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Healthy Turkey Chili with Black Beans

Healthy Turkey Chili with Black Beans - featured image
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A quick, 30-minute meal featuring lean ground turkey and black beans, designed for bold flavor and heart-healthy nutrition without the heaviness of traditional beef chili.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1.5 lbs lean ground turkey (93% or 99% lean)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion and bell peppers into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic. Rinse the black beans thoroughly under cold water and drain well.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers with a pinch of salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
  4. Increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices.
  6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release browned bits. Stir and bring to a boil.
  7. Stir in the rinsed black beans and frozen corn. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and chili to thicken.
  8. Taste and season with salt and black pepper. Adjust acidity with sugar or lime juice if needed. Serve hot with desired toppings.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, swap turkey for extra beans or lentils and use vegetable broth. To reduce carbs, omit corn and add zucchini or cauliflower rice. For a creamy version, stir in heavy cream or coconut milk at the end. Leftovers improve in flavor after 24 hours and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy turkey chili, black bean chili, quick dinner, meal prep, gluten-free, high protein, comfort food

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/healthy-turkey-chili-with-black-beans-easy-30-minute-meal/