Description
Hearty turkey chili emerges as a bold comfort classic, blending lean protein with rich spices for maximum flavor satisfaction. Warm bowls promise delicious nourishment that satisfies hunger while delivering a nutritious meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean for best texture!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or green!)
- 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor!)
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) chicken broth (or water for a thicker chili!)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (adds richness!)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for umami depth!)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat!)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Chopped cilantro or green onions
- Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread on the side
Instructions
- Sauté Base: In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Brown ground turkey, breaking it into crumbles, then incorporate onion, garlic, and bell pepper until vegetables soften and become translucent.
- Infuse Aromatics: Sprinkle chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne, creating a robust spice foundation. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, chicken broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, blending ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer & Harmonize: Reduce heat to low, allowing chili to gently bubble and meld flavors for 25-35 minutes. Periodically stir and taste, adjusting seasonings to achieve desired depth and heat intensity.
- Presentation & Garnish: Transfer chili into serving bowls, crowning with shredded cheese, dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro sprigs, and crunchy tortilla chips. Accompany with warm cornbread, fluffy rice, or crisp side salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Start with less cayenne and adjust gradually to control heat without overwhelming the dish’s flavor profile.
- Ensure ground turkey is fully browned and crumbled for even texture and deeper flavor development.
- Low and slow cooking allows spices to meld and intensify, creating a richer, more complex chili taste.
- Easily swap ground turkey with ground chicken, lean beef, or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences or restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg