Hearty Lean Turkey Chili (Printable)

A flavorful blend of lean turkey, beans, tomatoes, and warming spices in a hearty, comforting bowl.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

→ Beans & Tomatoes

06 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with juices
09 - 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

→ Liquids

10 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 2 tbsp chili powder
12 - 1 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
15 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
16 - 1 1/2 tsp salt
17 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

18 - Chopped fresh cilantro
19 - Sliced green onions
20 - Shredded cheese
21 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
22 - Lime wedges

# How-To:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper; cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and chopped jalapeño; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
04 - Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the turkey and vegetables. Stir thoroughly to combine.
05 - Mix in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
06 - Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, drained black and kidney beans, and chicken broth. Stir to integrate all ingredients.
07 - Bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
08 - Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot with optional toppings of your choice.

# Expert Hacks:

01 -
  • It's hearty enough to feel like real comfort food but lean enough that you don't feel weighed down afterward.
  • The whole thing comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
  • Ground turkey absorbs every bit of spice and flavor, creating something richer than you'd expect from such a light protein.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the canned beans—that starchy liquid clouds the broth and tastes off, no matter how good everything else is.
  • If your chili tastes thin or watery after simmering, simmer it uncovered for another 10 minutes to reduce and concentrate it; a thick chili feels more luxurious in a bowl.
  • Turkey can turn tough if it's overcooked, so stir the pot gently and keep the heat moderate—this isn't a dish that benefits from aggressive boiling.
03 -
  • If you're cooking for a crowd, this recipe doubles easily, and it actually tastes better when made in a larger batch because everything has more room to simmer and meld.
  • Ground chicken works in a pinch, but turkey's leanness is what makes this feel different from heavier chilis—stick with it if you can.
Return