Healthy Turkey Chili

Name: Healthy Turkey Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp. olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 4 tsp. garlic, minced; 1 lb. ground turkey; 1 Tbsp. brown sugar; 2 Tbsp. chili powder; 1 Tbsp. ground cumin; 1 tsp. dried oregano; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/4 tsp. black pepper; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 4 cups beef broth; 28 oz. can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes; 15 oz. can kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained; 15 oz. can pinto beans, rinsed and drained; sour cream; jalapenos, sliced; shredded cheddar cheese; lime wedges

Published: September 3, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nutritious and Filling: This Healthy Turkey Chili is rich in protein and fiber, keeping you full longer without compromising on taste.
Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle.
Customizable Toppings: Enjoy it with your favorite toppings like sour cream, jalapenos, or shredded cheese to make it your own.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze leftovers for future meals.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, this chili is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Healthy Turkey Chili, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven or large pot
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring spoons
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven or large pot: This tool allows even cooking and retains heat well, perfect for simmering chili.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for spices and ingredients, crucial for balanced flavors.

Ingredients

This Healthy Turkey Chili is made with ground turkey, beans, and plenty of flavor! This wholesome chili is protein and fiber packed!

Main Ingredients

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 medium yellow onion; diced
4 tsp. garlic; minced
1 lb. ground turkey
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Additional Ingredients

1/4 cup tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
28 ounce can fire roasted crushed tomatoes
15 ounce can kidney beans; rinsed and drained
15 ounce can black beans; rinsed and drained
15 ounce can pinto beans; rinsed and drained
sour cream
jalapenos; sliced
shredded cheddar cheese
lime wedges

How to Make Healthy Turkey Chili

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onions are softened.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the pot. Stir until the turkey meat is crumbled. Cook until completely cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Tomatoes

Mix in the brown sugar, chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste. Stir until everything is well combined. Then add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and all the beans. Scrape the sides and bottom of the pot to incorporate any extra bits.

Step 4: Simmer the Chili

Cover the pot and bring the chili to a boil while stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Uncover and simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking at the bottom of the pan. If it gets too thick, add water until reaching your desired consistency.

Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, jalapenos, shredded cheddar cheese, or lime wedges! Enjoy this delicious Healthy Turkey Chili!

How to Serve Healthy Turkey Chili

Serving Healthy Turkey Chili is as enjoyable as making it! This dish is versatile and pairs well with various toppings and sides. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your chili experience.

Toppings for Healthy Turkey Chili

Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle some cheese on top for a rich, melty flavor.
Sliced Jalapenos: For those who enjoy heat, fresh jalapenos provide a nice kick.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements the chili well.
Lime Wedges: Squeeze lime juice over the chili for a zesty finish.

Accompaniments for Healthy Turkey Chili

Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread pairs perfectly with chili and soaks up the sauce.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips can be served alongside or used for scooping up the chili.
Rice: Serve chili over rice for a heartier meal option that absorbs the flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect Healthy Turkey Chili

Perfecting your Healthy Turkey Chili can elevate this dish to new heights. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out just right.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions, garlic, and spices enhance the overall flavor of your chili.
Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of chili powder and jalapenos based on your spice preference.
Simmer Longer for Flavor: Letting the chili simmer longer helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
Experiment with Beans: Mix different types of beans or add lentils for variety in texture and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Healthy Turkey Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Healthy Turkey Chili can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider.

Cornbread: This classic side is slightly sweet and complements the savory chili perfectly.
Guacamole: Creamy guacamole brings richness and freshness to each bite.
Garden Salad: A light salad provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili’s richness.
Vegetable Crudités: Crisp veggies like carrots and bell peppers offer crunch and freshness.
Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with chili for a filling meal.
Cheesy Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread with melted cheese is perfect for dipping into the chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Healthy Turkey Chili, even the smallest missteps can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch for.

Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough spices can lead to bland chili. Always taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking.
Overcooking the turkey: Cooking ground turkey too long can dry it out. Aim for a just-cooked texture; it will continue to cook while simmering.
Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap canned tomatoes or broth can ruin your chili’s flavor. Opt for high-quality, fire-roasted tomatoes and flavorful broth.
Not allowing enough simmer time: Rushing the simmering process can prevent flavors from developing fully. Give your chili at least 30 minutes to meld those delicious tastes.
Ignoring consistency adjustments: If your chili is too thick, it can become unappetizing. Add water or broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store your Healthy Turkey Chili in an airtight container.
It will last up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Healthy Turkey Chili

Portion out your chili into freezer-safe containers or bags.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Healthy Turkey Chili

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer a serving to a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Pour your chili into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring often. This usually takes about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Healthy Turkey Chili healthy?

This Healthy Turkey Chili is packed with lean protein from turkey and loaded with fiber from beans, making it both nutritious and filling.

Can I customize my Healthy Turkey Chili?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, swap out beans, or adjust spices according to your taste preference.

How do I make this Healthy Turkey Chili in a slow cooker?

To make a slow cooker version, brown the turkey and onions first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Is Healthy Turkey Chili gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and check labels on canned goods, this recipe is naturally gluten-free!

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Turkey Chili is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize! Whether you prefer more vegetables or different types of beans, feel free to make it your own. Enjoy a hearty bowl any day of the week!