Hearty Turkey Chili Bowl (Printable version)
Lean turkey, beans, and bold spices combine for a warm, protein-rich bowl bursting with flavor.
# Ingredient list:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
06 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
07 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
09 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 2 tbsp chili powder
11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - ½ tsp dried oregano
14 - ½ tsp salt
15 - ¼ tsp black pepper
16 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Garnishes (optional)
17 - Chopped fresh cilantro
18 - Sliced green onions
19 - Shredded cheddar cheese
20 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
21 - Lime wedges
# Directions:
01 - Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add lean ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat as needed.
02 - Add diced onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables soften.
03 - Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute to release aromatics.
04 - Add diced tomatoes with their juice, kidney beans, black beans, and broth. Stir thoroughly to integrate all components.
05 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors melded.
06 - Taste and modify seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with optional garnishes as desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in under an hour, which means weeknight dinners that taste like you've been cooking all day.
- Ground turkey absorbs the spices beautifully without the heaviness of beef, so you can eat a big bowl without feeling weighed down.
- The beans and tomatoes make it naturally high in fiber and protein, keeping you satisfied for hours.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day when the flavors have had time to get to know each other.
02 -
- Don't skip draining the beans; that starchy liquid will make your chili muddy instead of bright and defined.
- The chili thickens significantly as it cools, so if it seems a little loose when you're done cooking, it'll be perfect by tomorrow.
- Blooming the spices for that full minute matters more than you'd think—it's the difference between tasting spices and tasting real chili.
03 -
- If you want extra depth, add a tablespoon of tomato paste and let it cook for 2 minutes before adding the other ingredients.
- Mashing a handful of beans at the end creates a thicker, creamier texture while keeping some beans whole for bite.