- Country: USA
- Region/Province: General (Southwestern influence)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty: Easy
Health Benefits
- Weight Management: High in protein and fiber, which helps with satiety.
- Heart Health: Lean turkey is a heart-healthy source of protein.
- Digestive Health: Beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber.
Dietary Categories
- âś… Gluten-free, Dairy-free
- ❌ Not suitable for vegan/vegetarian diets.
Nutritional Highlights (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Key Nutrients: Iron, Potassium, B Vitamins
Ingredients (with quantities)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For topping (optional): Greek yogurt, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced avocado
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, with your favorite toppings.
Chef’s Healthy Modifications
- Original ingredient → Healthier substitute: Using lean ground turkey instead of ground beef reduces the saturated fat content.
- Cooking method change for health: This is a one-pot meal, which is a convenient and healthy cooking method.
- Portion/serving suggestions: Serve with a side of cornbread or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Cultural Context
Chili is a beloved American comfort food, with countless regional variations. This healthy turkey chili is a lighter version of the classic, but it’s still packed with flavor. It’s a perfect example of how American home cooking can be both delicious and nutritious.
