This Healthy Chili packs a hearty punch with lean ground turkey, colorful beans, and fresh veggies. It’s full of flavor and super cozy—perfect for chilly days!
Plus, I love that it’s easy to make in one pot! It’s great for meal prep or a cozy dinner. You’ll find yourself enjoying the leftovers more than you expected! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey keeps this chili healthy. If you prefer, lean ground beef or chicken is a great substitute. You could also use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
Canned Beans: Kidney and black beans add protein and fiber. Feel free to use other beans, like pinto or chickpeas. Just ensure they are rinsed well to reduce sodium.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide liquid and richness. If fresh tomatoes are in season, use about 4 cups diced fresh tomatoes instead.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin are key for flavor. If you want to spice things up, add cayenne pepper or jalapeños. For a milder taste, reduce the amount of chili powder.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor in Your Chili?
Building flavor in chili is crucial and starts with sautéing your aromatics.
- Heat the olive oil, then add onions to soften them first. This caramelization builds a base flavor.
- Add garlic next! It doesn’t need long to become fragrant, so watch it closely.
- Brown the turkey. Make sure it’s thoroughly cooked to develop flavor.
- Don’t rush! Let the chili simmer covered for at least 25-30 minutes—this gives spices time to infuse and flavors to meld.
Remember to taste and adjust seasoning before serving. You might want to add more salt or spices to suit your preferences! Enjoy your chili creation!
How to Make Healthy Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey (or lean ground beef)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (orange or yellow), diced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup low-sodium tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (optional, for desired consistency)
- 1 avocado, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to cook, totaling about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes softened and translucent. The delicious smell will fill your kitchen!
2. Add Garlic and Turkey:
Next, mix in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the ground turkey (or beef). Stir it around with a spoon, breaking it apart until it’s browned and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes should do!
3. Mix in Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add color! Stir in the diced bell pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes until it’s slightly softened and vibrant.
4. Combine the Base Ingredients:
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), kidney beans, black beans, and tomato sauce to the pot. Give it all a good stir to combine everything well. Your chili base is coming together!
5. Season the Chili:
Now, add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed to build that amazing flavor.
6. Add Broth for Consistency (Optional):
If you like your chili a bit looser, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. This step is optional, but it helps create the perfect texture!
7. Simmer:
Bring the chili up to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for at least 25-30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to mingle and deepen—stir occasionally!
8. Final Taste Check:
Before serving, taste the chili and adjust any seasonings if needed. Maybe a little more salt or a pinch of chili powder for extra kick?
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish up your chili hot, garnished with fresh avocado slices and a sprinkle of cilantro leaves. Enjoy this healthy, hearty, and delicious bowl of chili—perfect for cozy nights!
Enjoy a delicious and nourishing meal that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Chili?
Absolutely! While lean ground turkey is a healthier option, you can substitute it with lean ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based meat crumbles if you’re looking for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
How Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
If you love heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking. You can also include a dash of hot sauce before serving to kick up the spice level to your liking!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Chili?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in additional veggies such as zucchini, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition. Just chop them small and add them in with the bell pepper so they have enough time to cook through.
