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Healthy Turkey Chili: Easy Game Day Recipe

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A deeply savory, slightly smoky, protein-packed turkey chili that’s perfect for game day. Made with lean ground turkey, beans, and a rich spice blend, this crowd-pleasing chili is ready in about 45 minutes and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground turkey (93/7)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 can (28 ounces) fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • For toppings: shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, pickled jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first. Dice the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Mince the garlic. Drain and rinse both cans of beans. Measure out all your spices into a small bowl.
  2. Heat your pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let it shimmer for about 30 seconds. Add the ground turkey in an even layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the bottom is deeply browned. Break it up with your spoon and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until no pink remains.
  3. Remove the turkey to a bowl with a slotted spoon. Leave about 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the pot. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook over medium heat for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the peppers have softened.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add your entire spice blend — chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  5. Add the tomato paste and stir it into the vegetables for about 1 minute. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  6. Return the cooked turkey to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Add the drained kidney beans and black beans. Drop in the bay leaf. Stir everything together. Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with the lid slightly ajar and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. After 25 minutes, remove the lid and check the consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash more broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasonings — you’ll likely need more salt (start with ½ teaspoon) and maybe a pinch more cumin or chili powder.
  8. Let the chili rest off the heat for 10 minutes before serving. Serve hot with all your favorite toppings.

Notes

Don’t rush the browning of the turkey — it’s the most important step for flavor. Toast your spices in hot oil to release their essential oils. Layer your salt throughout cooking and adjust at the end. This chili is actually better the next day as flavors meld. For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered or mash some beans against the pot. For a spicier version, add chipotle peppers in adobo. To freeze, portion into zip-top bags laid flat and keep for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy turkey chili, game day chili, easy chili recipe, lean ground turkey chili, crowd-pleasing chili, gluten-free chili, high protein chili

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/healthy-turkey-chili-easy-game-day-recipe/