If you’ve been hunting for a hearty, flavorful, and nourishing meal that’ll warm you up without tipping your health goals over, I’m so excited to share this Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe with you. It’s seriously the best chili I’ve made — packed with lean protein, full of fiber, and bursting with comforting spices that will make you crave seconds (and maybe thirds!). Whether it’s a cozy night in or you need an easy crowd-pleaser, this chili has your back.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lean and Healthy: Using extra lean ground turkey keeps it low fat but high in protein, perfect for healthy eating.
- Loaded with Flavor: The mix of chili powder, cumin, and a touch of cayenne creates a warm, but not overwhelming, spice profile.
- Comfort Food Made Easy: It simmers away gently, filling your kitchen with the kind of aroma that promises a cozy meal.
- Versatile and Kid-Friendly: Mild enough for the little ones, yet satisfying for adults — everyone wins!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe plays a star role: from the extra lean turkey providing protein, to the beans and corn adding fiber and texture. I always recommend choosing fresh veggies and a good quality chili powder — the difference is worth it.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies without heavy fats.
- Yellow onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth, so don’t skip it.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives that aromatic punch that canned garlic can’t match.
- Red bell pepper: Adds brightness and subtle sweetness along with nutrients.
- Extra lean ground turkey: Use 99% lean for the healthiest option without drying it out.
- Chili powder: Try a mild variety to keep flavors balanced, especially if you’re not into spice.
- Ground cumin: This warm, earthy spice rounds out the chili taste beautifully.
- Dried oregano: Adds a slightly herbaceous note to complement the other spices.
- Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch is enough for a subtle kick—go easy if you’re sensitive to spice.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors; add gradually and taste as you go.
- Diced (or crushed) tomatoes: Use the kind you like best; crushed will give a thicker chili.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and blends the spices together.
- Dark red kidney beans: Rinse and drain to keep the chili clean and healthy.
- Sweet corn: Gives occasional pops of sweetness and extra fiber.
Variations
While I adore this recipe as is, I often tweak it depending on what’s in the fridge or who I’m cooking for. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—you might discover a new favorite twist!
- Make it spicier: If you love heat, I’ve added jalapeños or swapped a bit of cayenne for chipotle powder for a smoky twist—it’s fantastic.
- Veggie-packed version: I sometimes toss in chopped zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition and texture; it blends right in without overpowering the flavors.
- Slow cooker adaptation: I’ve done this in my slow cooker too—just brown the turkey and veggies first, then dump everything into the slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low.
- Dairy-free topping ideas: Skip traditional sour cream and cheese by mixing avocado slices with fresh cilantro, which gives that creamy, fresh finish.
How to Make Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté those aromatics
Heat your olive oil over medium-high in a large pot, then toss in the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Keep the heat steady and stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes, until everything softens and smells amazing. This step is key; those softened veggies become a flavorful base that lifts the whole chili.
Step 2: Brown the ground turkey and build your spices
Add your ground turkey straight into the pot and break it up as it cooks until it’s no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Then sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and salt. Stir the spices in for at least 20 seconds—this little toast brings out their full aroma and flavor, trust me.
Step 3: Add the tomatoes, broth, beans, and corn
Pour in your diced tomatoes (or crushed, if you prefer a thicker chili) along with the chicken broth, kidney beans, and corn. Give everything a good stir, then bring to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 30-45 minutes. This slow simmer lets all the ingredients meld into a rich, comforting chili. Stir occasionally and keep an eye out so it doesn’t stick or dry out.
Step 4: Taste and adjust
After your chili has thickened and the flavors have developed beautifully, give it a taste. This is the perfect moment to tweak the salt or add a little extra chili powder if you want more punch. Remember, every brand of spice can vary, so seasoning to your taste is the secret to shining here.
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
- Use Fresh Spices: I learned quickly that old chili powder can taste flat—always use fresh spices to keep the flavors vibrant.
- Don’t Skip Sautéing: Cooking the onion, garlic, and peppers first really unlocks flavor; rushing this step makes the chili less rich.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Letting the chili simmer gently gives you depth and lets the beans soak up all those lovely spices.
- Adjust Seasonings Last: Always taste before serving and tweak salt or spice; this step ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
How to Serve Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this chili with shredded cheese, creamy slices of ripe avocado, and a dollop of sour cream—that combo balances out the spices and adds richness. If I’m feeling festive, I also throw on some fresh cilantro and crunchy tortilla chips for texture. These make the chili feel more like a meal rather than just a bowl.
Side Dishes
When I’m serving this Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe, I often go for cornbread or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to keep things fresh. If you want something heartier, rice or quinoa are great options to help soak up all that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this chili inside crispy baked tortilla bowls—super fun and extra crispy! Another favorite is layering the chili over baked sweet potatoes with melted cheese and avocado on top for a vibrant, nutritious dinner presentation that wows family and guests alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they typically last me about 4-5 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so I find the chili tastes even better the next day — which makes for a fantastic lunch.
Freezing
Whenever I make a big batch, I portion out servings into freezer-safe containers. When frozen, the chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick. This keeps it from drying out and maintains the chili’s cozy, saucy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I make this Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground turkey for extra beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to make sure everything is heated through and flavors meld nicely.
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Is this chili spicy?
This recipe is designed to be mild but flavorful. The chili powder I use is very mild, and the cayenne is just a small pinch. You can easily adjust the heat to your taste by adding more or less cayenne or choosing a spicier chili powder.
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Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the turkey and sauté the veggies first on the stove, then combine everything in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This is a perfect no-fuss way to have it ready when you get home.
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What can I use instead of kidney beans?
Pinto beans or black beans make great substitutes if you want to switch things up. Each will bring their own mild flavor and texture, so go with what you love or have handy.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. It’s simple, satisfying, and genuinely good for you – a rare combo that I can’t recommend enough. I’m excited for you to try this recipe because it’s exactly the kind of dish that comforts, nourishes, and delights all at once. Once you make it, you’ll understand why my family goes crazy for this chili (and why I keep coming back to it, time after time!).
Print
Healthy Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Seriously the Best Healthy Turkey Chili is a flavorful and nutritious dish made with lean ground turkey, kidney beans, and corn. It features a perfectly balanced blend of spices, delivering a mild yet rich taste. Ideal for a wholesome weeknight dinner, this chili is hearty, protein-packed, and full of fiber, making it healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound extra lean ground turkey or chicken (99%)
- 4 tablespoons chili powder (use mild, such as McCormick)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced or crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15 oz) cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, rinsed and drained
Toppings (Optional)
- Cheese
- Avocado
- Tortilla chips
- Cilantro
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Add the 1 pound of extra lean ground turkey to the pot. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink, ensuring it is fully browned.
- Add Spices: Stir in 4 tablespoons of mild chili powder, 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for about 20 seconds, stirring constantly, to release the spices’ aroma.
- Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the 28-ounce can of diced or crushed tomatoes and 1 1/4 cups of chicken broth. Then add the drained kidney beans and sweet corn. Stir everything to combine well.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chili thickens and flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning or salt as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the chili into bowls and garnish with your choice of cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, or sour cream. Enjoy your healthy, hearty turkey chili!
Notes
- This healthy turkey chili is made with lean ground turkey, kidney beans, and corn, delivering a great balance of protein and fiber.
- The chili powder used should be mild; if using a different brand, start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
- You can prepare this chili on the stovetop as described or use a slow cooker for a convenient alternative.
- Feel free to customize the toppings according to your preference to add extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 336 kcal
- Sugar: 9.5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 3.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46.7 g
- Fiber: 17.4 g
- Protein: 31.8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
