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The BEST Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

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4.2 from 44 reviews

This healthy turkey chili is a flavorful and hearty dish packed with lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, beans, and a blend of spices. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and simmered to perfection to develop rich flavors without excess fat or calories.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 lbs lean ground turkey
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 jalapeños, chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced

Tomatoes and Broth

  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup low sodium beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste

Seasonings and Beans

  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (Texas Pete)
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1 packet Stevia

Instructions

  1. Brown the turkey: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey, crumbling it with a spoon until fully browned. Drain off any excess liquid and transfer the cooked turkey to a plate lined with a paper towel to remove extra fat.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Add a drizzle of olive oil to the same pot. Add the chopped onion, red and green bell peppers, and jalapeños. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the peppers have softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
  3. Combine ingredients and simmer: Return the cooked turkey to the pot along with crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, hot sauce, kidney beans, and all the spices including chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and Stevia. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or avocado slices if desired. Enjoy a warm, hearty, and healthy meal!

Notes

  • You can adjust the heat by varying the amount of jalapeños or cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
  • For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to reduce liquid.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Use ground turkey breast for extra lean protein.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.