Description
This easy turkey chili recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Lean ground turkey cooked with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and aromatic spices simmers with diced tomatoes to create a hearty, healthy chili that is both satisfying and simple to make.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground turkey (80% lean)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers (any color), chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Other
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- Olive oil for cooking (about 1-2 tablespoons)
- Optional: minced garlic (1-2 cloves), fresh herbs or shredded cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Cook Turkey: Add ground turkey to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks until it’s fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 7 to 10 minutes.
- Add Spices: Stir in minced garlic if using, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for an additional minute to allow the spices to release their flavors and bloom.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Simmer Chili: Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Let the chili simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 30 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken the mixture.
- Serve: Spoon the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or shredded cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Adjust chili powder amount to your spice tolerance for more or less heat.
- Adding beans can increase fiber and make the dish more filling if desired.
- Leftover chili keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes nicely for up to 3 months.
- For a thicker chili, simmer longer or reduce the amount of diced tomatoes.
