Hearty Turkey Chili Bowl (Printable)
Lean turkey and beans simmered with spices for a filling, warming meal loaded with vibrant flavors.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
06 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
07 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
09 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 2 tbsp chili powder
11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - ½ tsp dried oregano
14 - ½ tsp salt
15 - ¼ tsp black pepper
16 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Garnishes (optional)
17 - Chopped fresh cilantro
18 - Sliced green onions
19 - Shredded cheddar cheese
20 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
21 - Lime wedges
# How to Make:
01 - Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño if using, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften.
03 - Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add diced tomatoes with their juices, kidney beans, black beans, and broth. Stir well to combine.
05 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with chosen garnishes.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It's done in under an hour but tastes like you've been cooking all afternoon.
- Lean turkey keeps things light without sacrificing that deep, satisfying chili flavor.
- It's naturally high in protein and freezes beautifully, so meal prep suddenly feels doable.
02 -
- The chili actually tastes better the longer it sits, so if you have time, let it cool and reheat it the next day—the flavors deepen overnight.
- Don't skip rinsing the canned beans, because that starchy liquid will make your chili cloudy and dull.
03 -
- Don't skip the step where you cook the spices in the pot for a minute—that small move is what prevents your chili from tasting like something out of a box.
- Taste as you go and trust your instincts; every pot of chili is slightly different depending on your beans and broth, so adjust seasoning in small increments.