- 1 teaspoon kosher sea salt
- sliced fresh avocado
- thinly sliced jalapeã±o
- plain non-fat greek yogurt
- stalks celery
- medium sweet potato
- large carrots
- medium onions
- ingredientsfor the healthy turkey chili:1 tablespo minced 2 medium onions — diced 2 bell peppers — any color, cored and chopped 2 large carrots — peeled and diced 2 stalks celery — diced 1 medium sweet potato — peeled and cubed (optional—i added it!) 2 pounds ground turkey &md
- for the healthy turkey chili:1 tablespoon extra-vi minced 2 medium onions — diced 2 bell peppers — any color, cored and chopped 2 large carrots — peeled and diced 2 stalks celery — diced 1 medium sweet potato — peeled and cubed (optional—i added it!) 2 pounds ground turkey &md
- for the healthy turkey chili:
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 3 cloves garlic &mdash minced 2 medium onions — diced 2 bell peppers — any color, cored and chopped 2 large carrots — peeled and diced 2 stalks celery — diced 1 medium sweet potato — peeled and cubed (optional—i added it!) 2 pounds ground turkey &md
- 3 cloves garlic &mdash minced
- &mdash minced
- 2 medium onions &mdash diced
- &mdash diced
- 2 bell peppers &mdash any color, cored and chopped
- &mdash any color cored and chopped
- 2 large carrots &mdash peeled and diced
- &mdash peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery &mdash diced
- &mdash diced
- 1 medium sweet potato &mdash peeled and cubed (optional—i added it!)
- &mdash peeled and cubed (optional—i added it!)
- 2 pounds ground turkey &mdash i used 93% lean*
- &mdash i used 93% lean*
- 1 1/2-2 cups water &mdash more as needed
- &mdash more as needed
- 1 can tomato sauce &mdash (15 ounces)
- &mdash (15 ounces)
- 1 can diced tomatoes in their juices &mdash (14.5 ounces)
- diced tomatoes in their juices
- &mdash (14.5 ounces)
- kosher sea salt
- optional toppings:sliced fresh avocado thinly slic or sour cream freshly chopped cilantro
- sliced fresh avocado thinly sliced jalapeã±o shredd or sour cream freshly chopped cilantro
- plain non-fat greek yogurt &mdash or sour cream
- &mdash or sour cream
- Carbohydrate 138.417107711852 g
- Cholesterol 475.6350405 mg
- Fat 111.528130510503 g
- Fiber 35.6460955866849 g
- Protein 160.442189899886 g
- Saturated Fat 43.9272550351813 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (3084g)
- Sodium 4789.70679938274 mg
- Sugar 102.771012125167 g
- Trans Fat 9.10372098226704 g
- Calories 2137 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onions, bell peppers, carrots, and celery; cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
- Add sweet potato (if using), water, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, until the chili has thickened and the flavors have melded.
- Season with kosher salt to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings such as avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, or plain non-fat Greek yogurt.
A Hearty and Healthy Chili for Any Occasion
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a marathon. But I've discovered that with a little planning and the right recipes, even a weeknight dinner can be something special. This healthy turkey chili is one of my go-to recipes, and it's consistently a winner with my family. The beauty of this chili is its versatility; it can be adapted to suit your preferences and what you have on hand. I often swap out ingredients based on what’s in season or what’s on sale at the grocery store. Sometimes I add a can of beans, other times I'll use different vegetables depending on what's fresh at the farmer's market. The result is always a warming, satisfying meal that's packed with flavor.
What makes this chili truly stand out is its simplicity. The ingredient list is straightforward, and the cooking process is unbelievably easy. There's no need for complex techniques or hours of prep time – just a few simple steps, and you'll have a delicious chili ready in under an hour. And because it’s a one-pot wonder, cleanup is a breeze. This is a huge plus on busy weeknights, when I often need a quick and easy meal with minimal cleanup.
The heartiness of the ground turkey provides a satisfying protein base, while the colorful array of vegetables adds both nutritional value and a vibrant touch. I prefer using 93% lean ground turkey, as it balances flavor with a healthier fat content, but feel free to adjust based on your preference. I also like to add a sweet potato for extra sweetness and a boost of nutrients. It adds a depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. But, again, this is entirely optional—the recipe is just as delicious without it.
The spice level is easily adjustable. If you prefer a milder chili, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. For those who like a bit more heat, feel free to add more. This adaptability is another key factor in making this recipe so versatile. My family has a wide range of spice preferences, so I always adjust this to suit everyone. Sometimes I make one batch mild for the kids and one with a little extra kick for the adults.
Beyond the ease of preparation and adaptable nature, this chili also shines in its deliciousness. The combination of spices creates a warm and inviting aroma that fills the kitchen while it simmers. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a complex and satisfying chili that's perfect for a cozy night in. I often make a large batch on the weekend, and we enjoy it throughout the week, making lunches and dinners easier throughout the busy workweek. The leftovers are also great for freezing; simply portion it into containers and store it in the freezer for a quick and easy meal on a hectic day.
This healthy turkey chili has become a staple in my household, a true testament to its ease of preparation, nutritional value, and incredible flavor. It's a recipe that I confidently share with friends and family, knowing that it will be a hit. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a must-try. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a cherished part of your family's culinary repertoire, a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion.
This chili isn't just about convenience, though; it's about creating a delicious and healthy meal that my family truly enjoys. It's about the warmth of a comforting dinner on a chilly evening, the satisfaction of knowing you've prepared something nutritious, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. It's those little moments, created around a simple bowl of chili, that make life's busy moments a little bit brighter.
So, I highly encourage you to try this recipe. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a meal that ticks all the boxes – healthy, delicious, easy to make, and endlessly adaptable. Give it a try, and I'm confident that this chili will become a new family favorite.
