Hearty Turkey Chili (Print version)

Lean ground turkey, beans, and tomatoes simmered with warming spices for a lighter comfort food classic.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

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

# Directions:

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 4-5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and chopped jalapeño; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
04 - Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat meat and vegetables evenly.
05 - Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor profile.
06 - Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, drained beans, and chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
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. Serve hot with optional toppings of your choice.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The ground turkey absorbs all those warm spices beautifully, creating a lighter chili that still feels incredibly satisfying and hearty
  • Everything simmers in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor development
02 -
  • I learned the hard way that turkey needs more salt than beef to taste properly seasoned, so don't be shy with it
  • The tomato paste step isn't optional, it's what transforms this from soup into proper chili
03 -
  • For the deepest flavor, let your spices toast in the hot pan before adding the turkey, but watch them carefully like a hawk
  • A splash of vinegar or lime juice right at the end brightens everything and cuts through the richness
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