Chili That’s Healthy But Still Hits the Spot!

You ever just crave a big ol’ bowl of chili? Like, it’s the ultimate cozy food, right? I mean, who doesn’t love a steaming cup of deliciousness that warms you from the inside out? So, I’ve got this killer Healthy Turkey Chili recipe that’s packed with flavor and—bonus—it’s pretty good for you!

Main dish photo — *The finished dish — looks amazing, right?*

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients

Alright, let’s hit the grocery store! So, first up, you need some olive oil (just a tablespoon, nothing crazy). Then grab a yellow onion—medium-sized should do. You’ll want that garlic, too—4 teaspoons of minced goodness (and yes, I totally measure it out like a nerd).

Next, the star of the show: 1 pound of ground turkey! Trust me, it’s just as delicious as beef but lighter. Now, brown sugar! Yup, you heard me right, just a tablespoon to balance those flavors. Then we’ve got chili powder (2 tablespoons, because more is better), ground cumin (1 tablespoon), and some dried oregano (1 teaspoon).

Don’t forget salt (1 teaspoon) & black pepper (1/4 teaspoon). And oh! A 1/4 cup of tomato paste for that richness! You’ll also need 4 cups of beef broth (or chicken if you wanna be a rebel), a big ol’ 28-ounce can of fire roasted crushed tomatoes, and 3 cans of your favorite beans—kidney, black, and pinto. (Rinsed and drained, please!)

For toppings: sour cream, jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, and lime wedges. Seriously, the lime makes everything pop!

So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly

Okay, so here’s the scoop: This chili isn’t just a recipe; it’s like a hug in a bowl! I remember the first time I made it, I had a bunch of friends over for game night (which ended up being more about the snacks than the game, LOL). I whipped up this chili and everyone was going back for seconds—maybe even thirds. I felt like a rockstar!

Plus, it’s one of those meals you can make in a giant pot and just let it simmer while you hang out. Perfect for those lazy weekends or when you’re just trying to impress with minimal effort. Oh, and it’s great for meal prep! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made a batch to eat all week. It’s just so good.

Another beautiful angle of the dish — *Just as gorgeous from this angle too!*

The One Trick That Changes Everything

Alright, listen up! The secret to getting your chili to the next level? Scrape those bottom bits of the pot when you add the broth and tomatoes! I mean, that’s where all the flavor hangs out, and you don’t wanna leave it behind! Just use a wooden spoon and get in there. Seriously, it’s a game changer.

Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)

1. Don’t skip the browning! Seriously, get that turkey nice and brown before adding everything. It makes a difference!
2. Watch the simmer time! Don’t rush it; let it bubble nicely. But stir often! I’ve burnt chili at the bottom before and it’s a sad, sad day.
3. Taste as you go! Adjust the spices if you need to. Like it spicier? Add more chili powder!

How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)

So, if you miraculously have leftovers (spoiler alert: you probably won’t because it’s THAT good), just let it cool down and then pop it in an airtight container. It’ll chill in the fridge for about a week. Or, GET THIS, you can freeze it! Just divide it into portions, and it’ll be your go-to meal on those busy nights.

If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too

Okay, if you’re into this chili thing, you might also wanna check out my One-Pot Taco Soup or Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers! Both are super easy and totally delish. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

So, what are you thinking? Are you gonna whip this up soon? What’s your favorite chili topping? I need to know!

Healthy Turkey Chili

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Warm up your dinner table with this Healthy Turkey Chili! Packed with lean ground turkey, hearty beans, and a blend of spices, this chili is not only delicious but also a powerhouse of protein and fiber. Perfect for a cozy family meal or meal prep, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite while keeping it nutritious.

Author: XXXXX
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in ground turkey, cooking until fully browned (5-7 minutes).
Mix in brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste until well combined. Add beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and all beans; stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Adjust thickness with water if necessary.